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Solid Wood Pantries by the Amish : Tips To a Well Stocked Pantry

 

Your home may not have come with a built-in pantry or even good shelf or cabinet space but, thanks to the Amish and their handiwork, you can have a custom cabinet that will follow you from home to home. Jelly cupboards, Hoosier cabinets, corner cabinets, hutches or even the generous open shelving available in solid hardwood can create a handsome pantry in any décor.

Whether you’re an apartment dweller with a tiny galley kitchen or you are a real estate owner with a good sized kitchen, a well stocked and well organized pantry is a must. Not only is a pantry a convenience but it is also a cost and health saver. You will never be inspired to stop eating out at high cost and high fat pit stops unless the items you need to cook are at your fingertips.

Before you get started on any new recipe, make a list of all the ingredients you’ll need and then check your pantry. In order to create the well-stocked pantry it takes time and practice. Remember to check your basic staples regularly for expiration dates. Keep it fresh and you will never be disappointed. Buy perishable items in smaller quantities so you have a chance to use them before they expire.

Here is a list of some staples as suggestions:

Spices: Salt, Pepper, a Pepper Mill and Whole Black Peppercorns, Oregano, Basil, Rosemary, Parsley, Tarragon, Cumin, Crushed Red Pepper, Thyme, Bay Leaves, Paprika, Cayenne, Chili Powder, Ginger, Mustard Powder, Marjoram, Allspice, Cinnamon, Nutmeg

Necessary and Basic Staples:

• Sugar (Powdered, Granulated and Brown)
• Flour
• Baking Soda
• Baking Powder
• Corn Starch
• Yeast
• Stock or Bouillon (Chicken, Beef, Vegetable)
• Maple Syrup
• Cooking Wine
• Mustard
• Ketchup
• Lemons (or Lemon Juice)
• Garlic
• Onions

DON’T FORGET THESE FRIDGE ITEMS:

• Milk
• Butter
• Eggs
• Mayonnaise
• Parmesan cheese
• Various Cheeses
• Sour Cream
• Cream Cheese
• Frozen Vegetables (usually frozen taste better)

Other Handy Pantry Items:

• Pastas
• Dried Beans
• Spaghetti Sauce
• Canned Soup (Cream of Chicken or Mushroom)
• Canned Veggies
• Potatoes
• Celery
• Carrots

Basic Oils: Olive Oil, Sesame Oil, Peanut Oil, Vegetable Oil

Extracts: Every pantry has to have Vanilla but some nice additions over time are Lemon, Peppermint, Butter, Almond, and Maple

With a well stocked pantry you will be inspired to make simple dishes that are not only more satisfying than processed microwave meals, but are cheaper and healthier and your kitchen will look great with a solid wood creation from Amish craftsmen.

Tags: amish solid wood, corner cabinets, hoosier cabinets, kitchen cabinets, pantries, pantry, shelves

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 at 11:11 pm and is filed under Furniture Tips, Kitchens, Organization and Storage, Party & Event Hosting, Solid Wood Furniture, The Art of Dining at Home. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.