Your Pantry: a state of mind

What is a pantry? Technically speaking it's a cool, dry place in which to store food for a length of time such as kitchen cupboards and shelves as well as the refrigerator and freezer. It's also a state of mind. It's a way of thinking about your food and the organization of that food. What do I really need? What foods kept in my pantry would make my life easier? What shouldn't I have in my pantry? (always a biggie) Where do I start?
The easiest way to begin is with your spices and herbs. Check the expiration dates. If that dried parsley expired in June of 1998 it's time to get rid of it. Spices and herbs should be stored no longer than 6 months. Which ones do you always use? Keep those and add one or two new ones to expand your use of herbs/spices and your creativity. Next check your flours. Did you go on a alternative flour kick 2 years ago, use the garbanzo flour once and then loosely fold down the top and that was the last time you saw it? Throw it away. It's great to try new flours, but it's also great to keep them in the refrigerator or freezer. I keep my wheat flours in the pantry and most of my other flours in the frig. Do this same thing with everything else in your pantry. Throw away anything with artificial dyes, preservatives and hydrogenated fats in them (don't give them to anyone, throw them away.)
Next wipe down the shelves and slowly start to re-stock with healthier choices. Do the same thing with your frig and freezer. Cleaning and organizing opens space for the new and expands your creativity. Have fun!
Be well,
Patty

P.S. I do Pantry Consultations; call/email for details.