Ingredients to always keep on hand

The secret to fast, no-fail meals is having the right ingredients on hand. A well-stocked pantry can offer endless possibilities for desperation dinners. Stocking a pantry takes a bit of investment up front, but once it's filled, your pantry can become an oversized recipe box, full of potential quick, convenient meals.

Use this list to get started. It includes items to keep on hand in your pantry, fridge and freezer and a few fresh items that have longer shelf lives. Omit items you don't use and add your favorite staples. We haven't included obvious items such as flour, salt and pepper and butter or margarine. You probably keep those on hand, anyway.

-- Susan Ardis | McClatchy Newspapers
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<b>Keep these readily stocked:</b>
<br /><br />Canned apricots, pineapple and peaches<br />
Dried fruits<br />
Tomatoes -- diced; stewed; tomato sauce and paste; sun-dried; crushed<br />
Artichoke hearts<br />
Cannellini, kidney and black beans, dried or canned<br />
Lentils and split peas<br />
Roasted peppers<br />
Frozen vegetables and berries<br />
Fresh ingredients such as onions, potatoes, garlic, carrots, celery, bell peppers, lemons and limes

Fruits, vegetables and beans

(Jupiterimages/Tribune Media Services)

Keep these readily stocked:

Canned apricots, pineapple and peaches
Dried fruits
Tomatoes -- diced; stewed; tomato sauce and paste; sun-dried; crushed
Artichoke hearts
Cannellini, kidney and black beans, dried or canned
Lentils and split peas
Roasted peppers
Frozen vegetables and berries
Fresh ingredients such as onions, potatoes, garlic, carrots, celery, bell peppers, lemons and limes