Everyone’s pantry, refrigerator, and freezer are organized differently. The foods we keep on hand vary according to our tastes, our budgets, and of course our family’s favorite recipes. And every cook has a collection of good, dependable recipes they cook regularly. (If you don’t, take a look at Easiest Recipes for great recipes anyone can make.) Write down the foods you like to cook, then use a chart like this one to set up your own mise en place. You’ll never look back.
These are the items I use every day and find invaluable when contemplating meal choices. Use my suggestions, adapt to your own tastes and needs, then take a look at the recipes that can be made entirely from these foods.
Pantry Items
- Canned Tomato Products
Tomato paste, tomato sauce, bottled pasta sauces, and diced flavored tomatoes are my favorites. As you buy these products, mark the date on the can with a grease pencil, then rotate as you use them. - Onions, Garlic, and Potatoes
Make sure to keep potatoes out of direct light. If they develop green skin color, discard them. Store potatoes and onions far away from each other, as they each emit gasses that cause the other to spoil. - Pasta, Rice, Grains & Beans
Any type of dried pasta should be stored in the box until use. Then decant into glass or plastic containers. Rice and grains should be decanted immediately. Label containers right away, and mark with date. I keep long and short grain white rices, brown rice, wild rice, bean mixes, rice mixes, couscous, legumes, black beans, barley, lasagna, manicotti, spaghetti, fettuccine, farfalle, rotini and orzo on hand. - Baking Products
Flour, sugar, powdered sugar and cornstarch should be decanted into sealable containers. Mark with ingredient and date. Baking mixes, baking powder, soda, chocolates, marshmallows, flavorings, cocoa, corn syrup, honey, and chocolate chips are staples. - Herbs And Spices
Herbs and spices need to be stored in tightly closed containers, in a cool place, and away from direct light. Before you use an herb or spice that has been stored for a while, smell it to make sure it is still potent. Mark those buy dates too. I keep curry powder, peppercorns, basil, oregano, thyme, chili powder, tarragon, garlic powder, cinnamon, ginger, dried mustard, and cumin on hand. - Mayonnaise, Mustard, and Chutney
These products usually have a sell-by date marked on them. Once opened, move these products to the refrigerator. Experiment with different types and flavors of mustards and other condiments. - Canned and Boxed Soups, Broths and Stocks
A varied and interesting supply of soups will get you out of a tight spot. Choose low sodium varieties when possible, as many brands are very salty. - Canned Meats
Canned meats, including tuna, salmon, seafood, and chicken are excellent for many recipes. Try canned chicken with white and dark meat, which is cheaper and more flavorful. Seafood in a shelf-stable pouch is even better. - Vinegars and Oils
These ingredients should be stored out of direct light. Olive oils and plain oils like safflower and peanut are basics. Flavored vinegars and oils can add immeasurably to your recipe flavors. I stock garlic oil, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and raspberry vinegar. (DON'T make your own flavored oils. They are only safe if manufactured.) - Pickles, Olives, Sun Dried Tomatoes
These ingredients should be stored tightly covered, and may have to be moved to the refrigerator when opened. Check label recommendations. Keep green and ripe olives, tapenade, tomatoes packed in oil, cornichons, and more exotic olive types like kalamata on hand too. - Peanut Butter, Jams, Jellies & Sauces
We need these staples for the classic PBJ sandwich, of course. Check the labels to see if they should be moved to the fridge after opening. Hot fudge, caramel and marshmallow sauce make desserts easy. - Canned Vegetables & Fruits
I stock corn, bean varieties like black beans and Great Northern, mandarin oranges, pears, and peaches. Use that grease pencil to keep track of dates! - Ethnic Products
These products include salsas (red and green), stir-fry sauces, teriyaki and soy sauces, and bottled alfredo and cheese sauces. - Breads And Cereals
Read the label to see if these products should be stored in the refrigerator or the pantry. I always have some Brownberry whole wheat bread on hand for grilled sandwiches, along with Boboli pizza crusts, a varied mix of cereals, quick and plain oatmeal, and tortillas
Now go to the next page to learn about freezer products.
