Tasty Tuesday, Vol. 4

Hi there, friends!

For today's Tasty Tuesday, I decided to do a little research to bring some information your way. I was thinking about a good topic, and then it hit me! A lot of people don't really know what to keep on hand in their pantries to be ready to throw together a meal at a moment's notice. So I did a little digging, and read a few articles. So today, I bring to you:

The Top 10 Things No Pantry Should Be Without:

(Just as a side note, these aren't listed in any particular order, and this list is by no means the end-all, be-all. It's just some handy tips! Consider what you like to eat and cook when stocking your own pantry.)

1. Pasta

What's faster than boiling some pasta? Super easy, and if you buy the right kind, it isn't awful for you, either. If you aren't keen on wheat pasta, try something like Ronzoni's Smart Taste, which has extra calcium and other goodies in it without the texture that so many people don't like of whole wheat pasta.

2. Spaghetti Sauce/Tomato Sauce

Along with pasta, throwing together spaghetti is a quick and filling meal. I prefer Hunt's canned spaghetti sauces because they're usually cheaper and they taste just as good. Their Four Cheese is my absolute favorite. Plain old tomato sauce is also great if you have a good spice rack with Italian spices on hand. Tomato sauce is also a really versatile ingredient and can be used in chilis and other soups and dishes.

3. Rice

Rice is another great staple to have around, and is an easy foundation for a great meal. I prefer brown rices or other grains with more texture to just plain old white rice, but choose whatever type you enjoy the most!

4. Chicken Broth

So many uses. It just makes sense to always have either canned stock or bouillon cubes on hand if you prefer that. I usually have both.

5. Oil

The choice is yours as to which kind is your favorite--canola oil and olive oils are two good ones. Great for use in all kinds of cooking, especially if you're trying to cut back on other fats, like butter.

6. Beans (Canned or Dry)

Though dry beans take a bit more effort to prepare, they're better for you and lower in sodium than canned beans. Both are great to throw into soups and chilis or just to use as a side dish. My favorites are pintos and black beans.

7. Canned Tuna

Now, tuna isn't everybody's favorite, so if it isn't yours, obviously it isn't something you need to stock up on. But it's such an easy thing to use in so many ways, whether just to make tuna salad or to throw into a pasta dish or a casserole. And it's usually not too expensive, either!

8. Flour

Hopefully this one is a no-brainer. If you aren't someone who bakes often, it's still great to have on hand as a thickener for sauces or even just to bread meats with.

9. Sugar

Another great one to have on hand if you're a baker, but also good for using in all kinds of recipes. If you opt for a sweetener other than sugar, be sure to ensure that it matches sugar when being used for baking or cooking. If not, be prepared to adjust your recipe.

10. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is most often thought of as a sandwich staple, but as a few of the articles I read also mentioned, it can be used to add flavor to sauces, as well. It's quick and easy protein so long as proper serving sizes are followed!

So there you have it. Again, not an all-inclusive list. One honorable mention that I thought of as I was putting this list together was to have at least a can or two of some kind of cream of _____ soup. They're great for cooking with and for using to add depth to homemade soups.

Remember that you have to buy according to your taste (and your budget). Hopefully this was a little helpful. Share any other items that you always have to have on hand in the comments below!

See you tomorrow for Writer's Corner Wednesday! Stay warm!

♥ Marlee