Stocking the Pantry 101

I get asked often what I think the number one thing that is needed to make dinnertime easier and have more flow. My answer, I think, shocks a lot of people. Because honestly it has nothing to do with cooking skills, an arsenal of recipes or even a well-planned weekly menu. Sure, I think all of these are important to varying degrees (believe me when I say that I think skill is the least important of all of them), but to me the most important of all important meal planning related things is actually, not about the kitchen at all. Nope. To me, the most important aspect of meal planning is actually keeping a well stocked pantry. 

Wait. Hold on. Stay with me here.

I know the mere mention of organizing a pantry causes eyes to glaze over and the idea of stocking one can seem intimidating. I understand that it seems to be a waste to stock up on things that you feel like you won’t ever use enough of to justify the purchase. And I hear the frustration of my friends who are tired of buying ingredients, using half of them for a recipe, and then tossing the rest when they go bad, watching good money go right with them.

I totally understand all of this.

But what if I tell you that having a well stocked pantry means always having the ingredients for at least one or two toolbox recipes if I need them in a pinch? Or that I know, without a doubt, what I have on hand so I’m not buying duplicates of what I already have? Or that I very rarely toss unused groceries (and money) down the drain because I plan around what’s in my pantry? 

It’s all true. 

For me keeping a well-stocked pantry with a running list of “regulars” helps me plan shopping trips, eliminate waste and organize menus. It’s so much easier for me to plan dinners around what I have on hand then to hunt and peck through recipes based on a whim. Not to mention the fact that cooking from a well-stocked pantry has saved some major dough for our family.

Mr. BurntToast is verrrry happy about this part, let me assure you. 

I promise it’s not as hard as it sounds. Believe me when I say that I am about as low-fuss as you can be. I don’t want you running out and buying fancy stuff. I have no desire to throw a bunch of fancy ingredients at you that you will only use a few times. My desire is rather to give you some guidelines, show you my plan, and help you adapt it as works best for your family. I know each and every family has its own rhythms and preferences, and I want you to be in control of how this works for you. 

So let’s get started, shall we?

I’ve created a printable pdf Pantry Checklist for you, dear readers, to give us a framework on where to start. Head on over here to check it out. This is our starting point. But let’s talk about how to use it.

1. Take Inventory: I’m willing to bet that you already have a lot of these items on hand. Yes, even you, my friends who say you never cook. These aren’t exotic. They aren’t unusual. They are basics. Flour, eggs, rice, sugar, beans. All regulars. Sure, there might be some randoms on here that you don’t have, and that’s where you start. 
2. Go Slow: Once you’ve figured out what you don’t have, it’s time to start stocking. My intention, though, is not for you to run out immediately and spend hundreds of dollars stocking up. I also don’t want you to buy something that you know you’ll never use just because it’s on the list. Hate beans? Don’t buy them. Just skip that recipe on the menu. Tailor it to your family. I suggest that you buy each missing item as it comes up on the weekly menus (I’ll be starting them next week). Take stock of what you have, organize it as works best for you, and add on slowly as needed.
3. Learn to Love Costco (or Sams): First of all let me say that I don’t understand people who don’t love Costco. Seriously. It’s a dream. All of that food, in bulk? If a little is good and a lot is better than Costco is best. And if you disagree, you’re dead to me. OK. Maybe not. But I do think that big box stores are important when it comes to a well-stocked pantry. Of course, this is going to depend on how many people you feed and how much storage you have, but for non-perishables and meats I find that Costco can’t be beat. I buy all of my tomato canned goods (diced, paste, sauce), chicken breast, chicken broth, ground beef (buy the big one and divide and freeze individually by the pound), and beans there. Now, for items like rice and flour, unless you’re running a restaurant, you probably can’t handle the 50 pound bag. So don’t. Buy what makes sense there and go conventional for the rest.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Discount: This is not a couponing post. Nor will it ever be. I hate couponing. Seriously. Who has time for that? But I have heard from many of you who are trying hard to cut back and want to get better at budgeting their grocery bill. And it’s also not a “run to 7 different stores to get the best deals” post either. But I will tell you that the one way I made a big dent in our grocery bill was to swallow my pride and head on over to our local ALDI (find your local ALDI here ). And man, I am sooo glad that I did. There are some things that it’s worth it to shoot for quality over discount (I’m looking at you Olive Oil and Parmesan cheese) but for most, the discount is just as good as the brand name. Don’t be afraid to explore the local discount grocers. You might just be thrilled that you did. (And as a word of advice, take a quarter and your own bags. You can thank me for this later.)
5. Organize: This is not me being preachy, I promise. Walk into my pantry any given day and you are bound to found Goldfish crackers strewn all over the floor, a random NERF dart and probably a spill. It’s just life. It happens. But I’m not talking clean here, friends. I’m talking organized. Your organized is going to look different than mine. Matchy-matchy Container Store beautifulness is not my speed. I’m more of a Dollar Store bin girl myself. But all of my staples, they’re organized and visible. This helps me in two ways, first by allowing me to have everything close at hand and second by giving me a good view of where my supply stands. If I’m running low on rice, for example, it’s really easy to tell because it’s in a clear container right at eye level. So whatever organized looks like to you, give it a go. Send me pics once you’re done. I’d love to see your pantry. I can probably learn something from you.
6. Keep a Running List:  Once you’re organized and stocked, keep that checklist handy. Hang it up on the fridge. Use it as a running tally so you can keep track of what is running low and re-stock. Each week in this menu planning series I will be posting a grocery list. On the grocery list will be the perishables that you’ll need for the menu (vegetables, fruits) but I’ll also be letting you know what staples you’ll be using. This is a good way to keep track and keep stock. 
7. Stay Tuned: This week I will be doing a FB and IG live where I walk you through my own pantry and fridge. It’s bound to be an adventure because I have zero plans to clean before I do this. This will make it fun, surprising and maybe even a bit scary. But it will also, hopefully, give you some insight into how this looks for me. I promise I’m not perfect at it. I promise that I’ve got miles to go. But I also promise that it’ll be fun. If you’re not already, hop on over and follow me on Facebook and Instagram so you can watch. 
8. Menus Start Next Week: The fun starts next week! Stay tuned! 

Please, if you have questions, give me a shout! I am totally new to this type of series and winging it as I go so your questions and requests and insights are more than valuable, they’re like gold. My intention is to help and to guide you back to the dinner table. My desire is for dinner to become less about drudgery and more about fun. We’re all busy, we’re all crazy and stressed with schedules and sports and homework. But, for me, winding down in the kitchen for 20 minutes while I cook and enjoy a glass (or two) of wine is my biggest pleasure. Cooking isn’t stressful because I’ve got a plan. Family dinner is fun because I’m relaxed (and maybe a little tipsy. Just kidding, Mom). I want this for you, too. And I can’t wait to start!

Peace, love and shopping!

Meg 

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