Fridge and Pantry Essentials That Every Smart Cook Needs

THE FRIDGE

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Refrigerator bread dough – You can always make bread sticks, pizza, or potpie if you have dough available.

Washed and bagged vegetables are extra convenient because they’re pre-washed.

Cheeses are great as quick snacks or a savory additions to potatoes or salad.

Salad dressings

These can also be used in marinades.

Fruit preserves can be used to glaze roasted meats or swirl into puddings and cheesecakes.

THE PANTRY

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Canned broths are essential to thin sauces and baste roasts.

Couscous and pilaf mixes are not only good as side dishes, they also make instant stuffing, too.

Prepared sauces can easily substitute for homemade versions.

Cake and muffin mixes when modified with a just a few additions, can be a base mix for many of your own tempting creations.

Granola and flake cereals can be used to top casseroles or streusels.

Nuts add flavor, texture and nutrition when sprinkled or added into pie crusts, streusel toppings, and bread dough.

Instant soup packets can be used to perk up meat loaf, potatoes, or a rice dish.

THE FREEZER

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Individual frozen vegetables are very handy whenever you need them.  Easy-to-keep frozen vegetables retain all the nutrients of their fresh counterparts.

Mixed frozen vegetables make stir frying extra easy.

Frozen puffed pastry can create an impressive dessert, elegant appetizer or potpie if you have this staple on hand.

Frozen fruits are good to be readily available to add to pies and cobblers.