Pantry Basics

If needed, how many meals could we make from our pantry? How many could we make if we had no power?

A recent tornado knocked out power to our home for 4 days, and even once that was restored, the water was still out. Once it came back on a day or two later, we were under a boil alert for nearly a week.

These are things that don't cross my day to day mind, and now 3 months later, I'm not that much better off than I was then. And while it appears that some solution will come about with the debt issue in America, it will only be a temporary fix, and a default will still be a possibility in the next couple of years.

Prices will go up, and the most basic staples will become as valued items, as they were 100 years ago. So, what are some essentials to have in our pantries?

Salt, pepper, spices
Brown and white sugar
Honey (also good for medicinal purposes)
Wheat
Oats
Yeast
Canned goods
Instant potatoes
Powdered or canned milk
Grits
Oil
Natural peanut or almond butter
Jelly/ jam
Condiments (Note that maple syrup must be refrigerated once opened)
Rice
Baking soda
Baking powder
Vanilla extract
Lemon juice
*Optional - paper plates, cups, napkins, plastic utensils

Can you think of others? Please share your ideas with us!