Auntie's Helpful Pantry Tips!

So, a few weeks ago I was very frustrated by the state of my kitchen...I go grocery shopping every week, yet I always feel like I have nothing to cook!

I realized that I need well-stocked pantry with things I can fall back on to cook in times of cooker's-block, and with things that many basic recipes call for.

But where do I get such a list?? Who else but Aunt Cindy!

So, she was so super helpful as so email me back (about 2 hours after I emailed her) this wonderful list of pantry must-haves. I'm still working on stocking my new kitchen, but I think so far that this has helped me out. Let me know if either of you think of anything you would add! Maybe we can keep a "My Sister's Table" running pantry list!

So, from the mouth of Aunt Cindy here are some helpful pantry tips:

Here are some basics that I keep in my pantry, frig, etc:

FRIG
Mayonnaise
Lemons( I use them just for water, for chicken salad,marinades,salad dressings, oh.... for lots of things!)
Worcestire sauce
Tomato paste in a tube- keeps a long time and is a great addition for pastas, soups, etc.
Dijon Mustard (I use dijonnaise- great for sandwiches, too, and salad dressings)

Keep in a basket in your pantry or I guess you can refrigerate these:
Onions
Garlic
Potatos


SPICES
Fresh ground pepper- you can buy a pepper grinder pretty cheap at homegoods or TJMaxx
Kosher Salt- I buy it by the box and keep a little bowl of it by my stove- I use kosher salt for EVERTHING, including baking! It has more flavor than the iodized salt and therefore you use less.
Cayenne pepper
Red Pepper Flakes (these make a great addition to any pasta sauce)
Garlic powder
Cumin
Cinnamon
Vanilla
Oregano
You can buy spice combinations that are great in salads, on steaks or chicken, or as flavorings in soups.

PANTRY
Pastas of all kinds – I use Gemelli, Penne, Angel Hair (for chili) and egg noodles
Canned Beans: beans are cheap, full of protein, and really versatile!
White canellie or navy beans (work great in white chili!)
Black Beans (can use these to make nachos or in tacos/burritos)
Kidney Beans ( for chili)
Oatmeal- for cookies, ofcourse! 
Brown Sugar, White Sugar
All purpose, Unbleached flour
Cocoa
Red Wine Vinegar (great for homemade salad dressings, or for marinades)
Crisco (buy it in those bars- it will probably stay fresh longer)
Pam (great for everything and then you don’t have to grease and flour when you make cakes- I also use it when I make those egg sandwiches in the microwave)
Chicken Broth (great base for all kinds of soups)
Big Cans of tomatoes (get the ones with the fewest ingredients on the can)- I use these for soups, to make your own tomato sauce –super easy- and for pastas!)
Cream of Mushroom soup – I only use this in a pinch when I need something quick- cut up some chicken, blanch some broccoli, add it to the mushroom soup with a half can of milk, add the broccoli and chicken and a squirt of dijon mustard, and serve over rice!