As a wife and mommy who wants to feed her family natural, homemade food, I was often saddened by the state of my pantry and how I had let it slip away from me this last year since having baby #3. I yearn to cook homemade meals with healthy and delicious ingredients, but was always finding myself staring at the useless mess I called a pantry–with no meal planning inspiration whatsoever. As a writer of historical fiction, I’ve always been so fond of how housewives kept a well-stocked pantry with grains, herbs and spices, and dried beans and such in the olden days. Organization was key so everything was used with no waste, and keeping basics on hand even more so to whip up a batch of…just about anything! 🙂 So it was time to stop daydreaming and do something about it!
So begins The Great Pantry Overhaul of 2013 (that’s code for I have no life and I named my pantry organizational day.) 😀
The night before, I washed tons and tons of glass jars so they would be clean and dry by morning. My mother-in-law saved every jar she ever used from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s so a raid through her basement (nicknamed “the dungeon”) was a must!
Before, all my herbs and spices were on the top shelf and the small bottles were easily lost. Dragging over a chair and digging around up there wasn’t all that fun. Now all my herbs and spices are in glass jars right on the counter so I can grab what I need, when I need it! Dried goods and staples like pasta, beans and rice all are in glass jars now. Easy to see, easy to stock and more inspiring to plan meals! (this last one for me, was key!!)
My scone basket. It includes coconut, chocolate chips and poppy seeds. Because life is too short not to bake scones. Or have a basket called “scone basket” *grin*
Our kitchen is teeny-tiny. (the first picture above is the extent of our counter space. EVERYTHING is done there from baking to drying dishes, to setting a baby up on the counter to watch, so finding creative ways to store things is key. My measuring cups and spoons live on the side of the cabinet. Easy to grab and use all day long. Thanks to my wonderful hubby for putting up hooks! (I guess I could have done it myself, but we were going for a symmetrical look) 😉
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Herbs and spices easily on hand. I try and grow my own herbs when I can, but do get them from the grocery store often as I haven’t grown as many as I would like. This year, I’m committing to growing and drying them in larger batches: oregano, rosemary, basil, thyme and more! There’s just something about herbs hanging to dry in a kitchen that makes it feel like home. 🙂 Another thing I’m committing to, is canning more. I canned for the very first time last year and loved it. This fall, I really want to make it a larger priority to store up the garden goodness in the pantry!
Dried fruits and pastas, local honey , and all the dried essentials like granola.
And THIS was my catch all box on the lower shelf. It’s a hard spot to reach, so I would just stuff odds and ends in here and it was always a disaster.
Still the “catch all” shelf…just new and improved. 🙂 It held things I don’t use as often and it was a MESS. As you can see :D. Using gallon jars, made it so easy to get it organized. They’re clear and easy to see through, plus it added vertical height, so for less space, I’m able to store more. I just grouped like items: snacks in one, coffee filters and straws in another, and so on. I think the key was to not think too hard. Have fun with it and do what works for you and your family! For ideas on what to consider stocking in your pantry, here is a great post by my friend at Keeping it Cozy.
Let’s chat: Do you have a kitchen organizational tip? I’d love to hear…I know we all would! Also, what’s a favorite food you like to make homemade?
For me, it’s probably homemade bread. 🙂
Your pantry is swoon-worthy. And I adore the pantry-overhaul-day title. 😉 You already know how I feel about the sheer brilliance of having a scone basket– you could (and probably should) write a book based on that alone!
Thanks for sharing the beauty of your pantry. When do we all get to come over for a cookie swap? (Joking. Won’t invade you, I promise).
I love that you , my friend would swoon over a pantry. <3
Ben: "What did you do to Amanda?"
Me: "Nothing. I just organized my pantry and she fainted! I think it had to do with the scone basket. Here, take some for when she wakes." (resisting the urge to use pirate language, I don't want to cross genres) *wink*
Oh, my goodness you would be welcome anytime!! If I see you this spring, we will need tea and scones! If I don't see you until the fall, we will then be a wee bit sadder. BUT will then have an excuse for pumpkin scones!
