What's in Your Pantry?

A well stocked pantry can yield many creative and delicious meals. Here is a small list of some staple items you may want to keep in your pantry.Adjust these to your budget and your tastes:
Canned Foods:chicken, fish (tuna, shrimp, clams, salmon), beans (white beans, navy beans, garbanzo beans), chicken and beef broths, tomatoes (including paste and sauce), olives, capers, artichokes, sun dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, mushrooms, corn, olives, green chilies, mushroom and tomato soups, evaporated milk, fruits (peaches, pineapple), Mandarin oranges, pie fillings.
Bottles & Jars: oils (olive, canola, sesame), vinegars (red and white wine, balsamic, rice), marinara sauce, mayo, mustard, ketchup, salad dressings, applesauce, nut butters, salsa.
Dry Goods: pastas, rice, popcorn, dry soup mix, chili spice packet, dry mushrooms, instant puddings and jellos, cake mix, Bisquick, dried fruits, nuts (walnuts, peanuts, pecans), raisins, bread crumbs, seaweed.
Everyday staples: coffee, tea, salt, pepper, herbs and spices, dried onion and garlic, cereal, crackers, jam, juices, protein bars, sugar, honey, flour.
More: onions, garlic, potatoes, apples, bread, Parmesan cheese, frozen meats, chicken, fish, frozen peas and spinach, ice cream.

Here is a recipe right from my pantry:

FUSILLI WITH TUNA, TOMATOES & ARTICHOKE HEARTS
serves 2, double it for 4

Fusilli Pasta 8 oz.
Olive oil
1/2 onion
4 cloves garlic
1 small can tomatoes, chopped (save juice)
2 cans tuna, drained & broken up into chunks
2 dozen Kalamata (or black, ripe) olives (optional)
1 small can artichoke hearts, drained & quartered
Dry parsley; salt & fresh ground pepper
1 tsp.dried red pepper flakes (optional)

1. Fill a large pot with water, add 1 Tb. salt, bring to boil.Add pasta & 2 Tb. oil, cook until al dente, drain & set aside.Save about 1 cup of the pasta water for the sauce.
2.Heat about 1/4 cup olive oil in large pan, saute onion until tender.Add garlic, tomatoes (without sauce), tuna, olives, artichoke hearts and seasonings.Stir to heat. Add pasta, stir until well mixed, taste then add tomato juice or pasta water to add moisture (start with 1/2 Cup), taste, adjust liquid & seasonings.
3.Eat and enjoy!

This is a delicious, quick meal.You can substitute or add any number of the ingredients:  canned mushrooms, roasted red peppers,or sun dried tomatoes.You can even add some white beans (yes!). I cook with rice pasta (from natural foods store) and the combo of rice pasta with beans equals a complete protein!

I am excited to hear from you about the different combinations you have concocted or any questions you may have.

Bon Appetit!