Friday, 13 May 2011

• My Top 20 Favorite Pantry Items

  I often get phone calls from friends on what to make for dinner that night, using what they already have in the house.  When I ask what they keep in their pantry, I tend to get a variety of answers. They usually follow it up with a question of what I have on hand. I only have one food cabinet for storage so I made a list of the 20 most important items that are stored in my kitchen cabinet. (Disclaimer: These are in no particular order and do not include food items that require refridgeration)
  
  1.) Salt is one of the most important ingredients in cooking.  It’s nice to have a variety of salts for both cooking and serving.  Some salts are best used as finishing salts sprinkled on top of a dish just before service.   I prefer kosher salt, sea salt, and smoked salt or grey salt. (I have a bit of a salt obsession!)
  

  2.) Pepper tastes completely different when it is freshly ground.   Investing in a pepper grinder will help insure you always have fresh ground pepper on hand.  A grinder that has a good range from course to fine will help for a variety of dishes. 
  

  3.) Oil comes in so many varieties. A basic cooking oil like canola can be used for frying and baking or any basics. A mild olive oil that is not too strong in flavor is perfect for sauteing, roasting, and shallow frying.  To finish dishes or dress greens you want an oil that is fruity and full flavored.  Often times finishing oils are best when they do not come in contact with high heat for long periods of time.  

  4.) Grains are ingredients I use on a regular basis. Whether it's quinoa or wheat berries, they can provide great nutritional value to any dish. I use low sodium chicken broth/vegetable broth to cook my rice and grains.  
  5.) Vinegar is a common ingredient with a long shelf life.  I have both white wine and balsamic vinegars.  A basic white wine vinegar can be infused easily with chilies or herbs.  
   6.) Beans are an economical way to add protein and fiber to your meals.  Canned garbanzo beans and black beans are two of my favorites. (I rinse them before adding to a dish)
  
  7.) Garlic & Onions are crucial in my life. I tend to cook a lot of Italian comfort food. I often pick up shallots as well, but they are not a necessity.  

  8.) Honey is a great way to balance our your dressings, marinades, or sauces.  (Plus its delicious on my greek yogurt!)
  
  9.) Rice can be added to soups or served as main course.  I often just have brown rice varieties.  
  
  10.) Flours for all the pizza doughs, breads, and baked goods.  I normally have whole wheat pastry flour, bread flour, and all purpose flour. (small bags of course) 
  
  11.) Low sodium/unsalted vegetable or chicken stock can not be beat I use it in just about everything!

  12.) Yeast is important because I love making homemade breads and pastries!

  13.) Sugars usually powdered for icings, brown, and white for all other uses.

  14.) Baking soda and baking powder key ingredients if you enjoy baking!
  
  15.) Vanilla extract since I am a vanilla addict!  I try to also keep a vanilla bean or two as well, but they can be pricey!
  
  16.) Cinnamon & nutmeg are spices I use quite often for both savory and sweet.
  
  17.) Herbs including bay leaves, thyme, and oregano.  I am a big fan of fresh herbs, but a lot of times especially in the winter they just don't look great in the local market.   
  
  18.) Chile/Red Pepper Flakes since I love spicy foods. I like to keep mild and hot chili powder as well as plenty of red pepper flakes.
  
  19.) Dry pastas are essential for a quick and easy meal including both whole wheat and regular pasta.
  
  20.) Canned whole peeled plum tomatoes are something I can not live without.  I prefer San Marzano tomatoes, but I also use Sclafani and Pomi brands as well.
  
  Yes, this is all in one area! Even though I have to organize it 10 times a day for the cabinet to shut properly, it all comes in handy when dinner time rolls around!
  
  What's in your pantry? Do you have items that you can not live with out?
  
   

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