In 10 Minutes:

Gerry’s must have Pantry Items

Being a true gourmet is kind of like being MacGyver in that you have to be prepared. Having a well-stocked pantry means that you are better able to follow recipes and create new ones because you’ll usually have most of the non-perishables and dry goods you need on hand. The following is a list of staple ingredients that I use on a day to day basis.

Most can be found  at Trader Joe’s or your local grocery store. Having a well-stocked pantry makes shopping less expensive,in the long run (I buy 1 or 2 items during weekly shopping)  since these ingredients last a long time and are used in a lot of different recipes. As a bonus, there are plenty of dishes that can be prepared almost entirely from pantry ingredients, which means you’re eating well while saving money. If I refer to a “pantry” item in a recipe, it means you should already have it on hand. The  prices are approximate and based on Trader Joe’s and World Market prices in Atlanta Ga. ~ GC

• Unbleached all-purpose flour (I prefer King Arthur ) $4 for a 5 lb bag
• Extra virgin olive oil $6 for a 12 oz
• Vegetable/canola oil $4 for 16 oz
• Baking soda $3 for a 6 oz can
• Baking powder $3 for a 6 oz can
• White granulated sugar $3 for a 4lb bag
• Brown sugar $3 for a 16 oz box/bag
• Honey $4 for 8 oz
• Balsamic vinegar $4 for 12 oz
• Peanut butter $4 for 12 oz
• Mayonnaise (store it in the fridge after opening!) $3 for 16 oz
• Garlic $0.50 for a head
• Bay leaf $2
• Sun-dried tomato $3
• Dried Chipotles $3
• Thai Green curry paste @4
• Black bean garlic sauce $ 2.50
• Hoisin sauce $2.50
• Roasted green chilies $2
• Tahini $4
• Tomato paste $2
• Sesame oil (toasted) $5
• Sweet Chile sauce $3
• Chipotles in adobo $3
• Ginger (fresh) $3 lb.
• Curry powder (chiang mai) $2
• Black peppercorns $2
• Kosher salt $3 for 24 oz