I've been cooking for myself..... for a long time. You know, I've always enjoyed cooking, and looking for recipes, but after finishing college and working full time, I quickly realized that planning meals for myself to eat by myself wasn't anything I looked forward to. I was also too tired and busy to spend time planning those meals. I didn't do it at all. I ended up eating a lot of cereal, PB&J sandwiches, and pasta with whatever I had in the fridge, which was usually just parmesan cheese and frozen broccoli. That got old fast! I then recognized the power in a well stocked pantry and freezer. I try to keep frozen fruits, vegetables, proteins, and dry pantry items on hand so I can throw together really easy meals that actually taste like something I would have planned on eating, all without planning. These are great to get you started and confident in the kitchen! And save you money along the way! This pantry essentials checklist is based on what I keep on hand. I cook from my pantry more than I'd ever imagine, and I've thrown together some really delicious meals with items I already have on hand. I'm all about finding ways to turn those cooking aspirations into practical solutions, that's what this pantry checklist is, a practical solution to the desire to cook more at home.