Winter Pantry Essentials You Have Just Got To Have
As we start to head into the colder months, I find myself turning to the pantry more frequently than I do in the summer. As more time is spent at home with a fire crackling and less desire to head out in the rain, it's best to stock up on a few essentials which will still ensure delicious meals to be made.
Canned Beans and Lentils - Red lentils for soups, chickpeas for hummus and cannellini beans for stews. Get a couple of cans of everything and the list of recipes are endless.
Oils - Olive, vegetable and sesame oils are a must but I also want to add chili oil. Specifically, the Banhoek Chilli Oil. It's my absolute fave with just the right amount of heat and consistency in every bottle. Drizzle a little in just about any meal you make. It will only elevate it!
Zipper Bags - Proper storage is key in winter. Whether it's dried pasta, oats and rice, or canned fruit, pie filling and fruit cups; Zipper Bags protect your products from moisture, oxygen, dust, light and odours. They're freezer-safe too! Get some ASAP.
Bacon - The ultimate ingredient for all comfort food: Be it, Burgers, Mac n Cheese, Saucy Pastas, Bacon and Brie Potatoes and let's be real - even a plate of streaky bacon all on its own-some-lonesome, is, EPIC.
Spices – Dried mixed herbs, ground cumin, curry powder, turmeric, chili, cinnamon, and fennel seeds. Go forth and conquer with these items in your dish.
Baking Paper – A absolute MUST HAVE for all your baking creations – take out the tedious chore of having to clean your sticky and greasy trays and tins by using a sheet of silicone coated baking paper. It is also the ideal paper for roasted meats and vegetables, as it absorbs all the excess fat and grease, making clean-up fast and efficient.
Flour, Maizena and Stocks – It seems like an obvious one but there is nothing more infuriating than heading to the cupboard to thicken that gravy in the 11th hour, only to come up empty. These items are useful for breads, puddings, soups, gravy, risotto, and sauces. All the wintery food goodness.
TGIF.