Ideas That Spark: Mom2Mom

By Trisha Novotny for Ideas That Spark

As the temperature drops and I realize the winter blues are coming my way, I begin to think about stocking my pantry for the cold months ahead. I hate the cold, and I want to make as few trips to the grocery store as possible.

To stock your pantry right, first consider what dishes your family enjoys in the cold weather -- soup, chili, casseroles, slow-cooker meals or pasta -- as well as the types of baked goods you like to make. If you walked into my pantry, you’d find these main ingredients in bulk on my shelves:

Staple foods:

• Ramen noodles, shelf-stable soups, plus stock or broth to make your own soup
• Pasta, rice and assorted noodles that can be added to soup, sauteed vegetables, and chicken or steak dishes for a one-bowl meal
• Dried or canned beans, canned tomatoes and vegetables, frozen vegetables and fruit
• Pasta sauce and jarred pesto, plus frozen pizza dough
• Boxed flavored pasta dishes, flavored rice dishes, and macaroni and cheese
• Peanut butter for sandwiches (ever try a grilled peanut butter sandwich?) and snacking (with toast, crackers, celery and apple slices)
• Garlic, onions, herbs (whole, minced, powdered, and in the case of onions and herbs, frozen)
• Seasonings, herbs, marinades and barbecue sauces -- plus an extra box of salt

Comfort foods:

• Instant hot chocolate
• Apple cider
• Tea and coffee
• Bags of marshmallows (for hot chocolate, baking or snacking)
• Chocolate chips (for cookies, quick fondue or snacking)
• Baking supplies: flour, sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar, baking soda, baking powder, vanilla and salt
• Brownie, cookie, muffin and pancake mix

I’m set for winter. How about you?

Trisha Novotny is the creator of 24/7 Moms, a blog that offers fun, keeping-it-simple ideas to make every moment as a mom count.