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Redefining Pantry Staples
The Benefits of a Well-stocked Kitchen Part Two
By Donna Smith
Canned goods are a great convenience for busy families. Roberta L. Duyff, a dietitian andspokesperson for the Canned Food Alliance, and author of American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide (Wiley, 2002), recommends keeping a variety on hand for quick meals. Some of her favorites include the following:
- Canned vegetables for side dishes, mixed dishes, soups and stews (whole and cut-up tomatoes, tomato sauce, green beans, corn, carrots, sweet potatoes, potatoes, red and black beans)
- Canned fruit for salads, snacks, smoothies and desserts (peaches, mandarin oranges, pears, blueberries, pineapple)
- Canned lean protein foods for soups, stews and mixed dishes (tuna, salmon, chicken, turkey, meat)
- Canned heat-and-eat prepared foods (a variety of soups and stews)
- Canned evaporated milk for smoothies, sauces and creamy soups
- Bottled juices or juice drinks
Many canned ingredients are great for small children, Duyff says. "Because they've already been cooked in the can, canned fruits and vegetables are soft foods that young children won't choke on, such as carrots, peaches and mandarin oranges," she says. "Canned applesauce and vegetable soups are great for little ones, too. You'll find some flavorful products created with kids in mind, such as alphabet vegetable soups. A few simple ideas: Canned mandarin oranges add sweet flavor to peanut butter sandwiches, canned tomatoes add nourishment to macaroni and cheese and to spaghetti meals."
Dr. Andrew Larson, author of The Gold Coast Cure: The 5-Week Health & Body Makeover (HCI, 2005), suggests the following "must haves" for a healthy pantry:
