My Pantry

I have decided to add a section to my blog which includes a glimpse into my pantry, not only to tell you what I think are some essential items, but also to help keep track of my ever growing seasoning collection.

The inspiration to create this tab on my blog is from The Jersey Cook, who titled her section How to Stock a Pantry.  It’s a great idea, and I hope that this is helpful for those people who enjoy my recipes.

Spices – This isn’t a complete list, or in any particular order, but they are things that I have and think everyone should too. Some of these items aren’t used daily and therefore are less necessary.  In fact, it can be worth buying them by the ounce at a spice store, to ensure they are fresh (yea, that is an oxymoron).  Also, when buying a jar at the store, pick one from the back… less light equals a fresher jar.

  • Salt – Kosher Salt (poured into a ramekin or small dish for easy access)
  • Pepper – multi-grind pepper mill & whole peppercorns
  • Chili Powder
  • Cumin
  • Ginger Powder
  • Garlic Powder – yes, sometimes its good have this too
  • Coriander – seeds and powder
  • Basil
  • Parsley
  • Oregano
  • Thyme
  • Rosemary – I like to have crushed and whole
  • Grill Seasonings
  • Fennel – seeds and powder
  • Herbes de Provence – yea, I realize all the parts are listed above, but its worth having the blend
  • Bay Leaves
  • Cardamom
  • Cinnamon Powder and Sticks
  • Chipotle Powder
  • Pink Peppercorns
  • Mustard powder/seeds
  • Paprika and Smoked Paprika
  • Poppy Seed
  • Sesame Seed
  • Star Anise
  • Tumeric powder
  • Curry Powder
  • Whole Cloves and Ground Cloves

Baking Goods – not everyone is a baker, including myself, but there are certain things I do use often and things that are always useful.

  • All-Purpose Flour
  • Baking Spray – olive oil and baking sprays
  • Cornstarch
  • Cornmeal
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Sugar – powder and granulated
  • Brown Sugar – preferably light, as I think its more versatile
  • Baking Soda – yea, that first word makes it obvious

Things in a box – yep, lots of stuff comes in boxes, and I use that stuff all the time.

  • Pasta – whole wheat or omega fortified for extra protein. I prefer thin spaghetti, penne, elbows.
  • Chicken/Vegetable/Beef stock – the small 1 cup boxes are good, as well as larger boxes with caps
  • Macaroni & Cheese – not very healthy, but great in a pinch (blasphemy, I know)
  • Orzo
  • Polenta
  • Couscous

Other Dry Ingredients – other things that don’t only get used in baking

  • Nuts – walnuts, pecans, cashews, almonds, pine nuts
  • Bread Crumbs
  • Rice – basmati, jasmine, long grain, or other types

Bottled ingredients and sauces – some of these things I can’t live without, like the first item.  There other items I have, outside this list, but these are my essentials.

  • Sriracha – I put this on everything
  • Soy sauce – dark, light and even mushroom flavored
  • fish sauce
  • Extra virgin olive oil – I buy huge tins and pour into glass bottle with spouts for easy usage
  • chili oil – you can easily make your own, as well as other infused oils
  • Vegetable/corn/peanut oil
  • Vinegar – Balsamic, Red wine, white wine, champagne, cider, plus many others.
  • Sesame Oil
  • honey
  • Worcestershire sauce

Canned goods – not all canned goods are bad.  These are what I use every week.

  • Crushed tomatoes, Whole peeled tomatoes – the basis of any tomato sauce
  • Beans – baked, white, garbanzo, black, red, you name it
  • tuna/salmon
  • water chestnuts – great for stirfry
  • corn

Produce – as you can see, I don’t keep many canned veggies around…

  • Onions/Shallots – sweet onions and red onions are my preferance
  • Garlic – lots and lots and lots of this
  • Potatoes – baking potatoes, red potatoes, fingerling
  • Tomatoes – don’t keep your fresh tomatoes in the fridge!!
  • Peppers – red and green are my preference
  • Packages of romaine hearts
  • Herbs – I like the packs that come with a few types like thyme, mint, rosemary, like a poultry pack
  • CSA – no that’s not a new vegetable, its a community supported agriculture share, which provides veggies every week.  If you can’t do one, try the farmers market and be adventurous!!

Dairy – Essentials of Eggs, Milk, Cheese, Grated cheese, butter

Frozen Goods

  • Peas
  • Edamame
  • Roasted Vegetable packs – not better than fresh, but worth keeping around
  • Roasted Corn from Trader Joe’s

 

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