Cold Weather Pantry Staples

Here in Ohio, if you run out of something during a bad winter storm, sometimes it's really hard to get to the store on slick roads. So I always try to make sure I have my pantry stocked. Here are my go-to cold weather pantry staples:

• potatoes: bake them, boil them, mash them or smash them, potatoes are hearty and delicious and strong enough to stand alone as the main course.
• sweet potatoes: diced into soups, hash, even paired with spicy seasoning for tacos.
• canned pumpkin: our favorite gourd that can be used in a savory or sweet manner for sauces, soups, pies, and cookies.
• onions, carrots, and celery: they are the foundation of soups and sauces, not to mention the ideal accompaniment to roasted meats.

• chicken broth: whether you make your own or buy it in cans, chicken broth can be used in beef, poultry or veggie dishes adding depth of flavor, and an extra can can turn last night’s leftovers into enough for dinner again tonight.
• pasta: for a side dish or a main course, pasta is a favorite comfort food in cool weather.
• beans: dry or canned, beans are a hearty ingredient in soups, chills, and wraps.
• canned or jarred tomatoes: for a sauce, a soup, or a quick salsa, your favorite summer fruit is one that tastes just as good in its preserved form.