Favorite Pantry Staples

 
Yesterday I shared some things I've learned to help  get more lushness out of simple and ordinary food.  Building on that theme, here's a few foods I try to keep on hand, to help me make the most of the meals and foods I serve, and be prepared for an unexpected visitor.
 
Kalamata pitted olives-Perfect just served in a bowl as snacks or part of a relish tray, these salty little numbers easily work on a flatbread or pizza crust or in a hot or cold pasta dish.
 
 

 Marinated artichoke hearts- As with olives, they work with a tooth pick as part of an antipasti tray, in salads and hot dishes, and also fabulous on flatbread or pizza crusts.
 



Pepperoni-Either in sticks, or sliced, pepperoni has a long refrigerator life, and a little can go a long way.  Use like the earlier items as snacks, toppings, or in salads.
 
Pizza crust mix- I'm sure someone has an easy homemade way to make a crust, but for $ .79, having a couple on hand is cost efficient and convenient.  Use with just about any of the other ingredients I have on this list, and you have the base for a quick meal or snack for unexpected guests.
 


Tortilla's-I'm thankful about that our US neighbors to the south decided to share their daily bread recipe with us. Use tortillas as wraps for sandwiches or burrito style coverings for just about any hot food combinations like eggs and cheese, hamburger, rice and beans. Because you can get in rice, corn, or flour, those with gluten allergies can find options.
 
Olive tapenade-Yummy on crackers or crusty bread, also good spread on a cheeseburger, or with other meats and cheeses for sandwiches.
 
Petite diced tomatoes-Drain and mix with just about anything for a fast salsa, bruschetta spread, or pizza or pasta topping.  My favorite is to mix with a can of drained black beans, can of drained corn, can of green chili peppers, lots of garlic, chili powder, and black pepper, and lime juice.  Mix it all together and chill for a day, and it makes a phenomenal  salad, chip dip, or bread topping.  
 
Cream cheese-Besides the obvious spread for bagels, cream cheeses (particularly if paired with the olive tapenade) is delicious on burgers, stirred into mashed potatoes, used with any kind of jam or jelly for a cracker or sandwich spread, and melted with diced tomatoes and peppers for a hot queso dip.
 
Besides the traditional staples, what are the must have items you regularly stock your kitchen with? Do you have go to items to help you feel prepared for the extra or unexpected guest?