Many people find baking daunting. There are recipes to follow, ingredients to measure, sometimes-complicated techniques involved. “Its so much easier to buy cookies,” a friend told me. “The mix works just as well,” I often hear. And while yes, any baked good is a good baked good (say that three times fast), there are some things that taste better homemade.

But what if you’re longing for chocolate chip cookies, or brownies, or apple crisp, and you can’t get to the store? Before you settle for stale mini-Oreos from your kid’s lunch box, wouldn’t it be nice to know that you had everything you need at your fingertips? Plan ahead for those last minute cravings, and build yourself a baking box.

(my baking box turned into a cupboard when I started baking all the time)

One of the most thoughtful gifts I received for my wedding was a wicker basket, filled with all of the baking essentials. By keeping it stocked, I know I will always have the basics for some sort of dessert. When the baking box is full, any new recipe will only involve running out for a few ingredients, rather than a whole cartful. Here’s what you need to build your own baking box (or shelf, or cupboard):

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  1. Flour: all-purpose flour goes with everything. Add whole wheat, gluten free, or specialty flours if you like.
  2. White sugar: have at least two cups of plain, white, granulated sugar on hand.
  3. Brown sugar: again, at least two cups. Dark or light doesn’t make much of a difference.
  4. Baking powder
  5. Baking soda
  6. Vanilla extract: some people insist that you need to use real vanilla extract. Its pricey, and if you blow through it by the litre like I do, it’s just not cost effective. Using artificial is okay; there are very few recipes where you can actually tell the difference.
  7. Salt: yep, baked goods need salt. Especially ones with chocolate. It helps bring all of the flavours out (and doesn’t taste salty)
  8. Oats: what would a list be without some oatmeal? Quick oats are good for most recipes.
  9. Butter: okay, you can’t really keep this in a baking box, but consider your refrigerator as a baking box extension for the time being.
  10. Eggs: again, these don’t stay in the baking box. But keep at least 6 on hand for a brownie emergency.
  11. Chocolate chips: these can be melted, mixed in, or pressed into a spoonful of peanut butter for a quick treat.

With these basic ingredients, you have the basis for any number of quick, tasty recipes. And you’ll never catch yourself without even the promise of chocolate chip cookies on the horizon.

What baking staples do you keep in your pantry?