Cottage pantry update

Forget the saying “Out with the old.” This list offers new essentials to place beside your existing favourites on the cupboard shelves.

Pasta
Old: Spaghetti
New: Penne, orzo, rice noodles

Grains
Old: Long-grain white rice
New: Basmati rice, long-grain brown rice, short-grain rice, couscous, quinoa, kasha, wheat berries

Beans and legumes
Old: Red kidney beans
New: White kidney beans, chickpeas, French green lentils

Condiments and flavouring agents
Old: Red and white wine vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, vegetable oil, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, stock cubes
New: Balsamic vinegar, aged sherry vinegar, rice vinegar, flavoured olive oils, capers, spice rubs and pastes, marinades, barbecue sauces, salsas

Salt
Old: Common table salt
New: Kosher salt (I like Diamond Crystal), flaked sea salt

Dried fruit and nuts
Old: Raisins, apricots, almonds, walnuts
New: Dried cranberries, dried cherries, dried blueberries, pecans

Olives
Old: Green olives
New: Firm purplish kalamatas, wrinkled black dry-cured olives, crunchy cracked green olives

Herbs and spices
Old: Oregano, thyme, basil, tarragon, cayenne, paprika, cinnamon, black peppercorns, curry
powder, chili powder
New: Coriander, cumin, saffron

Fresh basics
Fresh garlic, ginger root, lemons, onions

-  Jane Rodmell

Other resources:

• Opening-up checklist for pantry staples, including a printable shopping list.

Copyright © 2009 by Cottage Life. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article, photograph, or artwork, for other than personal use, in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden