The Well Stocked Larder

Posted by NanLT in Articles, Home | 0 comments

Every home cook needs a well stocked larder. In your larder you will find all the things you need to create meals for your family. In addition, I suggest keeping assorted tinned goods which will allow you to create last minute meals should the need arise.

Tinned fruits and vegetables, such as beans and tomatoes. Tinned fish such as tuna, sardines, and salmon. Dried herbs and spices. Flour and sugar. Condiments, pickles, and peanut butter. And jam.

These are the items you don’t necessarily want to have to buy every week, but are using on a weekly or daily basis.

Most pantry items can be stored long-term, so I recommend stocking up during sales. Always try to keep at least 2 of most items, and more of more commonly used items, on hand.

If you are lucky enough to have a big space to designate as a larder, excellent! If, like most people you have limited storage areas in your kitchen, then have a look around to see what else is available.  It doesn’t actually have to be in the kitchen. An unused cupboard or closet in a spare room works well.

I had a space in my kitchen which when we moved in held a large American style fridge-freezer. When we redecorated, we pulled out the fridge and added in some shelves. Viola! I had a larder!

Stocking the Larder

Once you’ve found a place for a larder, you’ll need to fill it. And keep it stocked. I suggest writing out a recipe card for that purpose.  This is especially useful if you keep your recipe files on a computer program which allows you to generate shopping lists. You can just add the larder card to the menu plan and tick off whose items which you need.

NanLT is a home cook with over 2 decades experience cooking for her family. Over the years she has developed a wide range of recipes for family eating. At Cooking with NanLT she provides recipes, hints, and tips for other home cooks.