Haha! Tea and scones it is, one way or another– can’t wait! (joining you in withholding the pirate lingo)
Wanna know how to make me burst out laughing? Say things like “that’s code for I have no life and I named my pantry organizational day”.
Hahahaha!!! I LOVE the idea of using glass jars. Wait. If we say “jar”, isn’t it immediately clear that we mean “glass jar”? Anyway…Great job!!!
Haha! So sad but true! 😀 I really got a bit carried away and organization for me is so rare, that I had to make it epic 😉 My hubby adores organized things so to impress him, I simply do things like open cupboards and he’s weak in the knees 😉
Oh my good gravy! That is amazing. If I pay your airfare will you bring some of your MIL’s jars and come do mine? You laugh, but I am serious. 🙂
Even when I organize my pantry, it still feels unorganized. I love this idea. My mom has all her spices on her counter in jars, but I have this thing about a super clean, no nothing but a few little things on my counter. However, this looks great! Really, really great!
Also, bring scones when you come. 😉
Jessica, So there!! I need a vacay! 😉
I know just what you mean about wanting a clear counter. I think I would love a clear counter and living in an itty bitty house has trained me to stack things, lol. I having something tucked in every corner of this place and its so easy for it to clutter up! It’s often a battle. Probably why the glass jars felt so right as it made everything more uniform and easier on the eyes.
I will bring scones! I’m working on improving my recipe and it may or may not involve sour cream. They are so good!
It looks great and welcoming. My pantry is scary and I often settle for what I can find rather than what I started out looking for as I peruse the cupboard shelves. Organization is key and just feels good. I love all the lovely glass jars – functional AND attractive. Have a blessed day!
Your pantry is way less scarier than mine was 🙂 You do a lovely job. Organization really is key, isn’t it? I find I do less if its work to find things and having everything so easy to find has made cooking so much more fun! Lova ya! See you soon 🙂
Oooh, I have lots of jars in my dungeon basement, too! And your “after” looks very old-school Appalachian and tidy. Yes, those Appalachian grandmas were organized…mine had a day for washing, a day for cleaning house, a day for baking…on and on. I am NOT that way. But I’m sure it must feel so good to get things where you can see them and plan meals easier. I’d love to get more organized…but for now, I’d settle for a working dishwasher! AGH!
Fun post today, Joanne! And glad you got your kitchen looking inviting for YOU, the cook! (And those scones sound wonderful!).
Heather, you are my fellow Appalachia lover! I am so glad it made you think of that and that it looks tidy. It’s not quite as pretty today only because I unloaded some groceries and need to organize things a bit. 😉
It really is so nice to have things orderly and more menu-planning friendly. ALREADY it’s come in handy as I had to make an unexpected dinner for 3 hungry guys late at night and everything was on hand and ready to go. Plus, feeding hungry men is one of my favorite things…they’re always so happy to be fed! (and they have low standards when they’re hungry, haha!)
I love what you’ve done–and I’m jealous over your jars. I was just scrounging this morning for a quart jar with a wide mouth to start a new batch of alfalfa sprouts and had to settle for a short jar. I have no idea where my big one (yes, I only had one) went. Haven’t used it in ages. And then there’s my hubby: “Do you really need four coffee pots on the counter?” But, one’s for the stovetop, one’s for espresso…you get the idea. Guess I need to bite the bullet and follow your awesome example. Love the scone basket! Good job, Joanne.
Hehe, well I have a CASE of jars sitting here and I will bring you a brand new, wide mouth jar next time I see you. 🙂 You amaze me with your sprouting! I have a jar of lentil sprouts on my counter right now!
Your kitchen is so lovely and tidy and I love how it has that old-world feel to it with your decorations. It’s so cheery!
