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Dare to Bare - Random Recipes #35


I know this is not exactly a baking post, but being the complete nosey parker that I am, I couldn't resist this month's Random Recipes challenge, hosted by Dom over at Belleau Kitchen. He dared us to bare our pantries, so that the voyeurs among us can have a good gander. I've really enjoyed reading the posts circulating so far, and as sorting out my kitchen cupboards has been a project of mine over the last few months (I'm afraid I'm turning into an organisation junkie), I thought I could join in on this one.

Although I would love to have one of the traditional walk-in pantries, our kitchen does not have enough space for that. We do have quite a few cupboards, and so supplies are spread out between a few of those.

This first one is where I keep breakfast cereals and some baking ingredients like nuts, chocolate, yeast, extracts etc. You get the idea that I am addicted to Kilner jars, yes? To put my addiction into perspective, I've been collecting them for nearly 30 years :-) ! 
 
 
This next one is all about spices, sauces, oils, vinegars and other condiments. I cook a lot, so there is a lot. Especially Indian spices after I did an evening course a few years back.


Next is my basics cupboard, with pasta, tins, and some bulk jars of nuts and berries (I get some of these from Costco but it means they need larger storage - just as well I love cranberries!).


There are a few other stashes dotted around (like snack-y type things) which I haven't pictured, but the one useful one which I've built up recently is the hot beverage shelf located right above our coffee maker and kettle (you an also see my cake dome which is usually occupied with something handy for elevenses!).

This contains teas, coffees (and whole coffee beans), and our increasing collection of different makes of hot chocolate (Mike and I have begun a ritual of a night-time cup, and we have tried a few different ones to find one we like - strangely, we keep gravitating back to Cadbury's. If you can recommend any, or suggest any recipes, please do!)


Finally, there is my baking drawer. This is full of essentials like flours, sugars and the compulsory (at least in our house) chocolate chips.


Right - I shall leave it there for now.

Hope you've enjoyed this peek into my kitchen.

Susie xx

Comments

  1. Gosh, I reckon yours are the tidiest and most organised cupboards I've ever seen - hats off to you all the way.

    Good to see you back and wishing you all the best for 2014.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Choclette - thanks for your lovely comment. I have been off work for a while and have had time to spend organising. It's been a kind of therapy!

      Hope you had a great Christmas and all the best for 2014! :)

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  2. Superb cupboard control. I'm envious. I'm even more envious of the hot beverage shelf. That's so much better than my scattered, random beverage storage. I haven't drunk a hot chocolate in months, but I really want one now. There was a French variety that I used to really enjoy but I can't remember the name now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Phil - I do find it helpful having everything right by the kettle! Must be my laziness coming through. Do you mean Charbonnel? I've seen that in Lakeland, but it is the only French one I can think of. :)

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    2. Actually the Charbonnel hot choc is lovely, if a little costly, but it's not the one I was thinking of. I think I might have bought it in French supermarkets. I still can't remember the name, though. My memory's not what it was - at least, I don't think it is.

      Delete
    3. Hmm, well I guess I'll have to do a little more 'research' :)

      Delete
  3. Wow seriously organised! I think you'd feel uncomfortable in my messy cupboards lol. Im envious of all that space and I love the use of storage jars. Best wishes for 2014!

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  4. I spotted a jar of that lovely Lotus caramelised biscuit paste - we are so hooked on it! Very neat and well stocked cupboards!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Anne - I haven't tried the spread yet, although I love the biscuits! :)

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  5. Love that baking drawer - might have to copy that.

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    Replies
    1. I find it really handy - no more having to lug large tubs out of the way to get to the flour I want! :)

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  6. Hello Susie - your pantry and cupboards are so incredibly organised I can't believe it! Can you come and do mine? We have a hot drinks and breakfast cupboard above the kettle too, though this is about to go in a bit of a mini-renovation. Seeing yours makes me reconsider!

    Really sorry to hear that you had been so ill. Here's to a happy, healthy 2014!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Lucy - I can't wait to see your mini-renovation (and pantry)!

      It was just an opportune Random Recipe challenge, I guess, as I have been off work for the last six months and have had time to re-organise everything. (And to be honest, I've done it about three times now, trying to get it all to work better!) :)

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    2. OOPS! and forgot - hope you have a very Happy New Year too!

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