by Carolyn Bell, RDN – Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
If you love a good, healthy meal, and enjoy cooking – try keeping what I call “the basic ingredients” in your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. These will keep your kitchen stocked, and ready-to-go when you find a new recipe or get the urge to open a new cookbook – you won’t have to spend time rushing out to the go straight to the supermarket – now you’re saving time and the cost is the same!
The Basic Ingredients
| Flour | Baking Soda | Baking Powder |
| Tomato Sauce | Tomato Paste | Stewed Tomatoes |
| Nuts | Canola Oil | Olive Oil |
| Basil | Oregano | Italian Seasoning |
| Garlic | Onions | Potatoes |
| Powdered Buttermilk | Evaporated Milk | Condensed Milk |
| Nonfat Dry Milk | Eggs | Butter |
| Reduced Sodium Chicken Stock | Salt | Pepper |
| Frozen Fruit | Graham Crackers | Bread Crumbs |
| Sugar | Brown Sugar | Panko Crumbs |
| Whole Grain Pasta | Oatmeal - Plain | Brown Rice |
| Sweet Potatoes | Quinoa | Red Beans |
| Frozen Cauliflower | Frozen Broccoli | Frozen Spinach |
| Boneless Skinless Chicken | Pork Loin Cutlets | Ground Sirloin |
| Your Choice | Your Choice | Your Choice |
Items to Purchase Weekly
| Favorite Fresh Vegetables | Favorite Fresh Fruits | Weekly Meat Specials for Recipes |
| Specialty Items – sauces, nuts, oils, etc. | Breads, Cereals, and Whole Grains | Dairy Products – cheese/milk/yogurt |
