SAVIOUR FOODS
pantry essentials

These are your “pantry essentials,” the items that you use regularly and should always have on hand. Keep stock of them to make sure you never run out. A bimonthly purchase should do it.

• honey
• sugar
• brown sugar
• flour
• crunchy or plain muesli
• raisins
• ground cumin, ginger, allspice, cinnamon
• baking powder
• couscous and polenta
• apricots or prunes
• olive oil
• pasta
• Basmati and Arborio (round Italian) rice

SAVIOUR FOODS
frozen in advance

These are your “frozen friends,” the fresh items you’ve frozen ahead of time to simplify your life. They will keep for a long time, yet still retain the flavor and nutritional value present in fresh-picked fruits and vegetables.

• aromatic fresh herbs (basil, chives, tarragon, thyme, and cilantro) and chopped shallots and garlic
• fish fillets (cod, salmon, tuna) and white chicken meat
• summer berries and exotic fruits: mangos, lychees, pineapple . . .
• green vegetables: peas, broccoli, fava beans, green beans, spinach

SAVIOUR FOODS
fresh dairy

This is your “must-have” basket, the list of things you should get in the habit of buying every time you go to the supermarket. They’ll become instinctive purchases.

• soft cheese, such as Laughing Cow
• grated Parmesan
• fromage blanc or plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt
• milk
• crème fraîche (or cream cheese will do in a pinch)
• butter

SAVIOUR FOODS
fresh fruits and vegetables

Here’s your ticket to healthy pleasure. Keep these treasures on hand in small quantities in your crisper drawer for meals that are rich in taste. Replenish your supply weekly.

• oranges and clementines
• tomatoes: regular and cherry
• apples
• bananas
• zucchini
• potatoes
• carrots
• don’t forget seasonal berries!