Picture it. Sicily 1923... Wait, that's not right! Oh, here we go. Picture it. You're sitting at home, in your sweats, or maybe your pj's, binge watching something on Netflix, and your phone rings. It's your family calling to say that they are about 20 minutes aways and they are going to drop by. Or better yet, they just show up without warning! Yay! What do you do?
Hopefully you have your pantry stocked with snacks that you can put out to serve your unexpected guests, or better yet, items to create a decent meal! Because chances are, they will be peckish. Well if not, I got you covered!
Today's post is all about pantry staples that are a good choice to have on hand at all times, and some of these items are my faves. Even having just a few of these will make sure you are party ready at any moment! I'll also be sharing an easy recipe that can be whipped up in no time.
So get your pencil and paper ready, (or phone) and start making your grocery list!
NUTS: roasted almonds or cashews (unsalted/salted), or mixed nuts
HONEY: use it in salad dressings, or on a cheese board
CORNICHONS/GHERKINS: these mini, tart pickles are great with sandwiches or with cheese and cured meats. Dill pickles will also work if you are not a fan of gherkins.
TUNA: good quality tuna in oil is great in pasta dishes; in a pinch, mix it with diced red onions, chopped fresh parsley, some black pepper and a bit of olive oil; serve with crackers or fresh crusty bread.
OLIVES: kalamata, green, or cocktail olives are always a hit.
MARINATED VEGGIES: artichokes, giardiniera, or sun-dried tomatoes are great additions to sandwiches, cured meats and cheese. Add sun-dried tomatoes to hummus, whipped feta or goat cheese and serve with crackers.
DRIED PASTA: you can make a quick, easy and delicious meal in about half an hour. A simple recipe to try is Pasta Aglio e Olio. ( find the recipe at the bottom of this list)
SAN MARZANO TOMATOES: they are sweeter and firmer than other canned plum tomatoes and lower in acid; use them in sauces, soups and on pizza.
DRIED FRUITS: apricots, figs, cranberries, go well with cheeses; but even better are mangoes, papaya or pineapple. Delicious as a snack all on their own.
DIJON MUSTARD: great in dressings, a spread for sandwiches or add it to a marinade for chicken
CHOCOLATE COVERED ALMONDS: because you always need a sweet, fancier treat!
CRACKERS: this is a given. Any type of cracker is acceptable; breadsticks are a good choice too.
GOOD QUALITY CHIPS: I like Terra veggie chips. They are great served with dips like hummus, onion dip and baba ganoush. Pretzels are a great snack too; either on their own or with dips and mustards.
And like I promised, here is the pasta recipe:
Pasta Algio e Olio
1 pound pasta (preferably spaghetti)
1/3 cup olive oil
6-8 cloves garlic, finely sliced
1/2 teaspoon red chilli flakes
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
salt and pepper to taste
*cook pasta according to pasta directions in salted water
*meanwhile, heat oil over medium heat in a large skillet; add garlic and when oil begins gets hot, reduce heat to medium-low; cook garlic until it its golden brown (5 minutes). Stir in chilli flakes and salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
*add drained pasta to skillet; sprinkle in the parsley and half of the cheese; stir until combined.
*sprinkle with the remaining cheese when ready to serve
-tuna would be a great addition here as well
Now you have a few ideas of what to stock in your pantry so you are always ready at a moments notice. With even just a few of these items in your pantry repertoire, you can rest easy and indulge your guests with a great meal on the fly!
The only problem with that is, they may be so impressed with your culinary abilities, that they may stop by more often! :)
Until next time!
~A
TIP: Whenever you make your next grocery trip, be sure to replenish any pantry items that may have been used up, so you are not without the next time company drops in. Most of these items are fairly inexpensive, so you can always buy a few at a time too.
No comments:
Post a Comment