The "Perfect" Pantry

Let me start by saying there is no such thing as a perfect pantry. There are the things that I use all the time that may be different from what you use all the time. I have compiled a list of things that I try to keep in my kitchen so that I am not constantly going back and forth to the store. For those that know me well, you know that I am not going without pasta, mayonnaise, ketchup or green beans. (Not all together) These are things that are staples in my pantry. In order to pull a meal together quickly and conveniently, there are a few things that I suggest you keep. If you have a pantry stocked with non perishables, then you should only have to shop a couple of times a week for fresh produce. Below is my suggested list. If you don't know where to start, I hope this helps. You can add or take away according to your likes and needs.

Spices:
Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder(not garlic salt), Italian seasoning. I use a lot of Old Bay, Tony Chachere's, and Cavenders.

Liquids, Sauces, Marinades, Etc...
Soy Sauce, Mayonnaise, Ranch dressing mix(you can get a big mix at Sam's or Costco) Honey, Ketchup, Yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Italian dressing, bar b Que sauce. I use a lot of horseradish and stone ground mustard so I keep it handy.

Seasoned bread crumbs, non stick spray, olive oil, canola oil, onion soup mix, balsamic vinegar and red wine vinegar. I use rice wine vinegar a good bit.

A variety of dried pasta. rice (Instant or regular), quick grits and oatmeal and dried beans. I usually keep dried pinto beans, black eyed peas and lentils.

Canned or frozen vegetables, I prefer frozen. They just taste better, but if you prefer canned so that. I keep canned green beans for a snack.I also keep canned tuna and chicken for impromptu meals/appetizers.

Cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, chicken and beef broth/stock, tomato bisque, tomato paste, tomato puree, diced tomatoes, rotel

In the fridge I keep milk and eggs.

These are all basic things that can save your life or just your night.

I am a planner. I like to plan my week of meals, I even account for leftover nights. Then, I look in my pantry to see what I need and then I make a grocery list. I try to make only two trips to the store a week to keep from buying unnecessary items. I do a big shop at the first of the week or on Saturday, and then I pick up a few things like more bananas and salad stuff about Wednesday or so.

I hope my ideas will make your life easier.

Creamy Chicken and Rice
Serves 4
Prep time: about 30 minutes.

3 large chicken breasts
1 cup rice
2 cups water
2 cans cream of mushroom soup Or cream of chicken
1 onion, chopped
1 cup sliced button mushrooms (can be omitted)
3 Tbsp. Butter, 2 Tbsp Butter
! Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
salt, pepper, garlic and dill(optional)

Poach your chicken in 4 cups of water and season the water with salt, pepper and garlic. If you want to make life really easy, put the chicken and water in the crock pot on low before you go to work and by the time you get home it will be done (about 6 hours on low). When chicken is done shred it up and put it to the side. Reserve about 1 to 2 cups of the poaching liquid. .

Melt 3 Tbsp butter in a sauce pan, add rice and cook about one minute coating the rice with the butter. Add 2 cups of water to the rice, bring to a boil, cover, turn to low and cook 16 minutes. Turn heat off and let stand five minutes. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES open the lid until you are ready to eat. The lid traps the steam and makes your rice fluffy, not crunchy. If you would like you can use Minute rice instead.

Place 2 Tbsp butter and olive oil in sauce pan on medium heat. Saute onion and mushrooms until soft, add 2 cans of soup and enough of your poaching liquid to make the sauce creamy but not runny. (Between 1/2 to one cup) Add salt, pepper, garlic to taste, add Dijon mustard and stir well. Bring to a bubble and add chicken back in. You can add a sprinkle of dill now if you wish. We like it so I use it if you don't like dill or don't have it, don't worry, it is just as good.

Serve chicken over rice.