Here in the Queendom, January has been how shall we say, “Brutal with a capital B.” Even going to the grocery store has been a challenge. Let’s just say I’ve been thankful for our frugal lifestyle for more than one reason. Certainly we’ve stuck to our grocery budget because of the infrequent trips to the store and no restaurants this month (who wants to go out in -33 wind chill anyway?!). I’m also thankful that we keep our pantry stocked with what we’ve dubbed our “Top 10” during months like this one.
A pantry Top 10 looks different for every family and might also include refrigerated items. Basically, you need ten go-to items that will help you prepare meals and snacks easily that your family will enjoy without much thought or effort. The items need a long shelf life and versatility to be included in several dishes. Having these on hand will set your mind at ease and keep your tummies warm and full even during the longest of winter seasons. The majority of these items are low cost too, so keeping them stocked up won’t break the bank.
Without further ado, here’s our Royal Pantry Top 10:
- Peanut butter. PBJ is always the back up plan here in the Queendom (or the but I don’t like what you’re fixing for dinner plan).
- Apple Sauce. During the winter months, it’s easy to keep the kiddos eating fruits with apple sauce. Whether in fun individual containers or the more economical big jar, apple sauce is incredibly affordable and usually pleases even the most picky eater.
- Pasta. It doesn’t matter what shape, size, or variety, pasta is a great staple to keep bellies full without spending much.
- Pasta Sauce. Going hand-in-hand with the above ingredient, I always have a jar of spaghetti sauce. I also thicken ours and use it as pizza sauce, occasionally top meats or sandwiches with it. Sometimes I make my own, sometimes I buy it with coupons, but there’s always a jar or two on the shelf.
- Whole or Instant Brown Rice. Whether we’re having “Chinese Take-In” or literally Beans and Rice, rice is one of those staples that you can make “fit” with almost any meal. I like to spice it up with cilantro, salsa, cheese, or even the above mentioned pasta sauce to give it some flavor.
- Ziploc Bags. Everyone’s got their own semi-non-frugal thing and this one is mine. We still use these for PBJ and some side dishes depending on what we’re sending in the lunch boxes. When we run out of plastic bags, I know I’m in trouble.
- A Couple of Extra Loaves of Bread. Keep them in the freezer until you’re ready to use them to make sure they don’t go stale or moldy. You won’t have to run to the store the night before a snow storm if you keep your supply well stocked.
- Beans. The most frugal food of them all, we usually go with dried black beans and soak/cook them in the crockpot but you can certainly purchased canned beans, too.
- Chicken Broth. Either make your own broth or pick up the bigger container with the re-sealable top. Add it to soups, casseroles, pasta, or meats to keep them from drying out and allowing you to stretch things just a little bit further.
- Cheese. Everything is better with cheese! Block, sliced, or shredded, it doesn’t matter. Usually cheese has a long shelf life but you can even freeze it to make it last longer if you score an exceptional deal and want to stock up.
Your pantry top ten will probably look a little different than mine. The point is, you need to take inventory and think through essential items that will help you prepare more meals at home, saving money, time, and maybe even body heat!
So what’s on your Pantry Top 10?
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Rice, onions, dry pinto beans, flour, yeast, potatoes, crushed tomatoes, cheese, canned tuna, peanut butter.