On Hand Essentials Non-edible

Here are some non-edible products to keep on hand for your happy kitchen:

Paper Products only have to be bought once a month and newspapers often have coupons for these items. Or you can check online coupon sources such as www.smartsource.com or anything recommended through www.couponmom.com

• paper plates (this can really help you save on the dishwasher bill)
• paper towels
• napkins
• toilet paper

Other non-edible items that should be bought on a bi-monthly basis to have in stock are:

• dishwasher soap
• clorox clean up spray or wipes (to disinfect counters after raw meat)
• Joy dish soap (it really is the best for grease!)

I also use a scrub brush with a handle on it for baked on food pre-dishwasher scrubs.  These need to be ran through the dishwasher weekly and replaced every 3 months or so.  Rubber gloves (if you use these for washing dishes or any other cleaning job) can last up to 6 months.

On Hand Essentials For the Fridge

Here are some basics to keep in the fridge. Most of these are a given, but for those of you like me, nothing is truly "a given"

• milk
• eggs
• butter
• juice (I keep orange juice, cranberry is recommended by some, for medicinal purposes)
• condiments (mayo, ketchup, mustard etc)
• salad dressings
• Worcestershire sauce
• barbecue sauce
• Pickles
• relish (for chicken & tuna salads or hot dogs)
• Jelly (you can't beat PB&J somedays)

Some other things that I PREFER to have in the fridge at all times are:

• salsa
• applesauce or yogurt
• one vegetable (for a quick and healthy snack-i.e. carrots, celery, broccoli)
• one fruit (same as above, for a snack-apples, or grapes)

On Hand Essentials Part Two

Here are some canned foods that are good to have in stock:

have these veggies on hand to serve as sides: 

• baked beans (to serve with barbecue)
  
• black beans (to serve with Mexican meals)
• corn
• green beans

have these on hand as ready ingredients for quick recipes:

• chicken noodle soup
• cream of chicken
• chicken broth
• tomato paste
• diced tomatoes
• a jar of spaghetti sauce
• a jar of pizza sauce

I like to make easy fruit pies to make for a quick dessert when guest are over, so I keep these as well:

• canned peaches
• canned apples
• canned pineapple

I always like to have chicken noodle soup and veg-all on hand. You never know when you might get a cold and want some soul food.

On Hand Essentials Part One

Here are some spices that should be kept on hand for quick cooking:

• salt
• pepper
• oregano
• garlic
• basil
• paprika
• parsley
• chili powder
• lemon pepper
• cinnamon

If you want to go beyond simple spices try also having an all purpose seasoning like Tony's or Mrs. Dash. Often there are store brand all purpose seasonings that are great.

Here are some items to keep in the pantry for baking:

• white (granulated) sugar
• brown sugar
• confectioners sugar
• self rising flour
• corn meal
• Bisquick

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post on canned food to keep in stock!