Does anyone really like grocery shopping? I suppose sometimes I do, like when I was sick for 3+ weeks back in January and hadn’t left the house….the grocery store became a fun outing. Most of the time though, when there is nothing left in the house and I have put it off so long that it’s a necessity, I dread heading out to the grocery store. It may be due to the constant crowds and 30+ minute drive that I have to make to go to the commissary that puts the pressure on to not forget anything and make sure my list is complete! I always try and keep a notebook in the kitchen to write down items as I run out or think of them while cooking, but inevitably I sit and rack my brain, scour the pantry 8 times and still feel like I’m forgetting something. (which is why I think I should try the grocery list pad from knock knock)!
I realize this isn’t entirely normal, but I am the type of cook who likes to have EVERYTHING I could possibly need in stock at all times. I hate wanting to make something and being out of it so fortunately we have space at this house to have created a mini-mart in our basement complete with a deep freezer. I get jokes that our house is the place to be in case of an emergency or natural disaster, but I just hate not having what I need for a recipe! We also do a lot of entertaining and keeping a stocked pantry assures than at any time I can whip up a great last minute appetizer, dinner or dessert should I find out only hours before that guests are on their way. Here are a few of the random things that my pantry can’t seem to live without:
- Boone Hall Farms natural peanut butter (from Charleston, SC) – I stock up on this stuff every time I visit and panic if I run out!
- chicken broth
- olive oil
- cereal, of course
- spicy brown mustard
- vinegar
- craisins
- lime juice
- jasmine rice
- whole grain rolled oats
- honey
- dark (60% or higher) chocolate
- diced tomatoes
- almonds
- and last but not least……popcorn kernels!
Do you have a foolproof method for keeping your grocery list? What random things do you always make sure to have in stock?
Karen Roush 