pantry products for the galley or kitchen

I have selected some of my favorite pantry products that I keep on hand to save space or time.

Coconut cream does not need refrigeration and is a nice vegan alternative to whipped cream.

Garlic paste is ready-to-go and one item I use quite often. My hands don’t pick up the garlic smell that results from peeling and chopping fresh garlic cloves.

Precooked brown rice saves space on the stove top and the 45 minutes cooking time that can hold up dinner.

Freeze dried bruschetta mix comes in handy for a last minute vegetable dip. I sprinkle some in my scrambled eggs or use it instead of sauce on pizza dough. I will travel with it because it is not a liquid and can be tossed into your carry-on bag without consequences.

Shelf-stable whipping cream will work in a pinch as a coffee creamer or in recipes calling for cream. Make sure it is chilled if you plan to hand whip it onboard with a wire whip.

Tomato paste in the tube will allow you to use smaller amounts required in some recipes without tossing the rest of the can.

I usually go with the fresh is best theory, but if it means one more dip in the warm sea, or an extended gaze at the sunset, these short cuts are worth it.