A Piece of Kake

Stocking Staples

Here is a list of items to have on hand. This is Rachel’s Ray’s Essential Pantry, minus the things I think are unnecessary, plus a couple things that are probably too unsophisticated for her. Now don’t go out and buy every single item you don’t have this week. But do slowly add the items you don’t yet own, especially as you choose recipes that require them.

With that qualification in mind, consider this your shopping list. Check which items you’re out of each week and put those on the list (you definitely won’t need to buy them all every week). Then check your menu and see what other ingredients the recipes require. For example, if you’re making something Mexican maybe you want fresh cilantro ($1 at Acme) on top. If you’re making Thai food you’ll need a can of coconut milk ($2 at Acme in the baking section).

A note: for fruit, I buy one bag of apples, oranges, or whatever else is the cheapest that week; and one bunch of bananas. You can’t have as much variety when you’re cheap, but you can still eat healthy. For veggies, I mostly buy frozen ’cause they’re cheaper than fresh and better for you than canned. I only buy fresh tomatoes in the summer because they’re not that good during the winter. In addition to carrots and celery I buy one cucumber, pepper, or something else for salad topping.

Baking Goods and Spices
Bay Leaves (whole or flaked)
Chili Powder
Ground Cinnamon
Ground Cumin
Ground Ginger
Curry Paste or Powder
Nutmeg
Dried Oregano
Paprika
Seasoned salt
Taco seasoning packets
Red Pepper Flakes
Dried Thyme
Coarse Black Pepper or Peppercorns
White Sugar
Brown Sugar
All-Purpose Flour
Baking powder and soda
Cornstarch

Condiments
Hot Sauce
Mustard
Ketchup
Mayo or miracle whip (don’t buy the latter at Aldi)
Peanut Butter
Bread Crumbs
EVOO
Vegetable Oil
Honey
Vinegar: Red Wine, Balsamic, and a mild light one like cider, rice or white wine

Dairy and Deli
Milk
Butter
Eggs
Parmesan cheese
Cheddar and/or mozzarella cheese

Produce
Lemon or lime juice (Aldi has lemon, Walmart has lime)
Celery
Carrots
Potatoes
Onions
Garlic
In-season fruit
Bananas
Bagged salad ($1 at Aldi–I buy 1 or 2 per week)

Freezer Items
Frozen Mixed and/or stir-fry veggies
Frozen Corn
Frozen Chopped Spinach
Chicken breasts
Ground beef
Canned Goods/Pantry
Chicken Stock
Beef Stock
Canned Crushed Tomatoes
Canned Tomato Paste
Canned Tomato Sauce
Canned beans
Canned cream of chicken or mushroom soup
Pasta
Rice
Loaf of bread
Taco shells
Tortillas
Tortilla chips

As a final note, we also keep a few snacks on hand, such as granola bars, one bag of chips, one 2-liter of soda, and popcorn. Don’t stock too many snacks or pop because you’ll probably go through it faster. If you know you only get one bag/box/bottle a week, you’ll make it last.

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