Stocking the Pantry

How often have we faced our pantries at the end of a day wondering how we can transform the random ingredients we have on hand into a satisfying family meal? Don't answer on the grounds it may incriminate you.

With busy lives, it's often hard to think or plan ahead. Statistics show that most people don?t think about what to have for dinner until after 4 pm that day. And when day is done, what we want is to find comfort in our personal time, not the frustration of what to cook or the disappointment of a mediocre meal.

There are many ingredients, when always kept on hand, can help make any meal more delicious and special. The following list of pantry (and freezer) items will ease your mind and rejuvenate your evening. These are not your pantry staples like flour and spaghetti, but a few versatile extras that can add flavor and panache.

* Chicken or vegetable bouillon. Instead of boiling vegetables or cooking rice in water, add a bouillon cube to add flavor. It also eliminates the need to season with salt or add butter.

* Salad dressing mixes. A few of these in the pantry means you?re never out of dressing and also lets you switch gears and serve a new salad taste. These dressings also make great marinade spices, can help season sauces and casseroles or mixed with mayonnaise or sour cream to make dips.

* Frozen peas. Frozen peas are a great addition to almost any side dish. Mix some into pasta, rice or couscous to bring it to life.

* Frozen shrimp. Again, add some shrimp to rice or pasta along with your peas and you have an entire meal in less than half an hour.

* Caponata. A jar of caponata can be added to pasta, or served as a side to fish or chicken. Use it to flavor dips or serve it on crackers when guests arrive unexpectedly.

* Chickpeas. Add to salads, soups, and for bean dips.

* Canned tomatoes. Great for quickly throwing together a pasta sauce. Dice and add to soups, vegetables, chicken breasts and more.

* Dried Mushrooms. Add them to roasts, soups and casseroles. Great for a quick gravy or stir-fry.

* Frozen piecrust & frozen fruit. Whip up a delicious pie for dessert or company in no time at all.

* Bisquick Biscuit Mix. From chicken potpie, fried chicken and pizza to luscious desserts ? not to mention breakfast, this versatile product has so many uses it even has its own cookbook.