One hallmark of a capable cook is to be able to just “whip up something” from items you have on hand, whether it’s a meal, a dish for a potluck, or appetizers for unexpected guests. The key to this is keeping a well stocked pantry which will not only allow you to cook great meals, but reduce the number of last minute shopping trips you need to make. Below are basic items for a pantry that are available at Trader Joe’s:
- salt
- black pepper
- olive oil
- canola oil
- balsamic vinegar
- soy sauce
- maple syrup
- pasta (dried, box or bag)
- rice (precooked, shelf stable saves time)
- beans (can, garbanzo, pinto, black beans)
- corn (can)
- olives (can)
- salsa (jar)
- hot sauce (bottle)
- roasted red pepper (jar)
- artichoke hearts (jar)
- sun dried tomatoes (jar)
- sandwich pickles (jar)
- pesto
- spreads/tapenades (artichoke, sundried tomato, olive)
- spaghetti sauce (jar, tomato and alfredo)
- soups (can or box)
- broth (box)
- salad dressing (bottle)
- nuts (walnuts halves and sliced almonds are very versatile)
- dried fruit (cranberries work well in both oatmeal and salads)
- crackers
- soy milk (box for when you run out of fresh/chilled)
- cereal
- oatmeal