I would LOVE a list of items to have as a staple in my pantry and freezer.  I am a busy mom and wife and we are trying very hard to budget our money due to high prices of everything.  I'm looking for a list of items to have regularly so I can do my BIG grocery shopping 1 time a month and pick up the fresh veggies/fruits/breads once a week and still make easy and delicious recipes for my family.  Thanks for your help!!!

I always buy my meat in family packs. I think that it is cheaper in the long run. The store where I shop will have pork on sale at times for $.99 a lb. but you have to buy in bulk. I just have the butcher cut it to the way that I want it. You will be surprised just how much you get for the money. Whenever I see meat on sale at a good price I always stock up. Another thing that I stock up on is spaghetti sauce. Make a big batch of it and then freeze the remaining (always taste better the second time) I will make a big batch of lasagna then freeze into individual servings. Good for a quick meal. Hope this will help you in some way

Hi working mom/wife, I really understand where your coming from, there are only two of us, but we're on the road a lot and often eat out because of that, to tired or no time to cook, I try to buy & stock when items are on sale, and yes, I over buy..Here is a list: flour,cornmeal,sugar,pancake mix, bisquick,hot & cold cereals,syrup,honey,quick cook/instant rice,several shapes of pasta,beans dry & canned ( I try to keep on hand 2 cans of several kinds),spaghetti sauce, tomatoes(1 can eeach,sauce,whole,chopped,with green chilis,and stewed), creamed soups ( 1 each flavor),canned vegs( 2 mixed & 2 each, corn,peas,g.beans and what ever your family likes), canned fruit.( an assortment). Freezer: Ground beef, roasts ( beef & pork),steaks, pork chops, bacon, sausage, chicken (cut up or whole-for roasting),and fish. I like frozen vegs. I often buy frozen mixed peppers & onions, you can add them to anything that calls for them. Spices that you usually use. That's just a start, lots of luck

Here is an article on our website with ideas for stocking your kitchen!

http://www.bettycrocker.com/how-to/cooking-basics/prep-storage/Stocking-the-Kitchen.htm