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11 Staples for Your Rural Kitchen

There are some things that I ALWAYS keep in my pantry. 
I had assumed most everyone did this, especially those who live in areas like I do (rural).

The other day, someone told me she didn't have chicken broth on hand.

Hold the phone! 
You're telling me you don't keep at LEAST 2 one hand AT ALL TIMES?!?!?!?!

I was baffled..

So I got to thinking... maybe I AM a little weird.  I tend to be a planner and I think logically.  If there is a more efficient way to do something, I"ll do it that way.  If there is a way to be a little better prepared... Im SO there!

So here is a list of things I add to my grocery list when they get down to one package/can/box.

1)Broth (Vegetable, Chicken and Beef.)
Why?  The list of things you can use these for is endless but here are a few basics, soups, stews, rice dishes, marinades etc etc.  You can use broth for a multitude of things.

2) Rice/Pasta/Beans
Seriously who DOESNT keep at least one package of these around at all times?!  Cheap, versatile and long shelf life!  A rural womans necessity!

3) Pasta sauce/marinara/canned tomatoes
In a pinch, you can make lasagna, spaghetti, veggie chili and more if you have a jar/can of these on hand.  It keeps a long time and is a lifesaver in a pinch.

4) Potatoes
No explanation needed right?  The list of things you can make with potatoes would take up too much space.

5) Cream of "something" soups
Usually I have Cream of mushroom soup on hand, but a lot of times its based off of what is on sale.  The amount of casseroles, hot dishes you can throw together with these soup bases is mind boggling.  A glimpse: stroganoff, green bean casserole, tater tote casserole, chicken and rice..... omy, Chicken tetrazzini!.... need I go on?

6) Beans/chili
I always have some cans of beans. Black, kidney, pinto, chili etc.  Mainly used to make chili or bake potatoe bar and things like that, beans can also be added to a wrap or salad. (again, long shelf life)

7) Frozen veggies and fruit
When you live far from a grocery store, fresh produce isn't always readily available.  Frozen seems fresher and tastier than canned.

8) Tuna
Lunch and Dinner options... gotta have it!

9) Brown sugar/sugar/flour
I don't really love to bake things from scratch but these are items to keep around for when you need to whip something up.

10) I always have at least one or two packages of chicken in my freezer.
This seems like a no-brainer to me.

11) Oats
I don't really love oatmeal as a breakfast food on a regular basis but oats can be used in a variety of things.  Meatloafs, crisps, cookies etc.

What are some of your staples you can live without having on hand?

Comments

  1. Rebekah HamonMarch 17, 2015 at 8:25 AM

    Olive oil, heavy whipping cream, ghee, lemons, limes, mayo, peanut butter, cashews, plus all that you listed. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Rebekah HamonMarch 17, 2015 at 8:25 AM

    Olive oil, heavy whipping cream, ghee, lemons, limes, mayo, peanut butter, cashews, plus all that you listed. :)

    ReplyDelete

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