Winter has arrived, and as the temperatures sink, the importance of keeping a stocked pantry rises. “A good selection of basics and the knowledge of how to use them prevents that quick trip to McDonalds,” said MaryEllen Henry, a teacher of home and career skills at Saranac Middle School. Food at the middle school is a favorite topic and the staff is working on their second collection of recipes. With Henry’s help and the help of the Saranac Middle School staff, we’ve come up with the top five foods to stock your pantry with this winter.

Canned Goods… This category includes simple things, from broths and soups to protein items like canned tuna, ham and chicken. Canned items can be stored for long spans of time without spoiling. Canned vegetables can be added to a pasta dish to add a bit of zing or can be used to make a hearty stew, Henry said. Casseroles using canned tuna or chicken are easy to prepare and will fill up your whole family. Many casserole dishes can be prepared in a crock-pot. Prepare the ingredients before you head out to work and let them simmer all day. Dinner will be ready when you get home, leaving you only needing to set the table. Top your dinner off by opening a can of peaches or mixed fruit. If you are really feeling decadent, you can use the fruit as a topping to a bowl of ice cream. Think canned goods are not healthy? “So much of it (canned foods) has low sodium and few preservatives,” Henry said.

Dried Beans… Whether you prefer lentils to make a delicious lentil soup, a side dish of baked beans or a Mexican inspired black beans and rice, keeping dried beans in the house is a smart idea. “I always keep some handy, especially when everyone is home,” explains Henry. Beans are a protein, so using them in place of a meat is an inexpensive way to add variety to your dinner menus. Be sure to check your recipe or the bag that the beans come in for directions on preparing the beans. Some beans need to soak before you can use them in your dishes.

Pasta… Probably one of the most versatile foods, pasta has a place in every pantry. Pasta can be used for a macaroni and cheese dish, spaghetti and meatballs, or even added to soups. There are many different types of pastas – different shapes, different colors and different flavors. Look to the supermarket fliers for pasta sales so that you can stock the pantry. “It’s something all my kids would eat all the time,” Henry adds. Instead of calling for Italian take-out, make your own dishes at home where you can control what your food consists of.

Cereals… Cereal isn’t just for breakfast anymore. According to Henry, cereal, especially oatmeal, can be used in a lot of taste bud-friendly dishes. You can use cereals in dishes from fried chicken to crunchy casseroles. Oh, and don’t forget cereal bars! Whether you buy the name brand box or the no-frills bag, keeping your pantry stocked with cereal will provide you with breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. Check out www.bettycrocker.com for all kinds of cereal-inspired treats.

Baking Goods… Things like flour, sugar – both brown and white- and baking soda are probably the most versatile ingredients you’ll find in a pantry. Flour isn’t just for baking cakes and cookies. With a few simple ingredients, flour can be used to make tortillas, soups and dumplings. Sugar is often added to dishes to bring up the sweetness, like a marinade or a glaze. Breads make a nice addition to a meal of soup on a cold winter’s night and can be made easily in the oven, the bread maker or even the crock-pot. Flour stays good for as long as 8 months after it is opened. Just keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Check the packages of ingredients such as yeast, baking soda and sugar for storage information.

Whatever you choose to do this winter, make sure you have some of these items on hand. Using items from your pantry will help you to make healthy and delicious foods for your family. Saving time and money is something we are all looking to do this winter. So raid your pantry and be creative in all your cooking adventures! Good luck!

Check out these websites for new and creative recipes using the top five pantry items: www.cooks.com Allows you to search for recipes using ingredients, themes such as Italian or Mexican, and courses, like appetizers or desserts. www.bettycrocker.com Provides recipes, a how-to section and links to message boards and recipe contests. Sign up to create a profile and you can even upload pictures and your own recipes. www.recipe.com All the recipes you can think of, plus a recipe swap section. The recipe $aver feature guides you through organizing recipes and finding discounts at your local supermarkets.

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