Taking stock Spice shelf

For stress-free summer meal planning, keep these staples on hand.

Refrigerator

Cheeses, delicatessen meats, bacon
Milk, cream, eggs, butter
Fresh herbs: parsley, basil, mint
Salad greens, cucumbers, bell peppers
Fruits: melons, berries, stone fruits
Citrus fruits: lemons, limes
Olives, capers, anchovies
Active dry yeast (if you bake)
Condiments: mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise

Freezer

Ice cream
Nuts: walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, almonds, pine nuts
Hot dogs and rolls
Ground beef and hamburger buns
Frozen condensed juices: orange and lemonade
Breads: French, pita, tortillas, whole wheat

Pantry

Onions
Garlic
Potatoes
Honey
Jams
Pasta: spaghetti, penne
Canned and fresh tomatoes
Rice: basmati, jasmine, arborio
Canned and dried beans: chickpeas, lentils, cannellini, black
Maple syrup
Crackers
Chicken stock
Clam juice
Dried fruits: cherries, raisins, apricots
Oatmeal
Flour
Cornmeal
Sugar: white, brown, confectioners'
Baking soda, baking powder
Vanilla extract
Cornstarch
Chocolate: bittersweet and sweet
Cocoa powder
Oil: canola, olive oil
Vinegar: red wine, sherry
Asian seasonings: soy sauce, fish sauce, rice wine vinegar
Spicy seasonings: Worcestershire sauce, liquid hot sauce

Spice shelf

Salt: kosher, sea
Black pepper
Cayenne pepper
Crushed red pepper
Bay leaf
Oregano
Cinnamon
Cumin
Dry mustard
Paprika