The Kitchen

Is Yours Stocked?

If the kitchen is stocked, and well stocked, you will have more fun cooking. Yes you will! What kind of basic supplies do you have on hand? The usual ingredietns like salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard and mayo are typical staples in most kitchens. . . . I have a few more on my list!

These items for your pantry, refrigerator and spice cabinet will allow you to cook easy recipes quickly and with little stress. Nothing more frustrating then opening a cupboard and realize you don't have a key spice or ingredient for the new recipe you want to try.

The Pantry

The following items will make your life so much easier when you have these on hand in the kitchen. Every time you use one, I suggest putting that item on your grocery list. That way you always replace the item you used.

Several Cans of Tomato sauce, paste & puree

A variety of soups; cream of mushroom & chicken, cheddar cheese, tomato, as well as chicken & beef broths

A variety of vegetables; green beans, corn, black beans, chile beans....include your favorites

A Jar of Marinara Sauce

Pasta; linguini, spaghetti, elbow macaroni, orzo

Rice & risotto

Flour, sugar, brown sugar, coca powder & corn starch

Chocolate chips, Crisco, cooking spray

Microwave popcorn, a variety of crackers like saltines & a buttery cracker, corn bread mix

Jell-o, pudding mix, & gelatin

Money Saving Coupons

Beyond the Basics:

Okay, I have to confess, I stock up on so many things. Open the pantry, refrigerator or spice cabinet and you would think I was about to feed a party of 50......the kitchen at my house is always stocked and
ready for unexpected guests.

Corn meal, Splenda, powdered sugar

Salsa, go to marinade like tequila lime, red wine & balsamic vinegar

Back up Mayo, Mustard, Ketchup & Barbeque Sauce.

Diced green chilies, pickles

Evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk

The Refrigerator

Now I have seen some bare refrigerators in my time.....however, the following items will help anyone who needs to add a little something to a dish or condiment for a great sandwich. A must for the kitchen refrigerator:

Ketchup, yellow mustard, spicy brown & dijon mustard

Hot sauce, steak sauce, mayo

Dill pickles spears & slices, sweet & dill relish

Jelly and/or jam & butter

Eggs, cheese (cheddar or American), tomato & onion (great for a quick snack, I see scrambled eggs or a grilled cheese sandwich with these ingredients!)

Favorite salad dressing, blue cheese or pear vinaigrette... excellent choices

Lemons, limes and/or oranges

Pre-packaged lettuce for a quick go to salad

Beyond the basics:

Olives & jalapeno peppers

Horseradish, horseradish sauce, tarter sauce

Saki Wasabi Mustard, stone ground chile mustard

Fruit, cucumbers, green peppers & green onions

The Freezer

There are a few things that I keep in the freezer at all times. They may seem like, okay doesn't everyone have these things in the freezer? The answer is no.......humor me, these items are must haves. They make meal planning effortless.

Individually wrapped boneless chicken breast. They thaw quickly and perfect if cooking for one or two.

4 - 6 hamburger patties. Take these out the night before, ready to go at the end of the day.

Puff pastry, tator tots, french fries

Bacon, sausage patties

Frozen veggies like corn or broccoli

Beyond the Basics:

A Time-saving Meal Planning Trick: when cooking meat loaf, green pork chile and the like, freeze individual containers that serve at least 2 people. What a fantastic....EASY was to enjoy your favorite meals when you just don't have time to cook. When I make meat loaf, green pork chile sloppy joes.....I ALWAYS prepare extra. I love these go to items, give it a try you will be glad you did.

In The Spice Cabinet

I have a well stocked spice cabinet. In my kitchen, my spice cabinet is right next to the stove for easy access. This list are the must haves:

Savor Spices:

Black & white pepper, peppercorns, black & red pepper blend, cayenne pepper, lemon pepper, crushed red pepper flakes

Garlic salt, kosher salt, low sodium salt, season salt

Mrs. Dash garlic & herb, onion medley, extra spicy

Garlic & onion powder

Chile powder, chipotle & anjo chile powders, ground cumin

Italian season blend. Dried basil, oregano, tarragon, rosemary

Poultry seasoning. Ground sage, turmic & ginger

Liquids:

Red wine, rice, white & balsamic vinegar

Soy sauce & worchester sauce

Olive oil, vegetable & canola oil, cooking spray

Sweet Spices:

Vanilla extract, coconut & orange extract

Cinnamon, nutmeg & pumpkin pie spice

Money Saving Coupons

Beyond the Basics:

These items generally are not used for day-to-day cooking but certainly come in handy!

Curry powder, Cajun blend, celery seed, 21 seasoning blend

Vanilla beans, poppy seeds & ground coriander

Chopped onions & garlic

I really do spend a great deal of time in the kitchen. From cooking to gathering around the table to chat with friends and family. People just seem to gather around the kitchen.....I guess because there is always great food to be eaten. Print this page......compare it to your pantry, is yours well stocked??

Return to Home Page for receipes to use from The Kitchen list.