Trisha Novotny

As the temperature drops and I realize the winter blues are coming my way, I begin to think about stocking my pantry for the cold months ahead. I hate the cold, and I want to make as few trips to the grocery store as possible.

To stock your pantry right, first consider what dishes your family enjoys in the cold weather -- soup, chili, casseroles, slow-cooker meals or pasta -- as well as the types of baked goods you like to make.

If you walked into my pantry, you’d find these main ingredients in bulk on my shelves:

Staple foods:

- Ramen noodles, shelf-stable soups, plus stock or broth to make your own soup

- Pasta, rice and assorted noodles that can be added to soup, sauteed vegetables, and chicken or steak dishes for a one-bowl meal

- Dried or canned beans, canned tomatoes and vegetables, frozen vegetables and fruit

- Pasta sauce and jarred pesto, plus frozen pizza dough

- Boxed flavored pasta dishes, flavored rice dishes, and macaroni and cheese

- Peanut butter for sandwiches (ever try a grilled peanut butter sandwich?) and snacking (with toast, crackers, celery and apple slices)

- Garlic, onions, herbs (whole, minced, powdered, and in the case of onions and herbs, frozen)

- Seasonings, herbs, marinades and barbecue sauces -- plus an extra box of salt

Comfort foods:

- Instant hot chocolate

- Apple cider

- Tea and coffee

- Bags of marshmallows (for hot chocolate, baking or snacking)

- Chocolate chips (for cookies, quick fondue or snacking)

- Baking supplies: flour, sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar, baking soda, baking powder, vanilla and salt

- Brownie, cookie, muffin and pancake mix

I’m set for winter. How about you?

Trisha Novotny is the creator of 24/7 Moms, a blog that offers fun, keeping-it-simple ideas to make every moment as a mom count.

 

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Foods to Stock for Winter