Well-Stocked Pantry

Vince and I had a very productive weekend. We finally finished unpacking from our vacation, took down Christmas decorations (how come it's not as fun as putting it up??), laundry, cleaning and I managed to reorganize our fridge and pantry and immediately thought about writing a blog about a well-stocked pantry.

People always ask me what do I have in my pantry. It's a long list. I found that some people don't stock their pantry well because they think it's expensive. It could be but you'll find that once you get in the habit of keeping a stocked pantry, you will find your grocery bill decrease. With a well stocked pantry, you'll end up buying less and paying less. We buy a lot of stuff in bulk and in season, this way you're paying less. I also like keep non perishable items that work well together and could be turn into a simple dish. Having a well stocked pantry is a blessing. Not having to run to the store every time you make want to make something is great. When I plan out our meals for the week, I always go to my pantry first to see what I can make with what I have and not spend more money than I need to.

So here's my list: (I apologize in advance because I think it's going to be a lengthy one)

Canned tomatoes - (diced, stewed, whole, fire roasted, paste & sauce)
Pasta (long and shells - regular and whole wheat)
Tuna Packets
Capers
Vinegar (Apple Cider, white, balsamic, rice wine, red wine)
Condiments (mustards, ketchup, mayo, soy sauce, fish sauce)
Marinades & Seasoning
Flour (Cake, All-Purpose, Wheat)
Baking Stuff (Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Sugars, Vanilla Extract)
Canned/Single serve fruits & Dried Cranberries and Raisins
Of course Rice (jasmine, brown, wild and arborio)
Oils (EVOO, canola, peanut & vegetable)
Stocks (vegetable, chicken & beef)
I also like to stock up on my filipino food mixes such as sinigang mix, palabok & kare kare

I always have a stock of aromatics (onions (white, yellow & red), garlic and lemons on the counter)

In the freezer - we buy in bulk - boneless, skinless chicken breast & whole chicken (not only it's good for roasting - you can save the carcass and make your own chicken stock.
I also like to buy frozen veggies especially the ones that aren't in season. I prefer frozen over canned.
I also like to have bell peppers, celery and carrots in my fridge as much as possible.

To top this of course the herbs and spices every kitchen should have (there are a lot to list - get them all if possible!)

Okay the list is not as long as I expected. Of course every pantry will be different. Your pantry will be stocked based on the flavors you like to cook with and the kind of dishes you cooked often. Either way a well stocked pantry is a great pantry!