Itʼs probably time to restock your pantry with some or all of your original ingredients. If you still have some items left, you might want to start watching for sales or specials on these items. I have put together an additional list of basic ingredients I like to have on hand as well. They cost an additional $10.00-$25.00, but will really stretch your food budget because they are really inexpensive per portion. You might already have these ingredients in your fridge or pantry.

Depending on your tastes, if you do a lot of Asian cooking, you might think dry sherry is essential.(Hint: store peeled, small chunks of fresh ginger in a small jar of dry sherry to cover in the refrigerator— it stays for months) If you detest Mexican cuisine, skip the salsa and start stocking up on herbs that are a must in Italian cooking! Keep in mind that herbs donʼt last forever. (Hint: if you can find dry herbs sold in bulk, you might get a better deal buying an ounce in a small plastic container than those expensive little jars) Feel free to swap out ingredients from one list to the other. This is all about personal tastes.

Keep your eye out for specials; everything doesnʼt need to be purchased at once! Donʼt forget your cloth bags; many markets give you $03.-$.05 back on each recyclable bag you use, not to mention the benefit to the environment!

• 1 dozen large eggs (most recipes call for large) $1.79 at Trader Joes
• 1 lb. long grain white rice $1.89 at Safeway
• 1 lb. pasta $0.99 at Trader Joes or on sale at most markets
• 1 lb. polenta cornmeal $1.49 or less in bulk
• 17.6 oz. whole wheat couscous $1.99 at Trader Joes
• 12 oz. semisweet chocolate chips $1.99 at Trader Joes

Total Cost Approximately $10.00

A few more basics to have on hand, if you can afford it:

• 1 lb. cornstarch $1.99 at Safeway
• 24 oz. onions $1.99 at Trader Joes
• 24 oz. salsa $2.50 at Safeway
• 13 oz. Dijon mustard $2.79 at Trader Joes
• 750 ml dry sherry $4.99 at Trader Joes, Safeway etc.

Total Cost Approximately $15.00