Stock Up for Savings and Winter Readiness

By Rachel Cromell, Marketing Assistant, Produce Assistant, Co-op Owner

Kitchen basics like trusty cooking equipment and a collection of tried-and-true family recipes are essential to putting delicious and healthy meals on the table, but a chef’s true secret weapon is a well-stocked pantry.

With a variety of staple items, non-perishables, and specialty products on the shelves, a home cook can be prepared for any occasion. Stocking up can also create peace of mind in dangerous winter weather and allows you to have the basics on hand for impromptu celebrations.

Visit GreenTree any time to stock up on non-perishables like canned beans, chicken or veggie broth, and bulk items. You can make bulk non-perishables last even longer by storing them in airtight, pest-proof glass or plastic containers. The USDA says that items like rice, dried beans, and grains will last a whole year, while canned goods will last even longer.

We also offer shoppers the option of ordering a case of their favorite items at a discount. (Frozen, refrigerated, and produce items can also be ordered.) To order a product in this way, just tell your cashier you would like to place a “Special Order”. When the items arrive you will receive a phone call to alert you, and the case will be reserved for you. These staples can help a cook get dinner on the table quickly while sticking to a budget.

What constitutes a case? Many items come in amounts that are usable by families of various sizes, or you could split a case with your neighbor and share the savings. These basics come in case quantities that are easily usable before they expire:

• 12 boxes of penne, fettuccine, or rotini pasta
• 6 bottles soy sauce or tamari
• 25lb bag of rice
• 12 cans of tomatoes
• 12 cans of beans (chickpeas, kidney, pinto, cannellini, etc.)
• 12 chicken, beef, or vegetable broth boxes
• 12 cans of soup
• 12 boxes of Nut Thins crackers

Not sure exactly what to make with your new pantry full of staples? Here’s a quick recipe to get you started:

Pantry Italian Tomato Soup Makes 4 servings

Simmer this simple soup to warm up on blustery days!

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 28oz can tomatoes, Italian or fire-roasted
• 1 cup orzo pasta, brown rice, or middle-eastern couscous
• 2 cups chicken or veggie broth
• 1 tbsp balsamic or red wine vinegar
• Parmesan or nutritional yeast (optional)

Slice onion and sauté with olive oil in a soup pot until fragrant. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, and sauté for another minute or two. Add in tomatoes, broth, and your choice of grain or pasta. Simmer until grains are tender, stirring occasionally. Add extra water as needed to thin soup. Finish with vinegar, black pepper, and salt to taste. Top with Parmesan or nutritional yeast if desired.