Helpful tips

I told you the other day that I had received my March issue of Cooking Light magazine. In it was a section called 3-Step Pantry Planner. Step 1 was called Take stock now and I found it very helpful and thought I would share those things with you today.

Good for 6 months

• Baking soda and baking powder
• Brown rice stored in an airtight container
• Nuts stored in a cool, dark and dry place and in an airtight container
• Oil if unopened; 3 months once opened
• Peanut butter once opened

Good for 1 year

• Flour stored in an airtight container. High fat flour such as whole-wheat flour is good for 6 months stored in an airtight container
• Grains such as barley and rolled oats stored in an airtight container

Good for more than 1 year

• Canned goods: High-acid items like fruits can be stored for 18 months and low-acid items like meats and vegetables can last 2 - 5 years if the cans are in good shape (no leaks, rust, cracks or large dents)
• Dried beans stored at room temperature are good indefinitely
• Honey is best used within 2 years. If it crystallizes just set it down into a pan of simmering water over low heat to decrystallize
• Granulated sugar kept away from moisture will last up to 2 years. Brown sugar should be used within 6 months
• Vinegar can be kept indefinitely unopened. Once opened it should be used withing 6 months