Pantry Basics
A well stocked pantry is always a good thing to have to provide for a good meal. If you have the ingredients on hand, you can quickly create satisfying, delicious meals for family or guest. Keeping these items on hand prevents extra trips to the grocery store, which in return saves you time and money. Everyone's pantry is different but these are the basics everyone should have on hand. Add more items according to your families needs. Think of your "must haves" and always keep those items in your pantry. Use these basic pantry suggestions as a handy reference list.
Staples
Baker's Chocolate
Baking Powder
Baking Soda
Barbecue Sauce
Bread Crumbs
(plain or Seasoned)
Chocolate Chips
Cocoa Powder
Corn Meal
Cornstarch
Flour
Honey
Ketchup
Nuts- Almond , Pecans, Walnuts
Oatmeal
Oil (olive or vegetable)
Pancake Mix
Pancake Syrup
Peanut Butter
Shortening
Sugars-
(Granulated, brown, powered)
Vinegar
Packaged and
Canned Foods
Beans (canned, dry)
Broth (Chicken, Beef, Vegetable)
Cake/Frosting
Canned Diced Tomatoes
Canned Fruit
Canned Mushrooms
Canned Soup
Tomato Paste/Sauce
Canned, Tuna, Chicken
Cereal
Dried Soup Mix
Gelatin
(flavored or plain)
Gravies
(packets or jarred)
Jarred Salsa
Milk (evaporated, sweetened condensed)
Non-fat dry milk
Pastas
Rice (brown, white, Jasmine)
Spaghetti Sauce
Spices and Seasonings
Basil
Bay Leaves
Black Pepper
Bouillon Cubes
(Chicken, Beef)
Chives
Chili Powder
Cinnamon
Mustard
(dried, prepared)
Garlic Powder
Garlic Salt
Ginger
Nutmeg
Onion Powder
Onion Salt
Oregano
Paprika
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Soy Sauce
Tarragon
Thyme
Vanilla
Worcestershire Sauce
Yeast
When Covid 19 first started, we were shocked at all the food hoarding that was happening. We understood it because we were long time preppers who were prepared, (or so we thought.) We never imagined of all things running out of toilet paper, or aluminum foil, but those are some of the things we hadn't prepped. Freezer bags were another, but I've been canning for years so those didn't really bother me. We were pretty stocked up on the rest.
How we prep is not by going to the store and wiping the isles clean (lol) but for years we have bought extra of pantry items and non-perishables. It adds up fast. If we needed Garlic Salt we bought 4 (put 2 up and used 2) when I got low on one of the two I used, I would buy 4 more. Then I ended up with 4 in stock. Spices and things don't go bad for a long time if stored right. We bought a food saver and the Jar Sealing kit so we could seal our mason jars (air tight) that way we could seal our spices after each use. (it's easy)
Learn how to can, it's not as scary as you might think, and with the presto canning pressure cooker, it's a whole lot easier. It will come in handy if your freezer ever goes out too! There are tons of canning recipes, and if you take them step by step , you should be fine. I also have the 8 qt and 3 qt Instant Pot. (Great for canning small jars of jams and jellies.) YouTube is great for teaching you everything you ever wanted to know about canning and prepping, and it's one of those skills that will not only save you a ton of money, but it's something you can pass down to your own kids. (So that they know how) Let's face it, the world is only getting worse, and knowing you are one step ahead is not only comforting it's a survival skill, that will be a valuable tool for the rest of your life.
Storing Water
(FEMA) recommends storing tap water in clean plastic, glass, enameled metal, or fiberglass containers. Once you have filled the container, it should be tightly sealed and stored in a dark, cool place. Every six months you need to replace water. Bottled water will last indefinitely. If you buy bottled water, buy 1 or 2 extra a week and store them. Until you have enough for 3 to 6 months. The water itself will last indefinitely if kept in a cool dark area, however we all need to keep in mind, that this may not remain potable (drinking) due to plastic break down. It is best to store in glass containers, it is always best when storing water for a long term to have chlorine tablets on hand to insure disinfecting. You can use the dispensing machines, just change out the water every six months or keep chlorine tablets on hand.
What are some things you keep on hand? If you are a prepper, what are some of your tips? Comment Below
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