My first goal after we moved into our home was to establish our food pantry; this took several months to get it right.
Deciding what to put in the pantry was a process. So I went back to my roots, remembering the days when I cooked with my grandmother.
She didn’t have a modern pantry in her home, she just worked her ingredients into the kitchen cabinets. I loved that because it just felt like home and looking back made me smile.
I quickly realized
that my pantry would consist of just what was required to cook from
scratch.
Decide on Storage Containers
I live in the country, so I knew firsthand I had to store all food prep items in glass jars. I also used baskets and bins for things like measuring cups and so on because I have open cabinets.I found some neat antique glass jars at resale shops and purchased canning jars in assorted sizes for storing flour, rice, beans and so on.
I found glassware to be better priced secondhand and garage sales will always offer better pricing over antique stores or estate sales. Of course, there are multiple options online if you want to go with new glass jars.
I also built wooden risers to increase shelving storage and stained them to match our cabinets.
The process was long, as I changed things often but the result was positive. I enjoy cooking again and having everything at my fingertips feels like home.
So, if you are seeking to do something similar first decide on your container storage for dry food ingredients.
Select What is Going in Your Pantry
The next thing is to make a list of what you plan on storing in your pantry. I no longer buy
baked goods, so now I have everything necessary for making muffins and cookies.
My seasonings area is specific to dried herbs, spices, cooking oils and honey. Additional dry foods like, raisins, nuts, pasta, beans, rice, oats and quinoa are staples.
I must add, it has been nice watching my grocery expenses shrink because of this pantry set up. So, make your inventory list and get your pantry stocked because cooking at home is a blessing.
Canned Food Space
Every pantry will look different and
there will be other things you want to store like offering space for canned
food. This might be food you purchase or
canned items you make from your garden.
We don’t eat a lot of canned food here, but my goal is to start canning tomatoes, salsa, and pickles. Future storage will be increased for honey, jams and fruit.
You can see that establishing a pantry doesn’t need to be complicated at all. Just pick a space in your kitchen, eliminate the garbage food and replace it with ingredients that are healthier.
When you start cooking from scratch not only do you feel better you also know what’s in your food.
See the Good,
Carole West