Basic Pantry Items

When I first started the Facebook page, I was asked for some ideas of foods to keep on-hand that could always result in a meal even on short notice without a plan. Obviously everyone's taste is different, but here are some things I always keep on the shelf or in the freezer. Putting them together in various combinations with different herbs and spices often results in a new recipe, made with things I already own.

• can beans, all varieties
• can cream of mushroom soup
• frozen broccoli (and other vegetables)
• chicken breast (easily frozen)
• can tomatoes
• smoked sausage (easily frozen)
• bacon (easily frozen)
• cheese
• onions (can be chopped and frozen)
• green pepper (can be chopped and frozen)
• chicken/beef broth
• brown rice (Minute Rice, because it's quick)
• can mushrooms
• can chicken/tuna
• tomato sauce
• can pineapple
• minced garlic (comes in a jar)
• butter (can be frozen)
• cream cheese (can be frozen, but needs to be beaten after defrosting)
• cottage cheese
• sour cream
• salsa

The big thing is to keep an eye on sales, especially if you have room to store things. I have several shelves in my basement stocked with various canned goods, and I keep an inventory list upstairs so I know what's there without having to run down. Then when things are on sale, I stock up.

Depending on the number of people you have to feed (I have two), there are a number of frozen vegetable blends with sauce that come in very handy that are pretty healthy. Green Giant has a few different styles, and I always have some in the freezer for quick side dishes.