Essentials

In conjunction with each weeks grocery list I thought it might be most helpful to provide you a list of what I consider essentials.  These two lists are a reflection of my personal taste, I like things that are hot and spicy, a direct result of living in Texas for as long as I have.  Just know that the lists can be adjusted to your personal taste, but most importantly need to be replaced as needed for your ease in the kitchen.

Pantry Essentials

Salt

Olive Oil or some other vegetable oil

Chicken Stock

Sugar and Honey

Bread Crumbs

Canned Tomatoes

Rice

Cereal of Choice

Crackers

Peanut Butter

Spices (I buy my spices in bulk, it is much less expensive than the pre-jarred options, and then have small spices jars I re-use as storage)… Spices have more personal interpretation than anything else on the list, here is what I keep

  • Crushed Red Pepper
  • Whole Peppercorns
  • Garlic and Herb Mix
  • Cayenne
  • Onion Powder
  • Cumin
  • Cinnamon
  • Tabasco (if you want to consider it a spice)

Refrigerator Essentials

Milk

½ and ½ (I am a coffee drinker)

Vinaigrette Salad Dressing (I use this for salad dressing as well as marinade for beef, chicken, fish, etc)

Mayonnaise

Eggs

Butter

Bread (I keep my bread in the fridge to help extend its life)

Onions and Garlic

Parmesan Cheese

I also keep Plain Yogurt, some type of fresh berry (for breakfast) and Hummus in my fridge all the time

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