A couple weeks ago, tired of tripping over things that somehow got stored on the floor, I did a deep clean and reorganization of our pantry. It's always nice to do this, since it increases efficiency and reacquaints me with things that tend to get pushed in back and forgotten.
As always when giving attention to the pantry, I took a moment to step back and give thanks for this space. It's stocked deeply and thoroughly. It allows us to create entire meals without having to dash to the grocery store (an hour's round trip) for any particular ingredient. If we're getting low on something, it gets added to a running list for restocking at a future time.
I was asked to write a piece for Lehman's on the benefits of a well-stocked pantry, which I just sent in. I pitched a follow-up piece on pantry organization, on which I haven't heard back yet. But my enthusiasm to write on the subject made me realize just how passionate I am about pantries.
Interestingly, pantries took off in a BIG way during the COVID lockdowns (dubbed "pantry porn") as people (a) realized the benefits of having an in-home grocery store, and (b) were bored out of their gourds and decided pantry organization was the next Hot Topic. I thought it was great to see so many people get involved in pantries, although I think the trend has fizzled somewhat.
Of course, most of these pantries featured online involved a lot of beautiful organization that wasted a lot of space, at least in my opinion.
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These intensely organized pantries may be Instagram perfect, but many don't reflect the reality of active usage. As meals are planned and prepared, things get raided, moved around, rummaged through, restocked, de-stocked, and otherwise used. Many pantries featured in the pantry-porn phase were more for photo ops than practical food storage.
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Still, it was a trend I enthusiastically applauded. Pantries are the greatest thing since ... well, sliced bread. (The term "pantry" stems from the Latin word "panna,"
or bread room)
Our pantry is ugly. It will never be featured on anyone's Instagram feed. But it is perfectly suited to our family's needs, deeply stocked, and critically important, especially since my job loss. Therefore it is dazzlingly beautiful in my eyes.
Your pantry is beautiful, Patrice!
ReplyDeleteI also enjoy Becky's pantry on her blog The Seasonal Homestead.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SeXb20U3-w&ab_channel=TheSeasonalHomestead
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYfTgDN5lI4&ab_channel=TheSeasonalHomestead
Your pantry is exactly what one should look like. Well stocked. It's a beauty.
ReplyDeleteMy deep pantry which includes my freezer allows me to live well on my SS and small pension. I work hard at restocking it with sale priced items. I rarely have to pay full price. Just as important, I have what I need for my 'go to' recipes.
ReplyDeleteSJ now in California
Your pantry is NOT ugly. Don’t let that crap get in your head. It says, “Living breathing home.”
ReplyDeleteEvery time I see your pantry, I look at my back hallway that functions as a utility room and ask myself if I REALLY need that automatic washer and dryer.
Alas, Hubby and the MIL say I do. But a girl can dream (and maybe a 50-year-old lady can still use a shovel, too).
Patrice, I agree you have a "beautiful pantry". I love looking at pantry pictures. I love seeing mason jars full of different colors (sauces, salsas, beans, corns, beets, etc). Seeing mason jars vs store bought boxes is so much prettier.
ReplyDeleteHaving the basics for multiple recipes in the pantry/freezer is always a good thing for many reasons.
Debbie in MA
Nothing ugly about your pantry Patrice. As others have mentioned, it's beautiful. Through your inspiration, my pantry has been better stocked for years. Thank you. Jenny
ReplyDeleteYour pantry is wonderful, not ugly.
ReplyDeleteI remember my grandma's pantry when I was very small. Later they built a new house WITHOUT pantry, huge loss to humanity, I would say. I felt actual magic in the pantry of the old house. It was a place full of wonders for a toddler. It even had a hatch on the floor because there was tiny cellar beneath. Actual root cellar was located further away from the house.
Now I recall that grandma was actually lucky enough to have two pantries. In the other pantry was also staircaise to the attick: you had to climb to step tool, then use two shelves as ladder and then there was four actual stair steps and on the attick you were. VERY exciting.
I only have kitchen cupboards to store my stockpiled food, but I am so grateful I have learned from very early age the value of keeping food at home. I have jet to experience having nothing to offer for unexpected visitors, or wanting to bake and having no yeast...
First of all, NO pantry is “ugly”, if it has even one single can of Soup in it that’s the most beautiful sight to behold if your family is hungry.
ReplyDeleteOK, to confess, my pantry is not actually a “Pantry” in the common sense. No nice room, no “Root Cellar” or whatnot. I do have, however, a 5’ high Craw Space under the entire expanse of the house. Living in the High Desert, the space is very dry and a very constant temperature. Is it a PITA to access, you bet your bootie it is, but guess what, I probably need the added exercise anyways HAHAHA But mostly this area is for the “Long Term” storage and excess “stuff”, no need to immediate access to those 48 quarts of Homemade Sauerkraut and the Freeze-Dried bounty, or 8 jugs of Laundry Soap.
The “usable” pantry is basically everywhere and anywhere in the house available. Under the Bed, Above the Washer-Dryer, obviously in the Kitchen, behind the Couch, have an empty Dresser Drawer? Nope, filled with Goods. And yes, even in the Garage. Yes, that gets hot and cold, but ya know, there are a LOT of items that don’t care, like Toilet Paper and Sugar/Salt, as long as it stays dry and sealed it doesn’t care.
Point being, one does not need to have a designated “Pantry Room” with all the fancy shelving, temperature/humidity controlled and all that. The MOST important thing, you have Stored Goods that will help you make it through Hard Times regardless of what those “Hard Times” are, and yes there many to choose from.
PS: And I can’t stress this enough. Do an Inventory and keep it updated, rotate your goods, be involved with the Goods you have stored. Take responsibility for your Larder.