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Foodie Friday: My Perfect Pantry


When I was growing up I lived in a house that was built in 1924. It had a big kitchen and a pantry, both of which were standard for life in 1924. It was great for our family life, too. We moved to this house in 1957 and my mother loved all the space in the pantry. She could keep her large collection of pans and cooking implements, as well as take advantage of sales. My mother was a cook and a baker and liked to  have supplies at hand to keep us fed.

In 2015 I live in a small New York apartment and I have a galley kitchen and three shelves in place of a pantry. I like to cook, too, but I don't have space for everything I would like. I was delighted to have the opportunity from Blogging for Books to review "My Perfect Pantry" and get advice about items I could easily keep on hand that would translate into great food.   

If you're a fan of food shows on television you're familiar with Geoffrey Zakarian. I was eager to translate some of the great food from his restaurants into my own meals and I was pleased to see that the ingredients he suggests as pantry essentials are neither expensive or esoteric. I keep tuna, cider vinegar and peanut butter all the time and I can add barley, lima beans and chicken stock. I do need to add some spices, but with some basics there are great recipes. From my regular stock of canned tomatoes I'm planning to make braised green beans with tomatoes. I'm also going to buy dried lima beans and try the lima bean hash. I think it will be a perfect meal for these cold, cold winter days.  These are not especially simple recipes, but I can definitely see making most of them. There are great baking ideas, too, including a fabulous one for chocolate muffins.

I was delighted to have this opportunity to get my kitchen and "pantry" in order and stock up on foods that  will actually translate into delicious meals. Thanks, Geoffrey Zakarian and Blogging for Books for this great opportunity.

Today was an errand day and warm enough for a walk outside. The temperatures are dropping quickly -- my phone reports that it feels like it's ten degrees outside -- and I can hear the wind. I may just keep warm and cozy indoors tomorrow and drink lots of herbal tea.

As always, thanks for visiting and take good care. Keep cozy!

Please note: I received a copy of "My Perfect Pantry" for review purposes. The opinions are all mine.

13 comments

The Cranky said...

The book, and the ideas you wrote about, sound wonderful, and just the sort of thing I'm looking for!

I grew up in an old house with a huge kitchen and pantry as well; wish I had all that space now!

Barb said...

We had our pantry closet redone a year ago - I love it. It's small but the shelves and drawers now fit all my small appliances as well as my stock of food items. Mostly, I love that it's not a jumble of clutter, and I know where to find everything. Yes to the chocolate muffins! They'd go well with the herbal tea.

Tracy said...

I'm curious what he says are essentials. When I watch him cook on tv he seems pretentious.

TARYTERRE said...

i have a small kitchen so I know how important it is to use the space effectively. Sounds like you have your pantry in order.We're expecting 10 inches of snow here. Stay warm where you are.

Unknown said...

The house we live in was built by my hubby for his parents a long time ago. He loves to cook (I dont), so he made sure there was a pantry and many, many drawers and cabinets. He is in charge of what is needed and makes a list for me when I go to the grocery! Glad you got things arranged like you wanted. Stay warm and enjoy the tea.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

My small pantry is filled and over flowing. I do like to keep things on hand so I have what is needed too. I really need to minimize what I have. It's way to much for just me. Not easy to do though.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

My small pantry is filled and over flowing. I do like to keep things on hand so I have what is needed too. I really need to minimize what I have. It's way to much for just me. Not easy to do though.

Sola Scriptura said...

I like the sound of where you grew up. Having both a big kitchen and a pantry would be wonderful!

Linda said...

Oh how I would love to have a chefs kitchen with walk in pantry. Our pantry/shelving items are dwindling, time to restock up. Great post, Buttercup. (very cold here in western NY, WINK) Blessings

Susie said...

Buttercup, I dream of having a pantry. My daughter has a good sized one...they go in there when they have tornado warnings... I tell them at least you can eat in there. :):) I used to love to cook...not so much any more. I do the one pot meals when I can. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

Nellie said...

I must confess that my pantry is out of control! I did, however, have all that was needed to make a meatless three-bean chili today to accommodate our vegetarian guests! That was a good feeling that I didn't have to go to the super market! I should have required each of them (all family was visiting) to take something from the pantry home with them!:-)

Maggid said...

it's fun to think of you cooking up something fun . . and keeping cozy when it's so chilly outside . . .

Terra said...

That sounds like an interesting book. We do like to keep our shelves well stocked, especially with herbs and spices.