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 |