Pantry stocked

Hi Lane
I'm wondering if you have a list of must have items in your pantry going into the winter to aid with cooking the winter crops to get through the season?
Are there certain items you make sure you can or preserve in order to create the dishes you will want in february?

thanks

mark

Hi Mark,

I missed this post yesterday---sorry. Especially now that I live in town and don't have to plan shopping trips so carefully, I'm not all that strategic about my pantry. However, I always want to have canned crushed tomatoes since I don't buy fresh ones in winter. I try to keep something citrusy around, always some Asian fish sauce, balsamic vinegar, balsamic glaze, good soy sauce, and of course olive oil.
I have garam masalas and chile powder mixes to keep from getting bored with eating lots of lentils and beans. And Romano cheese. I get organic tofu in 2-pound slabs at the Cash and Carry restaurant supply store and freeze it. Freezing changes the texture and makes it a sponge for flavor. And did I mention chocolate? Can't get through the winter without chocolate.