The secret to fast, no-fail meals is having the right ingredients on hand. A well-stocked pantry can offer endless possibilities for desperation dinners. Stocking a pantry takes a bit of investment up front, but once it's filled, your pantry can become an oversized recipe box, full of potential quick, convenient meals.

Use this list to get started. It includes items to keep on hand in your pantry, fridge and freezer and a few fresh items that have longer shelf lives. Omit items you don't use and add your favorite staples. We haven't included obvious items such as flour, salt and pepper and butter or margarine. You probably keep those on hand, anyway.

-- Susan Ardis | McClatchy Newspapers