We are in the business of helping you. So we have compiled this list to make sure your kitchen is well stocked. Remember, having a specific list when you go to the grocery store, and a few coupons, will help you save money. Enjoy!!!
Ingredients
Keep these goodies handy and the next time you run to the grocery store to “grab just a few things for dinner,” you should be able to grab a basket instead of a cart. Remember to stay on top of expiration dates.
Spices, extracts and baking
Pantry
Vanilla extract
Curry powder
Salt and pepper
Garlic powder
Garlic pepper blend
Seasoning salt
Brown and white sugar
Self-rising flour
Baking powder
Paprika
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Old bay seasoning
Rice
Pasta
Canned beans: Black, garbanzo, kidney
Vegetable or canola oil
Olive oil
Cooking spray
Balsamic vinegar
Cider vinegar
Chicken or vegetable stock
Hot sauce
Barbeque sauce
Ketchup
Mayonnaise
Mustard
Worcestershire sauce
Fruits and vegetables
Dairy
Garlic
Lemons and limes
Potatoes
Onions
Eggs
Butter
Margarine
Milk
Cheese
Food preservation
Freezer
After you cook, be sure to maintain the flavor and properly store food with these items:
A variety of frozen fruits and vegetables (e.g., strawberries, broccoli, and mixed vegetables)
A variety of your favorite meats (e.g., lean ground beef, ground turkey, chicken, and turkey wings/legs)
Cookware
With cookware, quality truly does come first. Buy quality now, and you’ll have pots, pans and dishes that will last for years to come. By starting with these basics, you can add to your collection as your needs dictate — without having a lot of unnecessary clutter. We personally like metal and glass cookware, but it’s a matter of personal preference: Just find what’s right for you.
Quality pots and pans
Baking dishes
Heavy metal is a sign of quality — but make sure it’s not to heavy for you to handle. Make sure you have at least:
1 soup pot, a 6 quart or larger
1 medium saucepan with lid, approximately a 2 quart
1 small saucepan with lid, approximately a 1 quart
1 medium frying pan, approximately a 10” deep skillet
1 steamer insert with lid to fit inside your medium saucepan
Make sure your kitchen includes at least:
1 long pan for casseroles and lasagna, such as a 9” x 13” baking pan
1-2 cookie sheets
Baking dishes for goodies you’ll make often (meatloaf, pie, cupcakes, etc.)
Gadgets
You don’t need the “Kiss the Chef” apron [okay, maybe for fried chicken]. But you do need a quality set of knives. The gadgets you add to your drawers and cabinets with will vary according to your personal preference, style and need, but get started with:
Spoons
Cutting board
Wood spoons are a classic favorite for stirring and mixing without scraping, although some people prefer plastic or metal. Make sure you have at least one slotted spoon
Buy at least two, to minimize the risk of cross contamination.
Designate one for veggies; the other for meats — and in deciding between plastic and wood, remember: Plastic can go in the dishwasher.
Measuring tools
Spatula
Consider one set of measuring cups/spoons for wet ingredients and another set for dry.
Get a thin silicone one for scraping and a wider metal one for turning your food.
Knives
Other
Invest in a quality set — and care for them — and you won’t have to replace your knives for a long time. Buy these five knives now, and others as you develop a need for them:
An 8-inch chef’s knife
A paring knife
A serrated knife (for slicing bread)
A thin slicing knife, such as a steak knife
A butter knife
Mixing bowl(s)
Cheese grater
Garlic press
Potholders
Can opener
Colander
Apron
Pot rest
Spoon rest
