Before groceries offered endless aisles of ready-to-eat foods, our grandparents maintained well-stocked pantries. Since they cook the food that they serve, there are versatile staples that they could weather any storm (literal or financial). These ingredients formed the backbone of home cooking for generations. Today, we’re taking you on a nostalgic trip to your grandparents’ kitchens, where they keep these 10 different pantry staples.
10. Evaporated Milk
Before refrigeration was common, evaporated milk provided the richness of dairy without spoilage concerns. It could be reconstituted with water for drinking, used directly in coffee and cooking, or whipped for desserts. Its concentrated nature meant a little went a long way as it served a lot of food in the kitchen.
9. Molasses
When it comes to baking, molasses has always been there. This thick, dark syrup was more than just a sweetener, as it’s also rich in iron and minerals. It was used to flavor gingerbread, baked beans, and brown bread, while providing essential nutrients for the family. It was also more affordable than refined sugar and had a much longer shelf life, so we can see why our grandparents leaned toward this pantry staple.
8. Canned Salmon
When in need of protein, canned salmon was the way to go. Why? They’re much cheaper than meat and have a longer shelf life. They could be used for salmon patties or as an extra filling for casseroles. Many kitchens kept multiple cans on hand in case of emergencies or unexpected guests who dropped by the house.
7. Yellow Cornmeal
Cornmeal was the foundation of Southern cooking. It’s the main base to make corn bread, polenta, or a breading for fried foods. In some regions, cornmeal is more common and a much affordable option than wheat flour. They can usually be brought from local mills, or families ground their own corn. If you’re from the South, chances are your parents also picked up on this pantry staple.
6. Steel-Cut Oats
You can never go wrong with oatmeal for breakfast. But it wasn’t limited to breakfast back then since it’s a nutritional meal at a minimal cost. Steel-cut oats could be made into savory porridges with veggies or meat. It could also be added as a stretcher to meatloaf or added to bread and cookies. Just a single container could provide filling meals for the family.
5. Bacon Grease
Yup, nothing was wasted from the past that even bacon grease became a pantry staple. They were saved in coffee cans, as they contain rendered fat that can be used for frying eggs, cooking vegetables, or simply adding a smoky flavor to food. They have a long shelf life when stored properly and could substitute butter in cooking.
4. Lard
Ever wonder how your grandma makes the best fried chicken that no one could ever compete with? It’s probably the lard speaking. Way before health concerns about saturated fats and the rise of vegetable oils, lard was the cooking fat of choice. It came from pork fat and is an essential for frying. Families store lard year-round when butchering hogs.
3. Dried Navy Beans
Navy beans were considered the protein powerhouse of pantries as they could be stored for years. They’re used to create stews, baked beans, or soup bases. They stood in place for protein when meat was scarce or expensive. Imagine, just a single bag could feed the entire family for weeks. It requires soaking overnight and slow cooking.
2. Canned Tomatoes
Did you know that tomatoes weren’t available all year round in the past? As a solution, your grandparents had canned tomatoes in the pantry, ready to consume. They use them to create soups, stews, sauces, and casseroles. Also, the acidity of tomatoes helps preserve other ingredients that are mixed in dishes. It makes one meal available for days.
1. Soda Crackers
Plain soda crackers were the ultimate pantry staple as they served as a versatile carbohydrate. They could be crumpled into soups or served as a side to meals. They were also used to make mock apple pie when apples were unavailable. Their long shelf life made them a reliable food when options were limited.