Store Cupboard Secrets for Entertaining

It's that dreaded moment everyone finds themselves in when they are expected to produce something delicious from a kitchen that has barely a drop of milk and there isn't time for a trip to the shops. Spur of the moment entertaining can be a nightmare but here are some ideas of what you can have in your cupboard to make sure you are always prepared.

Artichokes in oil 

Anchovies

Balsamic vinegar

Breadcrumbs 

Basmati rice

Capers

Cocoa powder

Cooking chocolate

Flour - plain and self-raising

Garlic

Mustards

Olive oil

Olives

Onions 

Pasta - penne, linguine, lasagne

Porcini mushrooms - dried

Preserved lemons

Rice - basmati, risotto, pudding

Sugar - caster, icing and muscovado

Tomatoes - tinned

Tuna fish - tinned

White wine vinegar

And then for the spices

Bay leaves

Cloves

Cinnamon 

Coriander seeds

Cumin

Dried chilli flakes

Fennel seeds

Nutmeg

Salt - preferably Maldon 

Saffron

Peppercorns