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Happy New Year! Time to Organize Your Pantry!

by on ‎12-30-2011 04:10 PM

Hello, foodies…

 

Hello from sunny Florida! Just because I'm out of town doesn't mean you're out of my mind. So I just wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very Happy New Year! And, I just thought I'd leave you with an extended "Food for Thought" to start out 2012.

 

You know, one of my New Year's resolutions is to get my kitchen more organized, and I'm starting with my pantry. As soon as I get home from Florida, here's what I'll be doing. (Feel free to follow these tips in your own pantry!)

 

First, take inventory of everything and write it down. Then, seriously think about when you bought each item and when it was last used. If you haven't touched it in at least three months, you probably won't use it. Someone in need could. Before you make a trip to the food bank or local shelter, however, check the expiration dates. Then make the decision to donate or toss.

 

Next, prioritize. Group your pantry by the types of food  cereals and grains, spices and oils, canned goods, snacks, baking supplies, and drinks, then pick a shelf that makes sense based on how often an item is used. Keep the spices and cooking supplies at eye-level. Boxes of couscous, pasta, and snacks are perfect for high shelves because they're lighter (and they're out of your direct line-of-sight, so you're less likely to munch!) Store heavy cans and drinks on lower shelves.

 

Finally, make a note on your calendar one month from the day you cleaned out your pantry, so you can purge it again. If you make it a habit to clean out your pantry once a month, you'll be reminded of what you have on-hand and you'll remember what you need to use quickly. Best of all, you won't have to spend hours on a giant purge once a year!

 

So speaking of home organization, what are some of your best tips? How do you keep your kitchen neat and orderly? Share your ideas here, or tell me what other kitchen tips you'd like to see in 2012. Please join the lovely Jane Treacy on Sunday at Noon ET and the bubbly Carolyn Gracie next Wednesday night at 9 p.m. ET for In the Kitchen with David. I'll see you again on the 8th!

 

Have a delicious New Year!

David