Prep Your Pantry!!

Okay. So this morning I compiled a list of "Must-Haves" that I tend to keep in my pantry and fridge. These are my staple items that I am constantly getting at the market and keeping tabs on in the pantry. As mentioned yesterday, once these things are residing in your kitchen, your meals will come together quicker than ever before. If it seems this list is going to break the bank, simply pick up a few items with each grocery run. Within a few trips, your pantry/fridge will be fully loaded and ready for some serious cooking.

For Baking:

Sugar

Brown Sugar

Flour

Whole Wheat Flour

Baking Soda

Baking Powder

Vanilla Extract

Almond Extract

Oils and Vinegars:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Light Olive Oil

Canola Oil

Asian Chili Oil

Balsamic

White Wine vinegar

Red Wine Vinegar

Rice Vinegar

Canned and Jarred Foods:

Tuna

Soy Sauce- Low Sodium

Canned Beans: Garbanzo, Cannellini, Black and Pinto

Stewed Whole Tomatoes

Sun Dried Tomatoes

Tomato Paste (Hunts)

Chicken Broth (I buy organic boxed broths)

Beef Broth

Veggie Broth

Salsa- red and green ( I use Herdez)

Dijon Mustard

Mayo (never use light!!ick! I use Best Foods)

Dry Cooking Wine(not actually cooking wines, as those are gross. Pick a wine that you would drink. White and Red)

Spices:

Red Pepper Flakes

Oregano

Thyme

Cumin

Cinnamon

Chili Powder

Bay Leaves

Kosher Salt (just say no to that little umbrella girl)

Pepper

Old Bay

Johnny's Seasoning Salt

Grains:

White Rice

Brown Rice

Cous-Cous

Angel Hair

Penne

Speghetti

Fresh Foods/Herbs:

Garlic

Shallots

Lemons

Limes

Various Onions: Red, White, Yellow, Green

Tomatoes

Basil

Mint

Sage

Rosemary

A few more things to keep around:

1. Bowl: I have found cooking much easier when I have a "garbage bowl" (i think this ideacame from Rachael Ray years ago) to put all my garbage in while cooking- wrappings, seeds, cores, any yucky residues, etc. I find I don't have to walk over to the trash every few seconds. One trip when dinner is in the over and all the trash is gone!

2. Cutting Board: I use a wood cutting board on my island. It is always sitting out, ready to be chopped on. (I use to use it next to my sink which worked well also.)

3. Plate: I use a cheap metal tray to set all my dirtied spatulas and spoons on so I don't have to make a mess on my counter. When I'm finished the tray and utensils go right into the dishwasher.