Pantry

Pantry Items

These are the items I try to keep in my pantry and in my refrigerator. I know that I can whip up almost anything on this website as long as I have the fresh chicken, fish, meats, vegetables, and cheeses called for in the recipe. Always try to use non-fat or low fat products when available. Also try to use as many no sodium or low sodium products. I prefer to use my own fresh herbs that I grow in containers. Not only does it save money but the herbs taste so much better when fresh. However, I also keep certain dry herbs as a back up for times my fresh herbs might not be producing enough. I also always keep items like bouillon, roasted red peppers and canned beans on hand for when I just don't have the time to make my own. One other tip I have is to buy items in bulk, divide them up into serving portions and freeze them.

Oils and Vinegars
canola oil
cooking spray
olive oil
sesame oil
peanut oil
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apple cider vinegar
balsamic vinegar
champaign vinegar
distilled white vinegar
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marsala
sherry
vermouth

Dry Goods
couscous
orzo
pasta (various types)
oatmeal
quinoa
rice (white or brown)
wild rice
panko bread crumbs
potatoes (various types)
onions
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baking powder
baking soda
cornstarch
flour
yeast
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agave
brown sugar
honey
maple syrup
raw granulated sugar

Condiments (low sodium)
beef bouillon
chicken bouillon
vegetable bouillon
ketchup
pickle relish
soy sauce
Worcestershire sauce
yellow mustard
dijon mustard (or spicy mustard)
mayonnaise

Fruit, Nuts & Seeds
apricot fruit spread (no sugar)
blackberry fruit spread (no sugar)
dried cranberries
raisins
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cashews
peanuts
pecans or walnuts
sesame seeds
sunflower seeds
peanut butter
tahini

Canned Goods
(low or no-sodium varieties)
artichoke hearts
beets
chicken broth
clams
coconut milk (reduced fat)
diced green chilies
diced tomatoes
olives
pumpkin
tomato paste
tuna, crab, whole clams
water chestnuts
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black beans
garbanzo beans
lentils
pinto beans
refried beans

Spices
allspice
black pepper
cinnamon
chili powder
cloves
coriander
curry powder
ground ginger
fresh ginger
ground red pepper
lemon pepper
onion powder
paprika
red chili pepper flakes

Herbs (fresh or dried)
basil
bay leaves
cumin
fennel seeds
marjoram
oregano
parsley
rosemary
sage
tarragon
thyme
garlic
garlic powder

Refrigerated Items
butter
Greek style yogurt (non-fat)
mayonnaise (non-fat or light)
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cranberry juice (100% juice)
milk (low fat)
orange juice
lemons
limes
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cheeses (as needed)
cheddar
gorgonzola (or blue cheese)
mozzarella
Parmesan
Swiss
low-fat Philadelphia cheese