Colleen in PA - Must haves in our pantry are things like pasta, pasta sauce, green beans, various condensed "cream of" soups, chili beans, canned mushrooms...but what it boils down to is having things on hand that lend themselves to recipes we make again and again.
That way I know I'll use the items eventually.
Maybe pick 1 or 2 simple meals or recipes and if you like them, start to keep any non-perishable ingredients for those meals on hand. Or make use of the freezer for ingredients like meat, cheese, etc. that will last longer that way.
Then as time goes on, try out and add more meals/recipes to your "go to" list. Gradually, over time, you should have at least a short list of meals you can pull together from the pantry if needed.
It could as simple a meal as canned spaghetti o's and grilled cheese sandwhiches - a quick, easy meal we have at our house sometimes. Not the healthiest in the world - but we could do alot worse!
Just some thoughts! You'll have to find what works best for you, of course!
Small progress to report:
[X] Scrubbed fireplace stones
[X] Pulled up tomato cages from garden and tidied up gardening supplies
Rest of the night last night was spent working on packing the camper - got all the food, clothes and several misc items packed. Also got the bed made.
Tonight - come heck or high water I am making Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Rolls - YUM! For those who are not aware of this phenomenon - click the link below and prepare to drool!
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/cinammon_rolls_/
I am also going to through some chicken in the crockpot tonight to precook it - then I'll shred it and throw it in a ziplock bag for this weekend's Buffalo Chicken Dip - another food from the gods and a recipe I found via the OC site when we were all still on there!
Double YUM!