Pantry Stocking Staples : Edition 1
It’s a good time to make sure our pantries are fully stocked and an equally wonderful time to support the makers who contribute to our communities daily. Here are 5 delicious pantry essentials to order directly from the people who make them. More time at home means extra funds in the restaurant/entertainment budget and extra time to devote to making weekday meals special. By filling our pantries with these staples we double-down on supporting small business.
LITTLE APPLE TREATS GRANOLA
Why I love it? This just-right granola has lots of farm fresh flavor and the perfect amount of crunch, sweetness, and spice. All of them are delicious and this choice adds protein with perfectly puffed quinoa. Joanne & Dan pick and dry the apples from their organic orchard in Sebastopol, CA between bottling vinegar and taking photos of their cute ranch cats.
PRESERVE FARM KITCHENS TOMATO BUTTER SAUCE
Why I love it? The tomatoes in this sauce go from field to jar within 48 hours which means no added sugar and so much fresh tomato flavor. Plus Preserve Farm Kitchens guarantees premium pricing to the small, diversified farms they purchase tomatoes from, meaning buying a jar has a ripple effect on lovely things like farms, the environment, and carbon sequestration.
CLIF FAMILY FARM NUT MIXES
Why I love it? The high-quality, organic spices used in these mixes make for a flavor-rich snack time or homebound happy hour (they are crafted by a Napa county winery after all). If you’re more of a sweet nut mix fan, try the Maple Curried Cashews & Peanuts. While Clif can’t be considered small scale, they are deeply committed to the small, local producers they work with to craft their food products. Combine that with amazing justice initiatives (like single-handedly closing the pay gap for the U.S. women’s world cup athletes) and there is a lot to celebrate!
OAKTOWN SPICE SHOP TEAS
Why I love it? Leave it to these master blenders to make something as intense as turmeric taste so good. The warming flavors of chai spices makes for a delicious cup of tea that also delivers the healing anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric. All of Oaktown Spice Shop’s products are meticulously sourced and ground in small batches meaning flavor reigns supreme.
CARMEL BERRY ELDERBERRY SYRUP
Why I love it? This “folk remedy” has some pretty strong science behind it - it’s even listed on Dr. Oz’s Coronavirus Survival Protocol. The gist of those benefits are #1 antioxidants #2 beneficial to gut ecology and #3 antiviral. Carmel Berry sources directly from farms, making the syrup from fresh elderberries (not dried) meaning less processing and more goodness.