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Pantry Organization and Pantry Staples
by Julie DeHart
Description: Helpful tips for helping you get your pantry organized and well stocked.
First of all: If you have a pantry, you are so blessed!! Pantry organization will be easy for you.
If you don't have an "official" pantry; not to worry, dedicate a nearby closet for kitchen supplies, pantry staples and storage. You will probably need to buy some sort of shelving for this "personally-designed" pantry.
Of course, as with all de-cluttering and organization; you will need to remove all the items in your pantry first. Sorry, but pantry organization follows all the same organizational rules, but take it in small, do-able steps and you will be organized in no time.
1. Throw away the old and/or relocate those items that found their way into your pantry that don't belong there.
2. Wipe out the shelves; line them with contact paper if you like for easy clean-up.
3. Store like items together. Try not to over-stuff!
4. Store all your heavy items on the bottom shelf or floor of the pantry -- wouldn't want to ruin your nice shelves with too much weight.
5. Use air-tight storage containers liberally for pantry organization.
6. Put snacks or kid-friendly items low enough for the kids to reach them when needed, and so they can help unpack the groceries or help in the kitchen getting supplies.
7. When unloading groceries, try not to shove items in your pantry in an effort to make it fit. You will quickly have pantry de-organization!
8. Everything should have a place -- I realize sometimes that's easier said than done. You can designate an area for junk and items that just don't fit right anywhere else. I usually put a basket on the floor of my pantry to "catch" items like this -- I put a bag of onions, a sack of potatoes and rice waiting to be opened in there too. It gives grace to pantry organization.
9. For all grocery and pantry items, clip coupons from your Sunday paper inserts, grocery store flyers and use them to save money when stocking your pantry. Stock up on those items that are on sale and that you use regularly.
Items to keep in your pantry:
1. Spices
Spices are really expensive, so acquire as you go and need them. Of course, salt and pepper are a must; and then buy others as your recipe calls for them. You can save money if you buy in bulk, especially those spices you use often -- the initial outlay is a bit pricey though.
Keep spices near your cooking range for easy access -- a "lazy susan" turntable can work well with spices.
Reader comment: You advised keeping spices near the stovetop on a lazy susan for easy access. This is actually bad advice....spices should be stored in a dark place that does not get overly warm. Spices will start to lose their potency when left in the light...and heat will also weaken them.
The other advise you gave was to buy in bulk, and while from a financial standpoint that is good advice, you should never buy more spice than you can use in a year (and for some spices it's a shorter time). They lose their potency and therefore won't be spicing your dish like you expect....and many new-to-recipes will be thought a poor recipe because the flavor wasn't there when the fault actually lies in the improper storage of spices.
So while you're going through your pantry to organize, discard any spices that are over a year old, and check the internet for the many lists of spices that have a shorter shelf life...Carol
2. Keep items in your pantry that can be used to prepare a quick meal with short notice.
The easiest meal for me is spaghetti and my family loves it, so you will always find spaghetti fixings in my pantry -- either the ingredients to make sauce or pre-made sauce, noodles and parmesan cheese (fridge storage).
As well, I keep some ground chicken or sausage in my freezer to add to the sauce or serve on the side to accommodate the meat haters in my family.
I actually like to keep pantry staples for several possible meals at the ready "just in case." I always have a jar of pesto, mushrooms, pasta, macaroni and cheese, refried beans, canned chicken, tuna, peanut butter and jelly, cans of fruit, kidney and/or pinto beans for chili, and usually a smattering of "cream of's" are in there too.
That's how you want to think when stocking your pantry. Think about the foods your family likes to eat and meals made in a hurry -- stock those items as you can afford them. Your pantry staples may differ, but should meet your family's unique tastes.
It's also nice to stock a few dinners to make for a friend if they are in need. I came home one day after grocery shopping and my oldest daughter had made soup and bread (refrigerator biscuits) for our neighbor who had learned her grandmother died. As a stay at home mom, this was one area the kids and I could serve and help others. It taught the kids a good lesson in giving.
3. Stock in your pantry
White flour
Whole wheat flour
White sugar
Brown sugar
Baking powder
Baking soda
Cocoa
Powdered sugar
Nuts and seeds
Popcorn
Cornstarch
Yeast -- if you bake home-made breads
Again, gear these pantry staples toward your family's needs and tastes. Your items will grow as your recipe base grows and your family establishes a pattern of favorites.
4. I always have chocolate chips in stock, but I keep them in the freezer. Depending on where you live, you may want to keep nuts & seeds in the freezer for freshness too.
Well, I think that should get you started with your pantry staples coupled with some pantry organization -- you are ready!
Blessings!
Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com
Julie DeHart is the mother of 5 and author of http://www.keep-your-home-cooking.com website. Visit her site for more kitchen & home organizational tips, parenting tips & easy recipes.
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