If you
have been following this three part series of articles on our blog, then you know that our
primary goal is to help you stock your pantry with the most basic
ingredients necessary to feed your family, hence the name the
'minimalist pantry'. The eventual goal would be for you to expand
your pantry by including a few items at a time that you and your
family enjoy so that you can prepare nutritious and delicious meals
without breaking the bank. As I have shown and will continue to
demonstrate, the most economical way to feed both yourself and your
family is to prepare meals at home.
In
phase one of the minimalist pantry we focused on the basic dry goods
that need to be in every pantry. In phase two, we concentrated on
which canned items compliment the basic dry goods purchased in phase
one, thereby giving you and your family more options when preparing
meals at home. In this third installment of the minimalist pantry, we
will focus on rounding out the inventory of your pantry with the
necessary items to broaden the number and types of recipes you can
prepare.
Dry
Goods (Total Cost $16.54)
Dry
goods are those items that tend to be the building blocks of many
recipes. As the term implies, these items are shelf stable and do not
require refrigeration. That means they typically have expiration
dates that last months or even possibly years which makes them good
items to stock up on when they are on sale at your local supermarket.
Active
Dry Yeast – A necessity in the pantry, active dry yeast has been
used by generations of both homemakers and professional bakers. If
you are going to make any of your own breads or bread products you
need to have some in your pantry. For the minimalist pantry, I
recommend purchasing the 4oz jar as opposed the 0.25oz (1/4oz)
packets. The packets are more convenient as they come pre-measured,
and If you do not do much baking, the packets may be the right choice
for you. However, purchasing the jar is almost 50% cheaper ounce per
ounce. The downside to the jar is that once it is open it has to be
refrigerated, but it has a refrigerated life of about 12 months. If
you buy the jar like I do and your recipe calls for 'one packet of
yeast', no problem as 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast is equal to
¼oz packet.(Red Star 0.25oz packets $1.55 or $2.06 per ounce, Red
Star 4oz Jar $4.62 or $1.15 per ounce)
Baking
Soda – You may also see it called bread soda or bicarbonate of soda
in recipes that originate outside the United States. Like baking
powder, it is used in non-yeast bread and bread products such as
cakes, pancakes and batters. It can be substituted for baking powder,
but an additional acid of some variety must be added to the recipe.
Like baking powder it is shelf stable and cheap and there is no
reason not to have it in the pantry as you will need it to make many
baked goods. (Great Value Baking Soda 16oz container $0.54)
Cornstarch
– An optional item in phase 1, cornstarch is primarily used as a
thickening agent in liquid preparations such as soups, stews, sauces,
and gravies. It is also used as a light coating for meats and chicken
that are pan fried and or added to stews or American Chinese dishes.
When combined with all-purpose flour, it makes a good homemade cake
or pastry flour. (See article 'All About Flour') It is one of those
items that we consider a necessity in the minimalist kitchen for both
it's versatility and price. (Argo Cornstarch 16oz container $1.42)
Powdered
Bouillon – Some people do not care for them, but they are another
minimalist pantry staple. Powdered bouillons can be used to give a
soup, sauce, stew or pot of beans added flavor. Shelf stable, it is
easy and quick to use to whip up some stock or broth If you do not
have any canned broth in your pantry. One 35oz container contains 182
(1 teaspoon) servings that make one cup (8oz of broth) for a combined
total of 11.3 gallons of broth or stock for less than $5.00 (about
$0.44 per gallon). That alone should be a reason to keep them in your
pantry. Powdered bouillons can be high in sodium (salt) so you need
to take that into consideration when adding it to your recipes or if
you have special dietary needs. You can find out more information on
powdered bouillons in my article 'Restaurants Use Them, So Should You?' We recommend you buy one of each. (Knorr Chicken or Beef
Bouillon 35.3oz container $4.98 at Walmart, Total cost for 2 $9.96)
Beverages
(Total Cost $4.88)
Another
food item that really wreaks havoc on your food budget is carbonated
beverages. Even when they are purchased on sale they are quite
expensive compared to other beverage options. Don't get me wrong I
used to love to drink diet soda. In fact, I used to drink about 6 to
8 12oz cans a day. I considered them my one 'treat' until I sat down
and figured out how much they actually cost when compared to other
options. It costs $0.24 to make a gallon of unsweetened tea, if you
add ¾ cup of sugar it costs and additional $0.06 (0.01 per ounce of
sugar) for a total of $0.30 for a gallon of sweet tea. Another
alternative to soft drinks are powdered drink mixes (Kool-Aid). It
costs $0.46 to make a gallon of Kool-Aid (that includes the $0.06 for
the ¾ cup of sugar). If you can buy your Kool-Aid on sale you can
reduce the cost to $0.26 per gallon.
