Over many years, I learned what I should always keep in my pantry and the fridge. With these few ingredients, you can whip up an easy and yummy meal.

Pantry

• Can tomatoes (diced, crushed, or plum). My preference is Aylmer's diced

• Pasta such as spaghetti, linguini, penne, rotini, pappardelle, etc.

• Capers (small, in a jar)

• Marinated artichokes (6-oz jar)

• Vinegar – balsamic and red wine

• Salt and pepper – a pepper mill makes a big difference

• Black olives (fresh pitted or can pitted)

 

A must in the fridge

• Wine – red and white (need I say more). If I'm short on it, I use beer

• Garlic (fresh is better – if not, I always have the store bought minced in a jar)

• Parsley, basil, or cilantro (coriander) – fresh if you can

• Cheese – Real Parmesan, Romano Pecorino (fresh and grated fine), Mozzarella, the real stuff, and goat cheese