The Holiday-Ready Pantry

The Boy Scouts got it right: Always be prepared. We've all got our ideas of the "perfect" holiday season. Some of us daydream Norman Rockwell-ish scenes of baking cookies with our children, covered in a perfectly flour-dusted apron and our hair fetchingly unkempt. Or, we fantasize about being able to have friends over for a stress-free spontaneous gathering, pulling together last-minute appetizers and treats. Though our holiday celebrations will never be perfect, we can make them as stress-free and fun as possible by making preparations in advance. Here's our guide to stocking your pantry with the holiday essentials that will carry you all the way through New Year's Day.

1. Assorted coffees, teas, hot chocolate, and eggnog: Nothing says "Happy Holidays" like a steaming hot mug of something sweet. By having a variety of flavors on hand, you can satisfy any comfort craving that strikes you (or your guests). For extra hostess points, fill a small basket with gourmet hot chocolate mixes and tea bags and keep it in your guest room.

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2. Wine, beer, and soft drinks: It's easier to open your home for spontaneous get-togethers when you've got plenty of drinks on hand. Be sure to take advantage of discounts offered by warehouse clubs like Costco, and check out our wine pairings and recommendations.

The Gift of Wine

 3. White, brown, and powdered sugar: Stocking up on these sweet staples now ensures that you'll be ready to bake everything from humble sugar cookies to fancy cakes.

7 Ways With Sugar

4. Ground allspice, cinnamon cloves, ginger, and nutmeg: Just opening a jar of one of these fragrant holiday spices is sure to trigger your favorite Christmas memories. Keep your spice jars filled and use them liberally!

7 Ways With Cinnamon

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5. Baking soda and baking powder: Most bread and cake recipes call for at least one of these leaveners, which cause the dough to rise. Baking powder, however, is actually a blend of baking soda, cream of tartar, and cornstarch.

6. Baking chocolate: This unsweetened chocolate is chocolate liquor that has cooled and hardened. It's commonly found in chocolate sauces and cakes.

All About Chocolate

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7. Semisweet chocolate morsels: While not bitter like baking chocolate, these morsels still aren't as sweet as milk chocolate. They're usually called for in chocolate chip cookie and bar recipes.

7 Ways With Chocolate Chips

8. Assorted nuts: Pecans, walnuts, and peanuts add salty crunch to a number of holiday desserts and salads.

Pecan Pie Recipes

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9. Sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk: Did you know that evaporated milk is actually unsweetened condensed milk? The sweetened variety is actually 40-45 percent sugar, which accounts for its super sticky texture. Both sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk are common ingredients in Christmas desserts.

10. Whipping cream: It's hard to resist adding a dollop of whipping cream to hot chocolate, pies, and puddings. (We would never squirt it right from the can into our mouths. Oh no. MyRecipes' honor.)

11. Jams, jellies, and preserves: Take your holiday brunch from ordinary to extraordinary with a selection of specialty jams and jellies. Feeling crafty? Make your own.

7 Ways With Jam

12. Raisins, cranberries, and other fruits: Fresh and dried fruits add a little "oomph" to quick breads and salads.

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13. Canned pumpkin: Canned pumpkin makes preparing pumpkin pie, bread, and cake easy as, well, pie. Be sure to grab several cans if you love all things pumpkin–you can always donate the leftovers to a canned food drive.

7 Ways With Pumpkin

Sweet Pumpkin Desserts

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14. Frozen/refrigerated bread dough, biscuits, and croissants: Whether you need a quick side for your big family dinner or are cooking something more elaborate, frozen or refrigerated bread dough is a great holiday time-saver.