Staples a la Kitchen!

I recently took a poll of all the items I ALWAYS have on hand, and this is the list I came up with. DISCLAIMER: some are rather random, but there are always times when you just do not feel like cooking and it is nice to have something easy on hand that is somewhat healthful :)

Cupboard Collectables

Kocher or Sea Salt - flavor is much better and it doesn’t taste like iodized salt; YUCK!

GOOD Olive Oil - Trader Joe's sells a great variety and they are much more affordable than the grocery or specialty stores. I use this with pretty much everything I sauté, roast or grill.

Bakers Chocolate/Semi Suite Chocolate Bars – must-have for delicious baked goods like brownies, cookies, and just to snack on every now and then. Not a fan of chocolate chips, sorry.

Polenta – This is a great side dish and very versatile. You can serve it hot with parmesan cheese or any other soft, melt able cheese, or, you can spread it on a sheet pan and let it set to grill. You can find it most grocery stores; just make sure you don’t accidentally buy corn meal – they are two different things J

Broccoli & Cheese Rice – This is a classic and always a great side dish with chicken or red meat. It’s easy and not too bad for you. I like to add steamed broccoli to make it heartier.

Wheat Spaghetti – Much better than regular and better for you! Great with any kinds of sauce! Even with just a little melted butter and lemon pepper.

Lemons – They not only serve as a great kitchen decoration, but they are multipurpose. Great for salad dressing, chicken or fish, citrus pasta, ice teas/soda, I could go on. The zest is great too! I like to use it in cookies and/or on top of fruit flavored ice cream

Parmesan Cheese (lasts a really long time) – This is one of my favorite of the specialty cheeses. Great for salads, risottos/rice dishes, chicken, pasta, pizza and anything else Italian!

Balsamic Vinegar – This one goes aside the olive oil. Also great for dressing salads, berries (sounds strange but Barefoot Contessa has a fabulous recipe for marinated fruit), meat marinades, anything Greek, etc.

Red Pepper Flakes – These are hot and perfect for any spicy dish! Chicken, fish, pizza, Asian cuisine, shrimp dishes, even hot chocolate!


Cinnamon – This spice is a lot more versatile than people think. You can use it for both sweet and savory dishes. I like to use it on oatmeal and also in brownies for a hint of something special. It is also very good mixed with red pepper flakes and heated up in some olive oil – this is a great baste for chicken or pork.