The rustic kitchen... stocking your cabin's pantry for the season

Are you ready for any eventuality?

Whether you're opening your rustic kitchen for a new season, or keeping it open all year round, you will want a well-stocked pantry for family gatherings, welcome guests, and fabulous meals.

I love cooking at our weekend getaway lodge. During the week I'm drained from work and the last thing I feel like doing is cooking - but when the weekend rolls around and we head out to the country, I'm already thinking about the great meals we can make.

And other than the fresh ingredients I bring with me each week, I know the kitchen is well stocked and ready.

What do you need?

will depend to some degree on your eating preferences but there are some things every rustic kitchen pantry should have so that you are prepared for anything!

Here's a checklist for your convenience.

Herbs & Spices

	salt		pepper
	peppercorns		vanilla
	cinnamon		nutmeg
	powdered ginger		basil
	oregano		thyme
	rosemary		sage
	garlic		crushed red pepper
	chili powder		dry mustard
	paprika		dill
	bay leaves		cream of tartar
	cloves

Staples

	baking soda		baking powder
	cornstarch		yeast - if you make bread
	flour - all purpose		sugar
	flour - whole wheat		molasses
	confectioner’s sugar		unsweetened cocoa powder
	chocolate or carob chips		brown sugar
	rice		pasta (spaghetti and macaroni)
	dried onion soup mix		gravy mix
	tomato paste		canned tomatoes
	peanut or almond butter		canned tuna
	canned salmon		raisins or other dried fruit
	cake mix		chocolate syrup
	oatmeal		granola and cold cereals
	selection of crackers		chicken or beef stock

	canned soups		canned beans
	canned mushrooms		olives
	applesauce		tea
	olive oil		red wine vinegar
	vinegar		nonstick cooking spray
	hot pepper sauce		Worcestershire sauce
	barbecue sauce		salsa
	honey		maple syrup (real)
	juice		nuts (almonds, sunflower seeds, mixed nuts, peanuts)

Grains, pastas, crackers, mixes, and nuts, must be stored and sealed in glass or tin to keep pesky critters out.

Refrigerated staples

	mayonnaise		ketchup
	mustard		relish
	salad dressings		soy sauce
	jams, jellies, and marmalades		capers

Non food goods

	paper towels		napkins
	aluminum foil		plastic wrap
	muffin cups		birthday candles
	baggies - large and small		garbage bags
	laundry detergent		toilet paper
	dish detergent

Ready in the freezer

	orange juice concentrate		frozen vegetables
	ground beef		chicken (whole and/or pieces)
	shrimp		ice cream or sorbet
	fish fillets		scallops
	other meat ______________		other fish ______________

Each time you visit

If you don't live full time at your cabin, the following items are what you may need to bring with you each time depending on your cooking plans.your cooking plans.

	milk		eggs
	butter		hard cheese (cheddar, swiss, havarti, etc.)
	soft cheese (cottage, cream, feta)		yogurt
	sour cream		fresh meats/fish
	deli meats		bacon/sausage
	juices		celery
	lemon		avocados
	tomatoes		fresh mushrooms
	lettuce or spinach		peppers
	cucumbers		onions
	potatoes		fresh fruit (oranges, apples, bananas, grapes, etc.)
	bread and buns		wine/beer

And any other items/ingredients you identify.

We have a bin that we bring back and forth - during the week we toss the things we intend to take to the lodge into it (except the refrigerated things, of course). This makes it very easy... and we're less likely to forget things since we put them in the bin throughout the week.