My Suggested Basics for your Pantry

The list of ingredients that i am going to have for you at the end of my post are mearly my suggestions of what everyone should have in there pantry.

But first i would like to talk to you about of tools of the trade to invest in to help make you like easier, and bring you more flavor to your cooking.

Pestel and Mortar: this tool to often in my opinion goes over looked in ones kitchen, it is so versatile and makes any dish come alive. When purchasing herbs and spices, purchase whole ones, which when needed you will grind them together with other spices for a rub or marinade, all the grinding releases oils from the herbs that scream flavor. I have a small one which works well for myself, invest in a larger one for larger families, range in price from $25-$150 at alot of stores. If this isn't for you, you can also get a cheap coffee grinder and it will do the same thing, just make it for spices only, no coffee beans.

Use fresh herbs when ever possible, especially in the spring and summer, its inexpensive and brings alot of flavor to food with out adding salt, and you can grow your own herbs in as small a flower pot you have room for. Cant get any better then that.

Another note, taste, taste, taste, always taste your food throughout the cooking process. Flavors develop through out it, so when adding spices, herbs, etc, always taste. you can always add seasoning to cooking, but you can never take it out.....

Here's the list you have been waiting for.........

-Mustard's: Djon, Whole Grain, Yellow

-Oils: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Olive Oil, Canola Oil

-Vinegars: Red Wine, White Wine, Balsamic, Apple Cider

-Flours: AP Flour, Bread, Cornmeal, Semolina

-Sugar: Brown, White, Powdered

-Salt: Kosher, Multiple Types of Sea Salts

-Rice: Brown, Arborio, Basmati

-Dried Fruit: Cranberries, Cherries, Blueberries

-Nuts: Almonds, Walnuts, Peanuts

-Coco Powder

-Baking Powder

-Baking Soda

-Sun-dried Tomatoes

-Achoite Paste

-Capers

-Soy Sauce

-Maple Syrup

-Dried Mushrooms(on the pricey side)

-Herbs and Spices-

-Peppercorn Melange

-Dried Chilies(homemade preferred)

-Nutmeg

-Clove

-Coriander Seeds

-Fennel Seeds

-Cumin Seeds

-Caraway Seed

-Bay Leafs

-Paprika

Questions or comments welcomed