Every pantry should have certain items if you plan to make meals in your kitchen. A well stocked pantry can make your cooking and baking much easier and more efficient. Here are some tips for stocking up your pantry, the right way:

For Baking

Flour is an obvious one, flour is an essential ingredient in so many recipes that you should have a 5 pound bag in your pantry, at the very least. In addition, sugar is essential for baking cookies, cakes, breads and a myriad of desserts, not to mention as flavoring for many other recipes. Other baking essentials include powdered sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, yeast, cocoa, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, honey and chocolate.

For Cooking

If you're doing any cooking, you need oils, including vegetable oil and olive oil. Also, don't forget the canned tomatoes, including chopped, crushed, paste, sauce and whole tomatoes. Literally hundreds of recipes can be made from pantry essentials like rice, beans and pasta and every pantry should have a big selection and variety of each. In addition, canned foods like fruits, vegetables, tuna, olives, beans and soups will almost certainly come in handy, especially when you are out of fresh ingredients.

Herbs & Spices

Your spice rack is part of the pantry and it should include basil, bay leaves, cilantro, cayenne pepper, coriander, cumin, curry powder, dill weed, fennel seeds, paprika, oregano, rosemary, thyme, peppercorns, chili powder, sage, sesame seeds, tarragon, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger and, of course, salt and pepper.

Flavorings & Condiments

Important flavorings include vanilla extract, hot sauces, mustard, peanut butter, salsa, ketchup, soy sauce, pickles, maple syrup, horseradish and Worcestershire sauce. Vinegar can be a condiment as well as a flavoring, keep several types on hand including white, apple cider, rice and wine vinegar.

Fresh Produce

What pantry would be complete without potatoes, onions, garlic and other fresh fruits and vegetables? Just from potatoes, hundreds of different dishes, from breakfast to dinner, can be created.

Cold and Frozen Items

Your fridge needs some attention too, don't forget to stock up with the cold and frozen essentials like milk, butter, eggs, cheese and yogurt.

Also, don't forget the basics like coffee, tea and dried goods that you can buy in bulk. Warehouse stores are a great place to stock up your pantry as you can buy in bulk, saving on money and reducing the need for packaging.