Pantry Staples

These are the staple items that I always keep in my pantry!

When your goal is to be a from scratch cook, there are staples items that must live in your pantry, fridge, or freezer! These pantry staples can be used in conjunction with fresh ingredients to create delicious meals without too much effort! The items that I keep may vary from what you keep. However, the general idea is to know what you can cook with the items in your stash! Pantry items are intended to be long-lasting, and can often be purchased in bulk. Now, let’s dig in!

Pantry Staples item #1 – Flour and Cornmeal

Flour and cornmeal are both must have pantry staples! I keep three main types of flour on hand: unbleached all-purpose (plain), unbleached bread flour, and unbleached self-rising. I also like to have specialty flours on hand when I can get them for a good price. The brands vary on occasion, but generally I use either White Lily or King Arthur. Flour can be made into many things, such as bread, hoecake, biscuits, dumplings, noodles, breading for meats or vegetables, and more. For cornmeal, I like to keep plain cornmeal and self-rising cornmeal on hand. I like to use plain cornmeal for breading on vegetables and lacy cornbread. I use self-rising cornmeal to make thick cornbread and cracklin’ cornbread. If I had to choose only one type of cornmeal to keep on hand, it would be self-rising. I can do the same thing with it that I can with plain, and it is easier to find in most stores.

Pantry Staples item #2 – Grits

Grits are gold in our house… figuratively and literally! We love Lakeside Yellow Grits! When there is nothing else that we can think of that we want to eat, grits always end up being the choice for us. Grits are a staple for me because they are not only a great breakfast item, but also a great side item! We love to have shrimp and grits, blackened fish and grits, and salmon patties and grits!

Pantry Staples item #3 – Rice

Rice is very similar to grits in that it makes a nearly perfect side for so many meals! Rice can also be used in casseroles and soups. My preference is a good basmati rice, but any long grain rice is a good choice. Rice can also come in varieties like cilantro lime rice (great for taco Tuesday), wild rice, and yellow rice. That said, plain white rice is a staple in my pantry.

Pantry Staples item #4 – Herbs, Spices, Salt, and Pepper

To make food taste good, YOU MUST SEASON IT!! Do not come at me and say “oh if it is good it will naturally taste good.” No. It needs a little salt! Bland food is discouraging for the eater, thus discouraging for the cook! Salt is crucial for home cooks. My favorite is Redmond Real Salt. It is mined in the USA and has trace minerals that enhance the flavor. My favorite dried herbs and spices are garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, ginger, chili powder, red pepper flakes, and onion powder. I also MUST have black pepper! Seriously, don’t skip these staples!

Pantry Staples item #5 – Sugar in many forms

There is a lot to be said for having many forms of sweetener in your pantry. I like to keep white sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar, real cane syrup, real maple syrup, and local honey. Each of these sweeteners have attributes that make them superior for certain uses. For example, brown sugar adds a depth of flavor that plain white sugar just doesn’t have. I know there is a lot of noise about sugar and how bad it is for the human body. However, I feel that when consumed in moderation it is a more desirable pantry staple than any sugar substitute.

Pantry Staples item #6 – Root Vegetables

These root vegetables include irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, and onions. Any of these three staples will add substance and depth to most meals. These are also foods that you can grow in your own home garden!

Pantry Staples item #7 – Canned Goods

Well, I think that is the main list! I love to keep a well stocked pantry! What do you HAVE to have in your pantry?