Front Page, Frugal Tips

Basic Pantry Staples to Keep on Hand

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 Melissa Smallwood (aka Multi-tasking Mama) has worked with seniors and families as a professional organizer for several years and is the owner of Organized Life by Design, LLC. She has an extensive human services background. She is also the mom of three active boys (one of which has special needs). She enjoys helping people get their lives, calendars and homes organized so that they have time to see and enjoy their blessings! Melissa also has a passion for cheap yet chic home décor and has many resources available for decorating your home on a budget. Melissa has written many articles on organizing for various websites and organizations including Online Organizing.com, Show Mom the Money, Ask Baby Kid, Dr. Mommy Says, Sassy Mamas, Pink Lemonade of Life and more.

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Remember how our moms always seemed to have a great meal every night? Even when times were lean, she came through with fabulous meals and snacks to satisfy even the hungriest of kids. By keeping a few of the essential food staples on hand, you too can be awed for your cooking genius.

Throughout the meals we cook, there are some common items that keep popping up. These are your basic staples that no kitchen should be without. As long as you have a few of these things on hand, you can turn it into an interesting meal even when the cupboards look like there is nothing to eat.

You know how kids are. If there is not a box of cereal or a ready-to-eat meal in the freezer then there is nothing good to eat in their mind. Teaching kids how to create breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks from basic food items will keep them from spending all their money on processed foods once they are on their own. Using basic cooking skills encourages a healthier lifestyle. Satisfying meals can be whipped up from pantry staples without resorting to the expensive alternatives found in today’s grocery stores.

Let’s start with the staples we always saw on the kitchen shelves as a kid but didn’t understand why mom always had them. Staples are basic ingredients that are combined to make other things.

Useful Pantry Items

· Flour

· Sugar

· Rice (white or brown depending on taste)

· Soup (creams and various flavors)

· Broth

· Pasta

· Baking soda

· Baking powder

· Nuts and legumes

· Chocolate squares

· Canned vegetables

· Fresh vegetables like onions and potatoes

Most of us probably have some of these in our cupboards right now. For a quick meal on a cold day, many of these items can be used to create homemade vegetable stew. A pan of rice mixed with a cream soup and a can of mixed vegetables turns into a casserole side dish for dinner. Pasta with mixed veggies is also a great combination. The possibilities are endless.

Here are a few more staples no kitchen pantry should be without.

Useful Condiments and Spice Items

· Ketchup

· Mustard

· Salt (plain and seasoned varieties)

· Pepper

· Vanilla extract (and others that you like)

· Soy sauce

· Chili powder

· Powdered seasoning packets

· Relish

· Mayonnaise (regular and light)

· Cinnamon

It is an eclectic group but they can be used to create wonderful dishes. Periodically check your basic staples for expiration dates. Yes, even flour has an expiration date. Replace them as needed so they are always fresh and available in case you need them in a pinch.

All in all, these pantry items don’t cost much. Combine them and you’ve created meals that would cost five times as much when bought ready-made from the store.