How to Stock Your Kitchen for Quick Action Meals

Think freezer, refrigerator and pantry. Then think proteins, fats and carbohydrates, and make your shopping list. Include some Ziploc bags on your list. If you follow these simple rules, you should have what is necessary to make some simple delicious meals for your family when you are pressed for time.

What can you stock in the freezer that can last for about three months? Wrap the following carefully and they will.

· Bread crumbs: the canned ones will last longer, but you can make fresh ones which taste better.

· Lemon juice: Lemon juice can always make a quick, refreshing drink. You can buy some lemons or limes and squeeze a sufficient amount, or pick them from a tree in your garden.

· Peas: are versatile and nourishing. Stock up on a few bags. which can be easily resealed.

· Spinach: Stock up on some boxes of frozen, chopped spinach. They are inexpensive and just as nourishing as fresh spinach.

The following will keep for at least 1 to 2 weeks:

· Bacon: Freeze opened packages after one week.

· Butter: Stock up on sticks of butter, preferably sweet butter.

· Carrots: Purchase bags of carrots. They last longer than bunches.

· Cheese: Cheese can be ever so handy. Stock up on Cheddar and Swiss which melt well. Also stock up on Parmesan which is good for grating.

· Mustard and Ketchup: Always good to have on hand for kids.

· Dry sausages: These are perfect for pepping up soups and stews. Buy pepperoni, kielbasa and chorizo.

· Eggs: If you have a large family or if you use eggs often, purchase 12 per carton; otherwise purchase only 6 at a time.

· Lemons: can save a situation in many ways, especially for drinks.

· Milk: necessary, especially if you have children.

· Potatoes: a versatile staple. Buy Idaho potatoes; they are multipurpose.

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These will last at least 1 year, except the garlic and onions

· Beans: You cannot go wrong with a supply of a variety of beans. Garbanzo, red kidney or pinto beans, black beans; they all fit in well in salads, soups and sides.

· Chicken broth: A good one to stock up on.

· Garlic and Onions: You can’t go wrong with these. Look for bulbs which have dry, papery skins. You can buy these in either 14 oz. cans or cartons.

· Herbs ands Spices: A necessity. Buy small jars, so the spice does not get hard or lose flavor. Stock up on back pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper oregano and ground cumin.

· Oil: How can you not include oil? Buy canola and extra-virgin olive oil.

· Pasta and Rice; Vary your pasta and rice. Try fettuccine, twists, penne, ziti, and egg noodles. Buy long-grain, brown and basmati rice.

· Tomatoes: buy cans of whole tomatoes in juice.

· Tuna: I mention this last, but it’s not the least. Stock up on cans packed in water; you can add some packed in oil if you care. Tuna is nourishing with its omega fatty acids, and you can make many tasty dishes, as well as sandwiches.

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You cannot go wrong with these items. You may think of others you can add to the lists. Stocked with these, the next time you enter your kitchen and open the refrigerator to prepare a meal; instead of being filled with anxiety, you’ll have a smile on your face.

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