In the Refrigerator

These will keep at least 1 to 2 weeks if left untouched.

Bacon: Pick up 1/2-pound packages. Freeze an opened package after one week.

Butter: Buy sweet, so you can control the salt, and buy sticks, not tubs.

Carrots: Reach for bagged carrots, which last longer than bunches.

Celery: Look for celery hearts, unwashed and in plastic. They last the longest.

Cheese: Stock up on cheese that melts well (Cheddar, Swiss) and cheese that's good for grating (Parmesan, Pecorino).

Dijon Mustard: Buy this sharp mustard with or without seeds, as you prefer.

Dry Sausage: Pepperoni, kielbasa, and chorizo punch up soups and stews.

Eggs: Purchase them 6 per carton if you don't eat them often.

Green Peppers and Jalapeños: The smaller the shoulders are, the more heat the chili packs.

Lemons: Pick the ones with the smoothest skin — they're the juiciest.

Milk: One percent is good for drinking and the most versatile for cooking.

Parsley: Flat-leaf, or Italian, parsley has more flavor than curly.

Plain Yogurt: Get the kind without gelatins; you can use it for more recipes.

Potatoes: Buy multipurpose Idaho potatoes.

Tomato Paste: Buy tubes of tomato paste instead of cans, so you can use small amounts without waste.