Dec 10, 2010 Posted in Magazine Articles, The Pantry

On Hand (A Well-Stocked Pantry)

Teton Family Magazine | Winter 2010
View article as published, starting on page 24 >

The On Hand of the title does not refer to tattoos, manicures, jewelry or even the intricate henna designs applied to women’s hands for Hindu festivals. This On Hand is a reference to the manner a household is organized for both convenience and economy. When you are the one who provides the household with daily comfort and nourishment, it’s good to have ease and options.

What is in your pantry and cupboards, your root cellar, refrigerator and freezer that allows you more independence from daily trips to the grocery store? That’s what’s on hand. When you or your kids or your partner arrive home from a challenging day, do you have an array of choices for some nutritious snacks that fill the immediate need of rumbling stomachs and edgy tempers? On hand you might have a bowl full of dried apricots and whole almonds or sliced apples and pecan halves. It’s relief in an instant.

Planning ahead can allow your life to be more pleasurable and less driven, to use a pun. There are many times when it would be great to stay home, rather than get in your auto and fight the weather, time and traffic because there is nothing on hand for dinner. If you think long term, then you can free up your short term.

Some days the circumstances might be the complete opposite. Out in the world, if the day has been filled with long work hours and too many errands, adding a trip to the market might be just too much. Knowing that the ingredients for a delicious risotto are waiting at home could save you from that half hour detour. A glass of wine while you stir the risotto could put you back on top of the world.

It’s aroma therapy to fill your home with the smells of home cooked slow food. Many cooking projects work perfectly in tandem with a day at home while you are focused on other chores. Whether it’s desk work or house cleaning, it can be great to take breaks and do some cooking or baking. Moving back and forth between the computer and the kitchen gives parts of your brain time to expand and absorb, your legs and back have a chance to stretch. Pounding on bread dough is a fabulous stress reliever. By the end of the day, there will be a meal of tasty soup and warm bread fit for kings or your own family.

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