Eight Essential Pantry Items

Sara Schwartz wrote an article detailing the eight must have ingredients for meals for yourself and your family.

*Canned Tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes can be a juicy, sun-ripened treat. But anyone who's tasted a mealy, bland tomato knows that quality is of the utmost importance. Tomatoes canned at the peak of freshness are a low-cost luxury not to be underestimated.

*Olive Oil. Oil choices abound on the grocery shelves, but olive oil wins our vote for most essential. This Mediterranean staple contains monounsaturated fat, which can lower your risk of heart disease, and its rich, smooth flavor improves everything from salads to sautés.

*Garlic. Ever since ancient Egyptians began cultivating garlic more than 5,000 years ago, cultures around the world have recognized the value of this strongly flavored bulb.

*Couscous. Couscous, which is composed of little grain-shaped bits of pasta, cooks up in five minutes flat, making it a great addition to simple weeknight dinners. Serve it as an easy side dish in place of rice or potatoes or as a salad mixed with dressing and vegetables.

*Potatoes. Everyone loves potatoes as a side dish, but you can also use these low-fat tubers to thicken soups or turn an egg dish into a meal.

*Lemons. Whether you use just a few drops or a whole lemon's worth, lemon juice adds crucial acidity and brightness to recipes of all kinds, from dressings to soups and cakes.

*Onions. Onions have grown wild since history was first recorded and they have been cultivated for more than 5,000 years. We like having onions on hand since they don't perish quickly and offer an easy way to add flavor.

*Apples. Crisp, juicy apples make a satisfying and nutritious snack, but they are also great in salads, savory recipes, and desserts. Throw together a quick dessert or whip up a tasty main dish with this extraordinary everyday fruit.

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