Hello Everyone!
Many of you asked me for advise on how to fill your fridge, freezer and pantry (or cupboard) with healthy ingredients that are not only nutritious but long lasting as well. During these uncertain times feeding their family with delicious and nutritious meals is a must.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to follow these steps and even after the Covid-19 pandemic is over, which hopefully will be soon, you may continue with these healthy habits.
BASIC SPICES (Price is about $15.00 Canadian)
- salt
- ground or whole black pepper
- red paprika powder
- dry thyme
- dry oregano
- unsweetened cocoa powder
- dry chili flakes
Of course you may have other spices if you love to cook different dishes all the time. My cupboard is full of all kinds of spices & spice mixes as variety makes cooking and baking interesting.
BASIC PANTRY STAPLES (These cost around $70.00 Canadian)
- Flour (I usually use unbleached all-purpose flour)
- powdered sugar
- sugar
- salt (I like to use sea salt and pink Himalaya salt)
- vegetable oil
- olive oil (I also like grape seed oil, extra virgin olive oil)
- dry pastas (4 packs)
- rice
- pasta sauces (4 cans or bottles)
- canned diced or crushed tomatoes
- canned or dry beans (2 cans)
- canned or dry chickpeas (2 cans)
- potatoes (10 lb)
- onion
- garlic
- baking powder
- baking soda
- yeast
- cornstarch
Remember, these are basics and if you are just like me then your pantry is full of many more ingredients as I cook not only Hungarian, but Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Thai, German and so many more international dishes.
So add your favorites to make your pantry your little “store” whenever you need inspiration to cook something delicious for your loved ones.
FRIDGE BASICS (These cost about $70.00 Canadian)
- Milk
- water (2 x 24 cases)
- yogurt
- celery
- parsley
- cilantro (at least in my house)
- tomato
- pepper (such as bell, chili etc)
- lemon / lime
- bread (that’s where I keep it)
- toast
- eggs
- cheese
- ketchup
- mustard
- mayonnaise
- barbecue sauce
- juice
- apple
- orange
- cold cuts (salami, sausages)
Of course the fridge staples depend on your favorites, heritage and needs. These are the basics that mostly everyone has in theirs.
FREEZER STAPLES (These cost around $40.00-$50.00 depending on the type of meat)
- frozen broccoli (2 bags)
- frozen mixed vegetables (2 bags)
- frozen pasta mix (if you cook pasta)
- frozen fruit (if you drink smoothies) (2 bags)
- frozen meat (depending on diet and culture)
- spinach
- ice-cream (a must in mine)
Of course your freezer is also very personal that you must fill with whatever you enjoy. But if you cook or trying to learn how to cook, the above come in handy.
I personally love to cook and portion meals in plastic containers to freeze for the days when I don’t have the time to make a meal or feeling lazy. These days it’s wouldn’t be a bad idea to freeze some meals in case you become ill and you are the only one who can cook in your family.
When it comes to meat, I like to have in my freezer some chicken (whole, thighs, wings etc.), pork, beef, duck and fish.
Please remember that these are the very basics. You may add your favorites or necessities to make your family happy.
TIP
If you are enjoying my recipes, my suggestion is to make a list of your favorites and write down the ingredients. So the next time you are in the store get them to have on hand when you decide to make a meal for your family.
VISIT MY OTHER PAGES
Easy Recipes & Cookbooks 
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