Just
for perspective a 12-pack (144 total ounces) of 'Sam's Cola' (Walmart
brand) costs $2.68, you can make a gallon of tea (128 ounces) for
$0.30, and a gallon of Kool-Aid for $0.46. Therefore, a gallon of tea
is 89% cheaper than a 12-pack of soft drinks and a gallon of Kool-Aid
is 83% cheaper. Another way to look at it is you could make 9 gallons
of tea or 6 gallons of Kool-Aid for the price of a 12-pack of store
brand soft drinks.
Just so
you know I am not picking on soft drinks alone, I have a family
member that continues to buy the gallon container of Red Diamond tea
for $2.48. Personally, I think this is even more wasteful because
they already like iced tea, but refuse to make their own. Heck, I can
make 8 gallons of tea at home for each gallon she purchases at the
supermarket.
Tea
Bags – Ice Tea is a staple here in the southern United States and
it was my go to replacement for carbonated beverages and we make it
one gallon at a time. You want to buy the 'Family' size tea bags, it
is far easier to use them to make a gallon of tea (takes 4) then it
is to buy the small tea bags. I have tried them all and the Great
Value tastes just the same as the Lipton, Luzianne, Red Diamond and
other brands for less money. My family used to swear by Lipton brand,
but no one could tell the difference when I switched to the store
brand. When it comes to tea, it is the brewing process that makes the
biggest difference, not the brand. (Great Value Iced Tea Bags 48
count $2.88)
Kool-Aid
– The powdered flavored drink that remains as popular among kids
today as it did in the 1960's when I grew up sells for $0.20 per
packet (takes 2 packets to make a gallon). If you can buy the store
brand you can generally get it for even cheaper, but these are
becoming harder to find. Several times a year, the Kool-Aid brand
goes on sale for 10 for $1.00 (50% off) and we stock up on them.
These are a great alternative to carbonated beverages as they come in
variety of flavors and are really inexpensive, and they are caffeine
free. Buy 10 to start (it's only $2.00), if you can get them on sell
buy as many as you want, the packets are shelf stable and never seem
to go bad. I also use them to make my on own homemade Gatorade, check
out my article on how you can do the same 'Make Your own Sports Drink'. (Kool-Aid 0.22oz packets $0.20ea at Walmart, Total cost for
10 packets $2.00)
Sauces
And Flavorings (Total Cost $7.30)
Sauces
and flavorings help to add body and depth to your recipes. You can do
without them, but your food and baked items will not be as enjoyable.
If you like Asian inspired foods, you definitely need to have some
soy sauce in your pantry. However, we recommend that you have at
least one bottle of each of the following in your pantry inventory.
Lemon
Juice – I use it primarily for marinades and as a citric acid dip
for vegetables and fruits that I want to keep from changing color
when preparing to can them. (Great Value Lemon Juice 32oz bottle
$2.48)
Soy
Sauce – If you like Asian cuisine of any type, then you will need
this in your pantry inventory. Used in just about every Asian
inspired and Caribbean dish I make, we go through a lot at our house. It is
also an important component in my teriyaki jerky. Shelf stable, it
does not have to be refrigerated after opening. (Great Value Soy
Sauce 15oz bottle $1.88)
Worcestershire
Sauce – Another of those condiments that you just need to have. I use
it to add depth to sauces, stocks, stews and soups. I actually make
my own and will post that recipe on the blog one day in the near
future. (Great Value Worcestershire Sauce 10oz bottle $1.00)
Vanilla
Extract – If you are going to make cookies, cakes or other sweets
you are going to need to purchase some vanilla extract. I buy the
Mexican 'Molina' brand because it is 75% cheaper than the cheapest
competitor and the quality is good. (Molina Vanilla Extract 8.4oz
bottle $1.94 at Walmart)
Dressings
(Total Cost $4.42)
You
cannot make a sandwich or grill a hamburger or hot dog without some
form of dressing. In this instance I am referring to the basic
sandwich dressings mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup. If you have one
bottle of each of these you could actually make your own salad
dressings which is another category altogether. You may notice that
barbecue sauce has not been included in the minimalist pantry list.
