The 5 Things to Stock Your Pantry With this Month

The holidays are coming up -- which means it's time to stock your pantry. Here are the 5 things you'll want to get lots of, right now. You'll thank us later, we promise.

Farro (and/or other hearty, quick-cooking grains)

'Tis the season of parties, of gigantic dinners, of slaving for long hours in the kitchen...and of leftovers. A big batch of farro -- or bulgur, or quinoa, or any grain of your choice, really -- can help stretch those leftovers throughout the week. Plus, they're healthy; they're the stuff you'll actually want to eat all week long.

 

Canned pumpkin

True, this feels obvious; we can't stop talking about pumpkin. But to have a delicious, seasonal ingredient, right there in your pantry, looking all orange and perky and fun? It's pretty priceless when you are looking to whip up a quick weeknight soup, or bake a pie, or make a batch of soft chocolate chip cookies.

 

Canned tomatoes

When you've got your blinders on, heading straight towards Thanksgiving, thinking only of stuffing and turkeys and gravy and pies, it's easy to forget that there are other meals that exist. And that's dinner. Tonight. Enter the wonderful can of tomatoes; turn it into soup, chili, sauce, a braise, whatever. They cook down quickly -- and you won't need much else to make them into a meal.

 

Crackers

The doorbell rings. "Oh! Hi there! So great to see you! Come on in!" What are they doing here? Why did they have to drop by right now? What the hell am I going to feed them? Put whatever you have in the fridge on some crackers, and call it an hors d'oeuvre. 

More: Check out more pantry staples in Provisions for things to put on your crackers.

 

Lots of oil, flour, sugar, and vinegar.

You totally have enough of this stuff -- of course you have that flour! Of course you'd never run out of sugar! -- until you're in the middle of cooking and your meausuring cup bangs against the bottom of your container. Stock up on double what you think you'll need; you'll end up using all of it, we promise.

What are your pantry staples for the holidays? Let us know in the comments!