stock your pantry

We love our pantries and could not get along in the kitchen without having certain key ingredients. But, building a pantry takes time and will depend on what you like to cook and eat and how much effort you want to make to preserve and experiment with different products. We have created this list based on keeping families of staples together in your kitchen and offering some basics combined with discovering some things new. We have also included labels we prefer and believe are worth the expense. Remember, pantries are seasonal too, there are items you may want to keep all year round and some you prefer to use during certain times of the year.

Canned or Jarred: Anchovies…artichoke hearts…beans…capers…chipotle peppers…fire-roasted peppers…homemade stock…plum tomatoes (San Marzano)…sardines

Dried: Beans…lentils…mushrooms (porcini and shiitake)…pasta…peppers…tea

Oils: Almond…avocado (healthier)…grapeseed (our new everyday)…olive oil (good and XX for finishing)…pistachio…sesame

Vinegars: Balsamic (young and aged)…champagne…cider..red…rice…sherry…white

Grains: Bulgur…couscous…polenta…rice (Arborio, basmati and short grain brown)…

Sauces: Fish…honey…maple…molasses…shirachi…soy…tahini

Spices: Peppercorns…red pepper flakes…salt (kosher, sea and smoked)

Cheese: Marinated feta…parmigiano-reggiano…

Nuts and Seeds: Almonds…cashews…pistachios…pumpkin seeds…walnuts…

Meats or Smoked: Bacon…prosciutto or pancetta…smoked salmon

Freezer: Berries…homemade ice cream (quick dessert)…puff pastry