You’d think with me being the only one that uses my pantry, that it would be spotless and always tidy? Nah! I get in such a hurry sometimes. Instead of taking the time to put things back in their place. It gets a little messy and needs a good clean out, like it does now. Also, my pantry is located in a couple cupboards, both next to each other. The previous owners of our house certainly didn’t think too carefully when it came to designing their kitchen. Maybe they didn’t cook too much. Anyway, I just make do with the space I have and am forever looking for an ideal solution, other than knocking the whole thing out. I always have the biggest case of ‘pantry envy’ when I see lovely pantries. One day my friends, one day.
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| Pasta packets and other packet goods not decanted in a jar |
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| My baking supplies – things like sprinkles, cupcake papers, essences and colours, some nuts, chocolate etc |
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| Sauces, spreads, oils, salt & pepper, drink powders etc |
What I do love about my pantry ‘area’ is that it’s only an arm’s length from the stove, sink and bench space. I usually do the ‘kitchen shuffle’ when I’m cooking. Just don’t get in my way or else you’ll get trodden on.
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| A (very old, rare, clean & tidy) picture of my kitchen |
This picture was taken when we had our house on the market about 3 years ago. (Notice the microwave baby bottle steriliser behind the white kitchen kettle. A long time ago.) It’s very rarely as tidy as this now that the children are older. There’s no dishwasher so dishes are always on the sink, either waiting to be washed or put away. The pantry cupboards are just to the left of the refrigerator.
The Ingredients in my Pantry
In my previous post, Run your kitchen like a restaurant, I mentioned that I have the same ingredients in my pantry, fridge and freezer at all times and my seasonal fruit and vegetables depict what I choose to cook for baking and my main meals. Below are my basic pantry lists and what I use those products for. I occasionally add special ‘one off’ purchases just to mix things up a bit. For example, marscapone, ricotta, olives, a special Asian green or an Indian spice like Panch Phoron (India’s answer to a 5 spice powder). This also allows a little more scope to my menu planning.
These lists are what I’ve got at the moment and you’ll probably find they differ only slightly from summer to winter. Summer time is the season for more salads and lighter meals and winter time brings more stews, puddings and heavier dishes. Having these lists up to date or, knowing that you have these same things on hand all the time, you’ll be able to whip up a meal in no time, even when you think you don’t have any ingredients.
If you have any questions about what I might use a certain ingredient for or any other questions, please don’t hestitate to ask. I’d also love to know what’s lurking in your pantry.
I am slowly getting a better stocked pantry. I add items I need for certain recipes and they become the newest additions. I try to buy the items we use the most in bulk at a warehouse store because it saves so much money!
I nearly took a photo of mine the other dayt when I cleaned it and discovered that not only did I have 7 bottles of vanilla essence I also have vanilla pods AND vanilla essence with seeds!
I think I may need to start making lists 🙂 x
I'm so glad I'm not the only one with a perfectly organized spice drawer! I say, as long as I can find it, it works for me! 🙂
What a lovely kitchen you have and such a great pantry…you are so organized! 😀
I love this insight into where you cook all the yumminess that you do.
Today I had an expensive day… bought coconut flour, quinoa flour, besan flour and garam marsala! We usually eat for a few days on how much the coconut flour cost me, but it will make me use it!
Your kitchen reminds me of my Mum and Dad's circa mid 80's. The kitchen where we are living now (rental) is about 10 years older and grey on grey. I much prefer the salmon pink and pine! Our kitchen in our actual house (in Melbourne) is possibly 1940's. Shocking. Hence why we are renting! xx
Well at least you have a picture to remember what your kitchen can look like 😉 I've got dishes in my sink right now waiting for me! Thanks so much for sharing at Mom On Timeout!
I love your lists with suggestions of how to use the ingredients. Thanks for sharing them.