What do you keep in your kitchen cupboards?

United States
June 7, 2007 5:58pm CST
I need to stock up my cupboards with basic items that will allow me to cook many different foods. I am unsure of what basics I should have on hand at all times. Can some people here tell me what they always have in their cupboards and what each item is used for(unless it is obvious)? I could use some help. Thanks
4 responses
@red158 (333)
• Canada
8 Jun 07
My must haves are a few different kinds of pasta, spaghetti sauce canned tomatoes, whole and diced canned sliced potatoes canned mushroom soup (must have) canned tomatoe soup envelopes of dried onion soup mix olives whole and sliced, black and green canned mushrooms (in case of emergency) canned corn canned tuna canned salmon\ favourite canned vegetables
@SaraCate (184)
• Canada
8 Jun 07
The few responses thus far, taken as a whole, seem to cover most of the basics. Here are what I make an effort to keep stocked: Grains: Variety of pastas Rice Cereals (Oatmeal/rolled oats, farina, etc.) Barley Wheat germ Often a few other grains (millet, quinoa, couscous, etc.) Baking supplies: Flours - white, whole wheat, other (rye, oat, buckwheat, etc.) as budget allows Sugar - white & brown Molasses Baking powder Baking soda Cornstarch Vanilla Shortening Evaporated milk Sweetened condensed milk Cocoa powder Cornmeal Yeast (though I usually keep this in the fridge) Canola oil Olive oil Meat/Meat alternatives Peanut butter A variety of dried beans and pulses (lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas, etc.) A few tins of canned beans - for "emergencies" Tinned tuna and salmon, occaissionally other tinned seafood (when on sale) Fruit and veg Tinned peaches Tinned pineapple - crushed and chunk Tinned mandarin oranges Tinned green beans Tinned corn Tinned mushrooms Tinned/jar tomato products - paste, sauce, diced and stewed tomatoes Tinned pumpkin Jar applesauce Condiments/etc. Apple cider vinegar Variety of hot sauces Ketchup Mustard Horseradish Soy sauce Hoisin sauce Fish sauce Chili-garlic paste Tamarind paste Worcestershire sauce Spices Many! But "can't do withouts" include cinnamon, oregano, curry powder, garlic powder, dill, thyme, black pepper, fresh ginger, fresh garlic, cayenne Other Chicken and beef broths (to supplement homemade frozen stock "Cream of" soups Gelatin - flavored and plain Tea (bulk) Coffee That's all I can think of at the moment...we also keep whole potatoes, carrots, onions, apples on hand pretty much at all times. We try to keep well-stocked with staples, as they provide a lot of versatility - e.g., I don't buy pancake or biscuit mixes, as it only takes about 90 seconds extra to mix up from scratch - maybe not even that much - and it's less boxes/containers to organize. Also, it means rarely running out to the store or a restaurant beacuse many meals can be prepared from the above staples - especially when you also account for fridge and freezer staples like milk, eggs, frozen peas, ground beef, chicken, etc. Hope this helps!
@Nardz13 (5055)
• New Zealand
10 Jun 07
Hi there, We keep and stock up on alot of these foods. Flours - Used for: breads, biscuits, cakes n pastries, White and Brown Rice and Pastas: Used on its own, or for Hot or cold salads or to substitute potatos Lentils Seeds and Beans - Added to: Soups, Casseroles and Stews. Herbs and spices, Seasoning and gravies: For meats, or veges Sauces - Used for Meats, Veges, Rice and Pastas Sugar, Teas, Coffee and Hot chocolates or Milo Biscuits and health bars and a wide variety of can foods... Ghee thats all I can think of for now... Goodluck with filling your pantry up...
@SaraCate (184)
• Canada
8 Jun 07
Darnit! Didn't mean to respond as a comment! :) I thought of another supply, anyway - though it's not strcitly food - I try to keep muffin papers on hand. I use as little disposable stuff like that as possible, but I have one muffin tin that I can't use anymore without the papers - and the ones we get can fo into the compost, anyway! ~Sara
@irishmist (3814)
• United States
8 Jun 07
I keep rice, pasta, sauces, instant potatoes, canned sliced potatoes, gravy, chicken & beef broths, mushrooms, hamburger helper, canned veggies, jiffy mix, flour & all kinds of marinades, spices etc. You can make just about anything with just a few basic items. My pantry list of staples could go on and on. I try never to run out of these things.