One thing that is particularly helpful whether you are just starting out or you are experienced with food storage is--think meal planning. What does it take to put together one of your favorite meals? What does your family like to eat from the pantry? It might be helpful to think of meals that could simplified, if necessary, and eaten off the shelf without electricity. We know fresh is healthy and delicious; but what yummy recipes could be easily and quickly prepared, even if you didn't have fresh onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Choose a meal, identify the ingredients, purchase 8 to 12 of each, and put them on your shelf. Rotate regularly. Perhaps you could plan to eat pantry meals once or twice a week to keep things rotated. There are a number of pantry recipes on this blog, but don't forget the casserole or spaghetti sauce that is your family's favorite.
Example of pantry storage for recipe: Black Beans and Rice (recipe on the blog) x 10
10 cups rice
10 (11.5 oz.) cans tomato juice or V-8 juice
10 (15 oz.) cans of black beans
10 jars of 16 oz. salsa
10 (15.25 oz.) cans of corn
10 (15 oz.) cans diced tomatoes
Cumin
Oregano
Cheese or tortillas would be fresh and added if available
When you combine grains and legumes you get a complete protein. In this recipe black beans are paired with rice and corn for a complete protein.
