As we all continue to find solace in our humble abodes, nourishing meals are necessary for healthy immune systems.

Winter 2020 is slowly approaching in the Northern Hemisphere and will descend upon us on Monday, December 21st.  Snow will blanket the beaches, and leaves will swiftly leave our trees bare, so now is the perfect moment to embark upon writing a list of non-perishable items to stock the pantry.

Use the 3-Step Guide: (1) access what the pantry currently holds; (2) when to use it by; or (3) whether to toss it. Believe it or not, pantry items expire! Items such as baking soda, baking powder, rice, nuts, and oils last around 6-months on the shelves. Brown rice and nuts become rancid quickly, so store in plastic containers or freezer bags inside the refrigerator. Cooking oils turn rancid after about 3-months once unsealed, so forgo the larger containers unless you cook for an army: store flour, cornmeal, oats, and quinoa in the refrigerator for longevity.

Upgrade your pasta with legume-based pasta such as chickpeas and lentils, which is healthier than brown rice. Ditto for rice; venture into black rice such as Forbidden Rice, which contains more protein than brown rice, and is delicious with a delightful nutty flavor.

During the pandemic is a great time to be less carnivore and more plant-based, which is better for the immune system. Splurge on heirloom beans from Rancho Gordo. Try the French Cassoulet beans, midnight black beans, or pinto beans; all are superb and superior to any store package beans on the market.

Another excellent source for flavorful beans hails from the Creole country of New Orleans. My late godmother introduced me to Camellia beans over 35-years ago, and they still rank first place over all other brands. Try an assortment of beans such as red kidney beans, field peas, black-eyed peas, cannellini beans, garbanzo beans, black beans, lima beans, and navy beans, all from the comfort of your home and a few strokes.

This winter, for a bountiful pantry, start stocking it with these items:

Flours: Almond, Coconut, Cake, Whole-Wheat and Unbleached White

Cacao: Droste Dutch Chocolate Powder, Guittard Unsweetened Chocolate Baking Bars & Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Bars

Nuts & Dried Fruits: Almonds, Cashews, Walnuts, Pecans, Pistachios, Dates, Cranberries, Raisins, and Sun-dried Tomatoes

Oils: Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (Cold-Pressed), Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Truffle Oil, Sesame Oil, Peanut Oil

Canned & Bottled: Tonnino Tuna (Best on the market), Italian Plum Tomatoes, Chicken Broth, Capers, Olives, Tabasco, Mustard (variety), Vinegar (Braggs Apple Cider, Aged-Balsamic, White Distilled, Red Wine, Rice), Sherry, Braggs Coconut Liquor Aminos, Tamari Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Fish Sauce, Mayonnaise, Pickles

Sweeteners: Coconut Sugar, Raw Honey, Pure Maple Syrup, Dark & Light Brown Sugar, Molasses (Dark & Light), Powdered Sugar

Pasta: Fettuccine, Angel Hair, Penne, Orzo, Lasagna, Macaroni, Bucatini 

Miscellaneous: Panko Bread Crumbs, Grits (Palmetto Farms), Cornmeal (Palmetto Farms), Polenta, Oatmeal, Almond Milk, Rice Milk, Cashew Milk, Real Popcorn

Dried Beans: Green Lentils, Black-Eye Peas, Cannellini, Split Peas

Rice: Jasmine Rice, Basmati Rice, Brown Rice 

Small changes pack ample nutrition and scrumptious flavors!