Trying to figure out What to cook for Dinner is always a challange, especially if your a busy parent, working in or out of your home. Over the years I’ve learned that my ‘Best Surprise Dinners’, have developed from having a good assortment of ‘Pantry Staples’ on hand. Here is a list of what I keep handy. While this list might seem long, many might not be your families tastes. Also, building a well stocked pantry takes time. I always check my supermarket for SALES, & never leave home without my Coupons!!!! I hope that this list helps you enjoy preparing dinner for and with your family.
Seasonings:
Cajon seasonings
Chili powder
Chili seasoning mix
Cinnamon
Brown Sugar; light & dark
Garlic powder
cumin
Pepper, Black & White
Greek Seasoning
Italian seasoning
Lemon-herb seasoning
Lemon and orange zest
Mexican seasoning
Oregano flakes * a small fresh Oregano plant also*
Parsley flakes * a small fresh Parsley plant also *
Chives, dried * a small fresh Chives plant also *
Taco seasoning
Celery seeds, ground
Salt; Kosher and Sea salt, &/or Salt Substitutes
Canned Goods:
Beans, Cannilli, Black, Pinto, Kidney, Refried * at least 2 cans each *
Beef Broth * low-Sodium, Fat-Free * 2 cans
Chicken Broth * Low-Sodium, Fat-Free * 2 cans
Vegetable Broth, 2 cans
Canned Creamed soups: chicken, broccolli, celery, mushroom, tomato, etc. At least 1 can each.
Tomato Sauce
Tomato Paste
Chopped & Diced Tomatoes, * flavored with garlic & spices & plain * at least 1 can each
Peas
Baby Carrots
Tuna * packed in water *
Salmon
Chicken
Artichoke Hearts * I preferred jarred, packed in water *
Anchovies * packed in olive oil *
Canned olives; Black, green, sliced, diced, etc.
Roasted tomatoes, jarred preferred, packed in olive oil
Pineapple, sliced, diced, crushed, in juice * 1 can of each *
Peaches, sliced, diced * 1 can each *
Pears, sliced, diced, * 1 can each *
Grains:
Couscous
Palenta
Assorted Pastas; Fettuccine, linguine, penne, speghetti, ziti, orzo, etc. * preferrably whole wheat or gluten free *
Rice; whole wheat, white and Brown rice; * some instant cook, some long grain &/or seasoned *
Condiments:
Garlic, fresh and minced from a jar
Mustard; yellow, Dijon, Honey Dijon, Hot & Spicy; Chinese Style, Brown, etc. At least one jar of each.
Honey
Molasses
Peanut Butter
Corn Syrup, both light & dark
Olive oil, virgin, both bottle & spray
Peanut oil, bottle & spray
Canola oil, both bottle & spray
Sesame oil
Vegetable oil, both bottle & spray
Asian oils, various flavors
Vinegars; White, Balsamic, Red Wine, Rice Wine, etc. 1 bottle of each.
Pasta/Spaghetti sauce, * 2 cans of each, assorted flavors *
Salad Dressings, assorted flavors, fat-free
Salsa/ Pacata
Soy sauce- sodium-reduced
Teriyaki sauce, low-sodium
Worcestershire sauce, low-sodium
Horseradish
Pickle relish
Lemon and Lime juices, small bottle of each
Breads:
French/Italian * fresh & frozen *
Hoagies
Pita rounds * whole wheat *
Tortillas, flour
Flat breads
Boboli crusts
Focaccia rounds
Refrigerator breadsticks, loaves and rolls
Assorted Specialty breads: pumpernickel, sun-dried tomato, multigrain, potato, spinach-feta, etc.
These can all be frozen & thawed just hours before serving. Use left over 2 day old bread for bread crumbs &/or croutons.
Produce:
Lemon
Lime
Assorted Fresh Citrus fruits in season
Onions; Purple, Scallions, White, Vidalia
Peppers: Assorted colored bell, jalopeno, etc
Broccolli
Carrots; full size and baby, whole, sliced or shredded
Spinach, whole leaf or baby leaves
Squash, seasonal or frozen
Salad greens; assorted textures and colors
Bok Choy
Potatoes; Baking, white, sweet
Zucchini; assorted flavors & colors, seasonal, fresh or frozen
Dairy:
Butter
Margarine, reduced calorie
Blue cheese
Cheddar cheese, reduced fat
Feta cheese
Assorted grated or shredded cheese: mozzarella, parmesan, mexican, italian, etc.
Provolone, thinly sliced
Sour cream, fat-free
Yogurt, fat-free
Frozen:
Broccoli
Spinach, leaf and chopped
corn, cob and kernels
Stir-fry vegetables
Chopped pepper and onion mix
Mixed vegetables
Brusel sprouts
Hash brown potatoes, plain, seasoned, with onions.
Green beans, assorted varieties
Diced onions
Kale
Yogurt, Frozen
