Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Best Pantry and Cooking Essentials for the Holidays






The Holidays are right around the corner. That means you may be baking or cooking a lot. You will need pantry and cooking essentials. Essentials that you can use daily and for special occasions. I am including a list of items that would make your holidays and everyday life easier. That way all you have to do is cook and enjoy your meals. 


All of these products I use and love using it. 


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  • Flour 


The are so many uses for flour. Baking bread, cakes, pasta, cereal, and so much more. You also need it for making roux and gravy.



  • Sugar 



Another baking essential. Great for cakes, cookies, candy, and frosting. You can even use a pinch for your sauces. 


Did you know that light corn syrup is good for making frosting? It adds sugar but gives the frosting a nice shine to it. 


  • Baking Chocolate 


 I prefer semi-sweet milk chocolate but there are so many others you can try. 


30 Holiday Fudge


  • Fruit 

I love to each fruit as a snack but I also use it breakfast dishes. 



  • Vegetables 

Can use as sides, in main dishes, desserts, appetizers, and snacks. I love using it soups. 



  • Nuts

 I love to eat them in snack. But I also love to use in main dishes, desserts, and sides.



  • Raisins or Dried Fruit 


Another great snack that can be used in sides and desserts. 


  • Seasoning/ Spices 


  • Extracts 


Great for baking your favorite dishes or using them in your sweet breakfast items. 

  • Bread


Bread is great for sides, mains, desserts, snacks, and breakfast items. 


  • Pasta/ Rice 


Can be used in main dishes, sides, but rice can be used as dessert. This is a great time to make rice pudding. 


  • Cereal 


Eat it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Can be used in main dishes, sides, and desserts. Makes an excellent trail or snack mix. 


  • Broth and Soup 


Used in my main courses and sides. 


  • Butter and Oil 


Used in main dishes, snacks, salads, rice, pasta, breakfast, sides, and of course my favorite desserts.


  • Milk 



  • Eggs 


You use this every day, but you need it a lot during the holidays. I use them for a variety of desserts and side dishes. 


  • Cream 

Rather it is cream cheese or heavy whipping cream, these are essentials. 

40 Crockpot Dips: Recipes for Your Next Party | Taste of Home


Cranberry Ice Cream Recipe - NYT Cooking (nytimes.com)



Danni Rose Red Velvet Cheesecake


I tried this recipe, and it always turns out great. I really enjoy the cheesecake part. I also use the cheesecake recipe to make other flavors of cakes. 


  • Vinger 


Can be used in main dishes, salads, baking, or appetizers. You can also use them to clean your home. 


  • Cheese 

Cheese is great for breakfast casseroles, toast, eggs, grits, ca. But also good for dips, sandwiches, crackers, and many other snacks. Don't forget it for your mac and cheese. 


I enjoy her mac and cheese recipe. It was the best-looking and tasting recipe. 

Viral Ole Skool Baked Mac & Cheese

  • Sausage 

Excellent for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Can be a main dish, sides, or appetizers. 

My favorite thing to make around the holidays is sausage balls or use sausage in stuffing. 


  • Jams, Jellies, and Preserves 

Can be used for main dishes, breakfast, appetizers, and desserts. 

Brunch recipes 


  • Juices 

To drink during the day or night but you can also use them in desserts or punches. 

Punch recipes


Non-Alcoholic Punch Recipes

  • Snacks 


Just to get through the day or when you need to eat something quickly. 


What are some ingredients that you keep in your home? Is there anything I missed? Let me know in the comments.