Once all the equipment is in place, a supermarket trip comes next. There are certain basic ingredients that should be kept on hand at all times. These are often called “staples.” Things any cook should have include:
Flour. All-purpose flour is the best choice unless the cook plans to do much baking. Cake flour is appropriate for lighter cakes and bread flour is suggested for making bread. Self-rising flours include the leavening so if using it, don’t add additional baking powder or salt.
Sweeteners. Granulated or white sugar, brown sugar, honey, artificial sweeteners, and sugar subsitutes are all available on the market. Choose what works best for an individual lifestyle and need but remember that sugar works best in many baking recipes.
Cooking oils. Canola, vegetable, corn, and flavored oils are all available for frying. Peanut and other nut based oils are often more expensive. Consider taste, fat content, and other factors before choosing one. Shortening-based products are also available but oils are considered much more heart-healthy.
Leavenings. Baking powder, baking soda, and yeasts are all common leavening ingredients. Keep some on hand.
Cornstarch. This staple can be used to thicken sauces and gravies, in puddings, and in pie fillings.
Margarine or butter. These are used both as spreads on baked goods and in cooking. Learn what recipes call for butter and use the type of spread that suits best.
Milk. Whether or not milk is used as a beverage or over cereal, it is an ingredient in many recipes and has multiple uses. If fresh milk isn’t used often enough, consider using powdered milk that can be made up on demand for use in recipes.
Eggs. Even if they’re not the focal point of breakfast, eggs are a common ingredient in many dishes.
Asian spices and seasonings. Think beyond the basic salt and pepper 😀
Condiments. Choose what suits your taste but ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauces, steak sauces, soy or teriyaki sauces, are all standards in most refrigerators. Vinegar is another common recipe ingredient.
Fruits and vegetables. Keep an assortment of favorites on hand in frozen or canned form. Use the crisper drawer of the refrigerator to store fresh fruits and vegetables. Consider bagged salad pre-mixes and pre-chopped vegetables to save time.
Meats. Unless cooks want to dash to the market daily, it’s wise to keep a few choice cuts in the freezer or to buy ahead. Ground meat, chicken, beef, and other meats all come in handy. Choose favorite cuts or easy to use products like pre-breaded chicken tenders. Thaw frozen foods properly and never keep fresh meats for more than a few days in the refrigerator. Keep a few cold cuts or other lunch meats on hand.
Frozen staples. It never hurts to have a few frozen chicken tenders, fish fillets, casseroles, and more can make cooking simple.
Beverages. Coffee, tea, fruit juices, lemonades, soft drinks. Buy what you like and need.
Dry foods. These can include beans and lentils, baking mixes, dinner mixes, and more. Keep a few on hand in the pantry (or a convenient cabinent) for quick meals when needed. Canned or dry soups, canned pastas, and other ready to eat items are also advisable to keep on hand. Packaged puddings or jellos are also handy.
Once the kitchen is well stocked with basics, be as creative as you like. Learn what items are needed in favorite recipes or common meals. With the right kitchen essentials and basic ingredients almost anyone can turn out a delicious meal for one or a dozen!
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