Prepare your next dinner with style and never run out of ingredients, herbs, spices, extracts, sauces, and all kinds of foodstuff.

Doing any job is easier when you have the right tools on hand. One of a cooks best tools -- and secret weapons -- is having a well-stocked kitchen pantry.

Cooking is much simpler if you know that youve already got what you absolutely need on hand, and arent going to have to run to the corner sell every instant you want to fix a meal.

Having a well-stocked pantry is also the secret weapon especially when unexpected guests drop by.

Youll be able to contruct every guest feel special and welcome because, whether it is appetizers for four or dinner for ten, you might handle it with style and panache. In fact, your reputation -- and your sanity -- will be assured, because with these things in your pantry, you might put together beautiful and tasty food that is beautifully presented in just minutes, simply and easily.

Here is a list of basic ingredients that should be in any well-stocked pantry. (One dazzling way to stock your pantry is to buy one or two things on the list each time you go shopping, rather than trying to get it all at once. If you watch the sales and take advantage of seasonal buys, youll be able to save money as well