I regularly import the finest ingredients from the world of food, like Buffalo Mozzarella from the Italy, and sell it direct to you. The Pantry also features selected New Zealand and Australian cottage ingredients and connections to help you prepare your dream menu. Here are a few simple guidelines to help you layout your pantry:

To provide for the unexpected luncheon you should have: Italian Buffalo mozzarella, vine ripened tomato’s, extra virgin olive oil, Saparoso balsamic vinegar and fresh basil. You now have the ingredients for the classic Caprese salad.

Salt with a difference: You can’t be without “Menu” herb salt which replaces the common salt in my house! It turns the most simple meal into something amazing! I use it with pasta, fish, chicken, BBQ prawns – pretty much anything where you would use salt.

When you have unexpected guests remember to always have on hand: Whenever I have people popping over for a glass or two of wine I need to prepare something in a hurry that looks great and better yet tastes amazing. Staples in my fridge include Delago marinated feta and a little lettuce wrapped in Parma Prosciutto and sliced always does the trick. Everyone loves having a selection of foods to nibble at so I always make sure I have jumbo olives, balsamic onions and gherkins, canned artichokes and white beans and a big wedge of gorgonzola. Thrown together on a big white serving platter with a fresh loaf of crusty bread you have a great appetizer in minutes! Oh and don’t forget the mushroom and truffle cream – delicious!

Help, Simon – I can’t bake to save myself and I have to make dessert! Desperate times cause for convenient measures. Take a martini glass, add some balsamic vinegar to the bottom, top with a scoop of your favourite ice cream (hokey pokey is always a winner in my house) top with some chopped strawberries and drizzle with honey. OR if you are a chocoholic – make a batch of crepes (see my easy crepe recipe) spread each one with some Nutella (always a pantry essential) top with orange wedges, roll them up and bake at 160 degrees Celsius for 6-8 minutes or until hot and serve with whipped cream or mascarpone cheese. Your friends will think you are a kitchen rock star!