From "The Infinite Feast: How to Host the Ones You Love—Recipes from the Big Easy . . . and Beyond" by Brian Theis, 2020 Click here for more on my best-selling cookbook!
The lists below are part of the opening section of my book. They're a combination of pantry essentials, reliable dry goods, and freezer basics. Great for throwing together those last minute meals. Also be prepared if there's unexpected bad weather or circumstances where you're locked down for an extended period of time.
Some basics to keep on hand in your pantry:
Seasonings
Fine salt and coarse or kosher salt
Whole black peppercorns (with a good grinder)
Chili powder
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg
Dried oregano
Ground cumin
Smoked paprika
Garlic and onion powders
Instant diced onions (a must-have for making my famous onion dip)
Dehydrated Creole or Cajun Trinity with garlic (I use this in everything)
Bay leaves
Oils and Condiments
Olive and peanut oils
Canola, or a canola/olive blend
Toasted sesame oil
Non-stick cooking spray
Distilled white, apple cider, red wine vinegars
Soy sauce
Worcestershire sauce
Mustard: Creole, classic yellow
Mayonnaise
Baking
Unbleached all-purpose flour
Arrowroot starch & cornstarch
Baking powder & baking soda
Cocoa powder
White & light brown sugars
Confectioners’ sugar
Panko breadcrumbs
Honey
Fill your pantry with lots of reliable dry items that are flexible, even festive:
Popcorn for movie-watching
Plenty of water, other beverages
Coffee!
Fully stocked bar, if you imbibe
Pasta, pasta sauce, rice, dried beans, salsa
Canned tomato: whole, diced, paste
Canned vegetables, potatoes, fruit
Canned fish, tuna, sardines, meats
Jarred pickles, ketchup, jams
Broth, stock, soup & chili needs
Bread, yeast, flour, baking needs
Snacks: cookies, chips, energy bars
Cereal, granola, oatmeal
Baby food, pet food
Cake, cookie, pastry-making items
Chocolate!
Stock up your freezer with bedrock basics and tasty standalone standards:
Hamburger, ground turkey, meatballs
Steaks, pork chops, chicken parts
Bacon, hot dogs, smoked ham
Shrimp, crab, crawfish, andouille sausage
White fish, tuna steaks, salmon fillets
Vegetables: broccoli, spinach, corn, beans
Fruit: mango, peaches, bananas, berries
Bread, butter, waffles, pancakes, biscuits
Broth, chili, pasta sauce, soup, tortillas
Frozen dinners, lasagna, pizza
Nuts: walnuts, pecans, almonds
Ice cream, pastry, pies, cookie dough
Remember: Frozen foods don’t keep their quality forever. Consult this
“FDA freezer storage chart” for guidance. https://bit.ly/31wu0KK
Essentials to have on hand for snowstorms and other social disruptions:
Toilet paper, paper towels
Extra prescription medications
Pain and stomach relievers, first aid kit
Food storage bags/containers, trash bags
Hand sanitizer and wipes, face masks, bar soap, dish soap, cleaning supplies
Flashlights, light bulbs, batteries, tool kit
Battery/crank radio with weather alert
Rechargeable power station for small appliances, external drives for data
Cash, traveler’s checks, family documents in waterproof storage
Hobby supplies, board games, puzzles
Baby supplies, toys for kids
Shop in advance for special occasions
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