Oh how fun! I love doing organizational things! I switched everything into jars this past year because it was easier and I just love jars. Thanks for your fun post!
Thanks, Michelle! SO fun to hear about your own jar adventures 🙂 Aren’t they handy! I used to save every pasta and applesauce jar and my hubby caught on and now HE’s the one who saves them. He washes them all the time, more than I could ever use. So cute 😉
Totally inspired now! I’m going to have to buy some cool jars. Looks great! 🙂
Thanks, Raquel! I bought a few cases at Walmart and they have all the different sizes on the canning isle. 🙂
I HAVE TO DO THIS ASAP! I’m putting it on my to-do list! Thanks for sharing Joanne!
Hannah, you are so fun! I am so glad you are inspired! I bet you have the cutest, country kitchen. 😉
Oooooh. I’m having organization envy. I use baskets, but now I’m going to have to incorporate jars!
LOL, Sarah. It’s quite rare for me to be this organized. Very rare. I think my husband had to check my pulse to make sure everything was ok, haha.
<3 I'd say I was envious if I didn't know how much time that must have taken you!!!
Just bought tons of glassware for Rachel's birthday. I'm getting AWAY from the computer, and on to cleaning out the cupboards! now that Downton Abbey is over for the year. I can see how you'd want to cook when everything is so lovely…. You are an inspiration! <3 you!
Ash
Oh, Ashley, it took so much time, lol. It was an entire day and then some. I still have dishpan hands from washing all those jars. But it was so worth it and I am now awaiting a brand new pantry that Noah will be building soon so I can’t wait. YOU inspire me, you creative mamma, you!! LOVED the face paint 🙂
I love it!!! 😀
Thanks, Jenna! 🙂
This is pure beauty!! I, too, store in glass jars for two reasons: my dear friend, Rita, threw away all of her plastics and showed me glass jars were more sanitary ~ years and years ago. And… we now have a wood stove I dearly love. Even if I hadn’t already used glass jars for everything, it keeps everything clean. I discovered my cloth rice bag was a little bit covered on the bottom with wood ash remnants. Clue for me to tidy up enclosing it in a jar too. My only comment is the too tall spaghetti that my husband likes broken in threes when I cook it anyway. Love to you, Joanne. I really enjoyed this post!! So pretty. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
P.S. I would love to have your scone recipes!
Kathleen,
I have to tell you that I went to the store today and bought Spelt flour just so I can make those scones. It now has a happy home in my pantry and I can’t wait to make your recipe! How fun to hear about your own pantry adventures and I’ve heard the same thing about glass being more sanitary. I think it has something to do with plastic having pores…but I’m not as studied up on it as I’d like to be. Blessings to you!
Oh I love it! Good work. I so love staring at organization things 🙂
haha! I love staring at organized things, too! 😉 SO much easier than actually doing it… You are on to something, Lisa!
Everything looks great Joanne in the after picture! I love to organize cabinets and shelves but as I hear ex-RAF hubby groaning, I should tell you with me it is not just an occasional thing or seasonal…it’s WHENEVER I feel like (translation: often). It causes some hilarious moments (and a few grumbles) when something is not where it use to be…I have fun…It seems I am the only one…You would think after 38 years of marriage hubby wouldn’t be so surprised anymore…What can I say, I am easily bored!
A scone basket would be grand but scones are baked most days here and supplies would require a LARGE basket!
As to a nifty organizational idea…nothing comes to mind, we are all different, space is vital (same here!) but in my case I better never forget anything on my shopping list! (no amenities and we live on an island accessible only by a ferry!)
Canning is great (after all is cleaned and stored away!)
Blessings,
Love hearing about your organization, Noelle. Now that is a good habit to have! My husband would be over the moon if I were that organized so I think that we both married our opposites…what can I say…they attract, right!? 🙂
Its so fascinating to hear about the island you live on. What a unique life and place to call home!
Joanne, your pantry looks great! I love it!
Thank you, Andrea! You inspire me. 🙂
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