As barbecue sauce is easily made from ketchup and mustard as well as
the spices included in phase 1 of the minimalist pantry I have not
included it here.Rather I have listed it in the optional category.
Ketchup
– Tomato ketchup Is the All-American condiment. They are so many
uses for ketchup that to list them all would be pointless. Just know
you should have some. Save your money and buy the store brand unless
you can find it on sale, they all taste the same. (Great Value
Ketchup 24oz bottle $1.08)
Mayonnaise
– You just cannot make a sandwich with mayonnaise (or 'Miracle Whip' type dressing), well I guess you
could, but what would be the point. Mayonnaise is probably the most
commonly used condiment or dressing in the American household.
Besides sandwiches you need it for chicken, tuna or potato salad. Mix
it with some milk and herbs and spices and you can make your own
Ranch dressing. The bottom line is you need it in your pantry. Save
your money and buy the store brand unless you can find it on sale,
they all taste the same. (Great Value Mayonnaise 15oz bottle $2.36)
Mustard
– All natural yellow mustard, who can eat a hot dog without it. In
addition to hot dogs and sandwiches, yellow mustard is used to make
a number of individual sauces including vinaigrettes for salads,
marinades and of course barbecue sauce. Save your money and buy the
store brand unless you can find it on sale, they all taste the same.
(Great Value Yellow Mustard 14oz bottle $0.98)
Optional
Items (Total Cost $5.68)
Ramen
Noodles – A college friend of mine once called these “broke
people food.” When I was in college I definitely ate my share of
these cheap noodles (Maruchan brand for a $0.20 per package) that you
find at your local supermarket. They are definitely cheap, but weak
of flavor, and their nutritional value is minimal. If you are tempted
to buy ramen noodles then I suggest visit your local Korean,
Japanese, or Chinese market and check out the choices there, at least
you will find a multitude of different brands of ramen noodles that
have a variety of flavors and heat levels. The only time I use these
anymore (the Maruchan brand) is when I want the noodles to add to my
own soup base. That is to say I open the package and throw out
everything except the noodles. (Maruchan Ramen Noodles 3oz package
$0.20ea, or 12-pack for $2.00 at Walmart)
Hot
Sauce – I have listed this as an option for the minimalist pantry,
but we always have at least one bottle in the pantry. Made from a
combination of red peppers and vinegar most of them taste pretty
similar. Generally, I prefer Louisiana Hot Sauce, but for the price
you cannot beat Valentina Mexican Hot Sauce. If you have the spare
money, buy one and keep it in your pantry. (Valentina Mexican Hot
Sauce 34oz bottle $2.00 at Walmart)
Barbecue
Sauce – This is an optional dressing to have in your pantry. We
keep several bottles in our pantry, but only purchase it when it is
on sale for $0.88 for a 12oz bottle. I suggest you buy original or
plain style BBQ sauce, then you can add your own additional flavors
from items in your pantry such as honey, chipotle peppers, liquid
smoke, apple sauce etc. Having a plain sauce is like having a blank
canvas to experiment with. (Kraft Original BBQ Sauce 17.5oz bottle $1.68)
Conclusion
For
about $40.00 (Total cost $38.82 with the optional items) you can
complete phase 3 of the minimalist pantry ($100.00 for all three
phases) and begin to create a pantry that will allow you to provide
nutritious and delicious meals for you and your family. As I
mentioned earlier in the article, this is a minimalist pantry, it is
just a start. Many of the dry good items you will only need to buy
once or twice month, as for the herbs and spices they should last one
or two months. Each month, or each time you get paid restock your
minimums, and maybe add one or two additional items. These are my
personal recommendations, if you have additional money and wish to
purchase a few additional spices or dry goods then go for it. The
purpose of this article to to show you the bare minimums you need to
get started.
The
plan for this subject was to break it down into three articles (Phase
1, 2, and 3) each with my recommendations for the most basic items
needed to stock your pantry to maximize your food dollars. Each phase
builds on the proceeding one allowing you to slowly build up your
pantry inventory over time. My goal was to make stocking your pantry
as useful and as painless as possible. You can complete one phase
each per pay period, or if you have the spare cash spend
$100.00 and do it all at one time. Remember, use these articles or a
guideline, adjust the particular items in your pantry to fit your
family's individual needs or dietary requirements.
If you
are looking to find additional ways to stretch your food dollars, be
sure and check out some of my other articles on the subject on our
blog. And as always, if you have enjoyed this article, please share
it with your friends and don't forget to send us a friend request on
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articles.
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