Foods to Stock for Winter

Foods to Stock for Winter
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