What Every Kitchen Needs

This is an approximate list of what most cooks should have on hand every day. It’s a basic, well-stocked pantry list. I’ve adapted this list from Rachel Ray’s list. I really hate to say it, but her kitchen sounds a lot like mine.

In the Spice Rack
. coarse salt
. coarse black pepper or peppercorns to grind
. chili powder
. ground cumin
. garlic powder
. paprika
. whole nutmeg or powdered
. curry paste or powder
. ground coriander
. bay leaves
. red pepper flakes
. dried rosemary
. dried oregano
. dried thyme
. Italian seasoning
. ground cinnamon
. ground allspice
. cayenne pepper

In the Fridge
. milk
. heavy cream or half-and-half
. sour cream
. unsalted butter
. eggs
. Parmigiano- Reggiano
. cheddar cheese, shredded
. bacon
. hot sauce
. Dijon mustard
. regular yellow mustard
. flat-leaf parsley
. celery
. carrots
. lettuce, your preference
. tomato
. green onions
. mayonnaise
. ketchup
. salad dressing, Italian
. soy sauce

In the Freezer
. frozen peas
. frozen corn
. frozen chopped spinach
. plain and Italian bread crumbs
. meats, depending on budget and use

Somewhere in the Kitchen
. Idaho potatoes
. small red, baby Yukon Gold, or small white boiling potatoes
. sweet potatoes
. lemons
. limes
. Spanish or yellow onions
. shallots
. peanut butter, chunky or smooth
. garlic

In the Wine Rack
. white wine
. red wine
. dry sherry

In the Cupboard
. chicken stock
. beef stock
. diced tomatoes (regular and petite-diced)
. crushed tomatoes
. tomato paste
. tomato sauce
. chipotle chilies in adobo or dry chipotle powder
. canned vegetables
. black beans
. chickpeas/garbanzo beans
. cannellini beans
. long-cut pastas such as spaghetti, linguine, vermicelli, angel hair, and fettuccine
. short-cut pastas such as penne, ditalini, gemelli, and cavatappi
. vegetable oil
. balsamic vinegar
. red wine vinegar
. white rice
. all-purpose flour
. white sugar
. brown sugar
. powdered sugar
. tuna in water
. Worcestershire sauce
. cider, white wine and/or rice vinegar
. honey
. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (whatever the bargain is)
. baking powder
. baking soda
. boxed cake and brownie mixes. chocolate chips