For most adults, you learn how to feed yourselves according to your appetite. If you love watching Food Network, like me, you imagine a kitchen filled with the latest gadgets and utensils. Until that dream becomes a reality, you might have these basics on hand (most probably acquired during your college years): pots and pans, spatula, maybe a mixing spoon, probably a whisk, and aside from the staple silverware, you might have a knife block.
As a woman, the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Yet, any man that is willing to cook for me and with me is a keeper! I like using my hands and trying to figure out how seasonings pair or standing over a mixing bowl saying, “what if I add this?” or “I wonder how this will taste?” Sharing my creations has not always worked in my favor BUT I can follow a recipe to a tee (I still have to add my own personal touch!)
But regardless if you have flights of fancy of starting your own cooking web series, there are some kitchen staples that every home can use. You never know when the day will come and you want to host a dinner party, or you might feel like experimenting in the kitchen like I do.
I asked my childhood friend and talented chef, Birmingham’s Chef Eryka Perry of Not Just Catering, to lend her expertise by providing a list of kitchen staples that everyone should have – married, single parent, doting bachelor or family of 5.
Pantry:
- Garlic (fresh or minced)
- Basic seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika)
- Coconut and olive oils (these are NOT interchangeable)
- Liquid amino acids – building blocks of life (great substitute for soy sauce, and flavor additive)
- Apple cider vinegar
- Italian herb mix: oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, sage
- Lemon or lemon juice
Equipment:
- One good knife because it can make magic
- One pyrex or casserole dish
- Small and large saute pan or skillet
- Median and large sauce pot
- Bowls (various sizes: small, medium and large)
- Ziplock bags (varying sizes: sandwich, quart, freezer)
- Nuwave oven: can replace stove, oven, and microwave
- Rubber spatula
- Tongs
- Wooden spoon
- Forks and spoons (4 of each) – never know when you will want to or need to entertain
Foods:
- Greens: Kale, spinach, collards
- Frozen fruits
- Bananas
- Canned tomatoes
- Beans (canned or dried, depending on your preference)
- Rice (brown or wild rice blend)
- Butter
I am going to add flour and sugar to this list because anything can be made or created when you have those in your cabinet as well.
These are just some basics that you should keep stocked. You can add other foods, seasons, equipment to your liking.
Besides, recipes are becoming easier to follow. If you can subscribe to Hello Fresh or Blue Apron, you can surely select a recipe online or at your local Publix, purchase the needed ingredients and then enjoy the fruits of your labor. BONUS: Having a home cooked meal saves money and calories!
(Shameless Plug): Chef Eryka offers food coaching, cooking classes, lunch and learns, AND she will even come to your home and cook for you and yours!!!! Contact her today <info@notjustcatering.com> and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and THEN subscribe to her newsletter 😉
The Ready Writer 