It is so important, in your naturally busy life, to make the most out of every trip to the grocery store and to have lots of yummy bites on hand. There are a bunch of ingredients that should always be in your pantry and fridge so you can quickly and easily whip up something delicious for dinner.

The Bare Necessities

• Olive Oil
• A full spice rack
• A few kinds of pasta (Some long, some short. I prefer whole grain.)
• Brown rice (Boil a bag, frozen, etc.)
• Onions
• Garlic—Fresh cloves and minced in the jar (Spice World makes this)
• Frozen vegetables (just as good to have on hand if you don’t have fresh)
• Eggs
• Shredded Parmesan cheese
• Canned beans— black, kidney, and pinto
• Canned diced tomatoes
• A frozen entree, like pizza from Trader Joe’s, just in case you’re really too tired to cook dinner

And don’t forget, what always comes in handy, the big 3: