In my last edition of The Salt, I offered a list of the essential kit of Kitchen Season, tools for that time of year when cooking—and baking, and all the rest— monopolizes our homes and hearts.
This week we turn to pantry staples, the goods you’ll need to make those celebratory feasts and sweets. Your family traditions might dictate a different list, heavier on certain flavors that taste like home to you, so use my list as a timely reminder to refresh, organize, and stock up on essential ingredients of the season.
Holiday Pantry Staples
Mid-November’s the perfect time to comb through your pantry shelves and drawers to check the status of supplies. Baking ingredients do not last indefinitely. Spices and herbs must be refreshed regularly for maximum flavor, which is why it’s preferable to purchase them in small quantities from a bulk aisle. Baking chemicals should also be renewed regularly.
Below is a baker’s dozen of items to check and stock, or re-stock, for the kitchen season (no affiliate links here; they’re just products I like):