Build a Frugal Pantry

Years ago doing a Pantry Challenge showed me how fun it could be to cook from my food storage. I never had before given it much thought, but I was pleased to find out that I had enough variety in the cupboard to pull together some tasty meals. 

Without going to the store.

As I thought about it, I realized that with a little coaching and some recipe inspiration, the average home cook could regularly stock a pantry with all kinds of tricks inside. If we are purposeful in what we buy and keep on hand, there’s no end to the yummy things we can create.

And if we can do it on a budget, too, well, that’s the cat’s meow!

I identified 12 ingredient categories that I think fit the budget as well as the “we-like-to-eat-this” pantry. I put them together into a very extensive series to help folks be more intentional about what they bought and how they could use it to their advantage.

When you think about your favorite meals and the ingredients that go in them, you're better able to identify those items that should be pantry staples. If a dry season comes along in terms of cash flow or you simply can't get to the store, chances are you'll be able to put together some yummy meals with what's on hand already.

Check out the series here. And humor my photos, circa 2010. ;)