The Essentials

These are the items I consider essentials in my kitchen. I made this list for a friend who was really really low on cash and had nothing for kitchen supplies then I added to it for this entry.

Most of what you see on this list is what you'll see in my recipes.

Herbs and Spices
Savory:
Old Bay - My youth was spent in Maryland and therefore Old Bay is in my blood. I use this in everything from veggies to crab to chicken.
Mrs. Dash Table Blend - I like this one better than the other varieties
Oregano
Basil
Bay Leaves - whole
Italian Seasoning
Garlic Powder
Chili Powder
Cayenne Pepper
Red Pepper Flakes
Cumin
Curry Powder
Kosher Salt*
Black Pepper Corns*

*A note about salt and pepper:
I refuse to use table salt or pre-ground black pepper. Kosher salt may be bigger in size than table salt, but it's a much more pure taste. It doesn't have that God awful chemical taste either. I find myself using a little less kosher salt than I would table salt as well. One good pinch of kosher salt seems to go a lot farther than a pinch of the iodized variety.

Pre-ground black pepper doesn't have nearly the same fresh taste as fresh ground and often times I find myself using 3-4 times as much ground as I would fresh. Pepper mills are cheap and so are bulk peppercorns. I got my mill at IKEA for a whopping $3 and now they even have little disposable grinder jars in the supermarket. Translation = NO EXCUSES!

Sweet:
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Ground Ginger

Ground Allspice

Oils and Vinegars:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sesame Oil
Chili Oil
Balsamic Vinegar
Red Wine Vinegar
Rice Vinegar

Other Items Always On Hand:
Garlic Bulb
Bag of yellow onions
Bag of potatoes - yellow, white, or red
14 oz cans of chicken broth
1 or two cans of beef broth
Black Beans (canned)
Too many varieties of pasta
Rice
Couscous (regular, tricolor, or Isreali)