Category: Food Philosophy

Savvy Substitutions

Substituting ingredients in the kitchen can be helpful when you’re out of a specific item or want to make a recipe more suitable for your dietary needs. Knowing basic substitutions means you can easily adjust a recipe with the substitution if you have your stapes. Bang, you have saved a trip to the grocery store. Here’s an essential list of common kitchen cooking substitutes: Continue Reading

Keeping stables on hand lets you always have something to eat.
It would help to have more than a take-out box and an outdated mayonnaise jar as a grown-up. You only need to stop for fresh vegetables, cheese, and meat if you maintain stables. You rotate on large staple purchases to maintain freshness. You can make basic meals in a pinch. Things like surprise guests or inclement weather climates like hurricanes, snow storms, mudslides, or contagious diseases. Think Will Smith pulling together a meal in Six Degrees of Separation. Be that guy.

Pantry Staples:

1. Flour: All-purpose flour for baking and thickening sauces.
2. Sugar: Granulated sugar for baking and sweetening drinks.
3. Salt: Kosher salt or sea salt for cooking and seasoning.
4. Pepper: Ground black pepper for seasoning dishes.
5. Cooking Oil: Olive oil, favorite oil for sautéing and frying.
6. Vinegar: White vinegar, red wine, and balsamic vinegar for dressings and marinades.
7. Rice: Long-grain white rice, brown rice, or your preferred variety.
8. Pasta: Spaghetti, penne, or other pasta shapes for easy meals.
9. Canned Tomatoes: Whole, diced, or crushed tomatoes for sauces and soups.
10. Canned Beans: Varieties like black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas.
11. Broth: Chicken, beef, or vegetable broth for soups and stews.
12. Cereal: A breakfast cereal of your choice.
13. Oats: Rolled oats for oatmeal and baking.

Herbs and Spices:

1. Dried Herbs: Herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
2. Spices: Essentials like cinnamon, paprika, cumin, and chili powder.
3. Garlic and Onion: Fresh garlic bulbs and onions for flavoring many dishes.

Refrigerator Staples:

1. Eggs: A versatile protein source.
2. Milk: Dairy or non-dairy milk for cooking and beverages.
3. Butter: For cooking and baking.
4. Cheese: Varieties like cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
5. Yogurt: Plain or flavored yogurt for snacks and recipes.
6. Condiments: Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and sauces like soy sauce.
7. Fresh Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery are versatile choices.
8. Fresh Fruit: Apples, citrus fruits, and berries are standard options.

Freezer Staples:

1. Meat and Poultry: Chicken breasts, ground beef, and frozen fish fillets.
2. Frozen Vegetables: Peas, corn, and mixed vegetables for quick sides.
3. Frozen Fruits: Berries and fruit blends for smoothies and desserts.

Baking Essentials:

1. Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Leavening agents for baking.
2. Vanilla Extract: For flavoring baked goods.
3. Chocolate Chips: For cookies and desserts.
4. Cocoa Powder: For making chocolate desserts.

Miscellaneous:

1. Coffee and Tea: Your preferred coffee and tea selections.
2. Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or other nuts for snacking and baking.
3. Canned Tuna or Salmon: For quick protein-packed meals.
4. Honey and Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners.
5. Canned Soup: For convenience on busy days.

Having these staples in your kitchen ensures you can prepare various meals without frequent trips to the grocery store. Customize this list based on your dietary preferences and cooking habits, and remember to check and replenish items as needed regularly.

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