Deanna from Little Mountain Ranch 
I recently decided to feed my family using a menu published on December 26, 1933. Originally intended to feed a family of four for about $11 to $13 a week, this menu offered a fascinating look into historical home cooking.
When we think of a pantry, we naturally think of food. However, a truly resilient household requires a well-stocked supply of non-food essentials as well.
You can make nutritious food out of basic ingredients, but to elevate those meals and prevent cooking fatigue, a well-stocked arsenal of seasonings and quick-grab items is essential. I am going to share 15 specific items I keep on my shelves, why I chose them, and how they ultimately save our family money by keeping us out of the drive-thru.
In this guide, we are going to walk through how to easily build a three-month pantry.
With food prices continuing to climb, it is becoming more difficult for many families to make ends meet. Establishing a working pantry is one of the best ways to insulate your grocery budget. The pantry we are outlining today will not cover every single fresh meal or snack, but it will secure the foundational calories, proteins, and fats required for a family of four.
If you are someone who claims they don’t like squash, I would encourage you to stick with me. In several of these recipes, the squash is the main ingredient, but it is supported by so many other flavors—like bacon, enchilada sauce, or sharp cheddar—that the “squashiness” is completely camouflaged.
If there is one theme for the 2026 garden at Little Mountain Ranch, it is restraint. (Okay, attempted restraint. We all know how hard it is to say no to just one more variety of squash!)
There is a lot of work that goes into building a pantry—from growing the food and preserving it to learning how to shop in bulk. However, the most critical part of managing a pantry happens right now, just before the new gardening season begins.
I recently experienced a moment in the garden that felt like a significant step forward in my self-sufficiency journey. I managed to grow enough ginger here in my northern garden (Zone 3) to last our family for nearly the entire year.
I have been looking forward to sharing these for a very long time. After over eight years on YouTube and decades of cooking from scratch, I have tried my fair share of kitchen equipment.
In This Post Why I Love Pantry Freezer Meals Beef Stew Slow-Cooked Pork Roast Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Chili Mac (Sauce Only) Chicken & Rice Casserole Hearty Vegetable Lentil Soup Three-Bean Enchilada Bake Final Thoughts Why I Love Pantry Freezer Meals If there’s one thing that has saved me over and over—especially during the busy … Read more
