I've been making lists my whole life, what's one more?

I've been building/discombobulating a lot of stuff lately. It's been really interesting to see how things work and to understand what makes things run (or not run:). It got me thinking...if someone were to take apart my kitchen, what would they find at the heart of it? Besides a healthy dose of intuition and a sprinkle of narcissism here and there, they would find a bevy of staples that have become like an old friend to me (not the ones in my red swingline, but, yeah, those are special too:). So, I've started a list here of things I always have to have, or think I have to have. without further ado:

FRESH VEG

potatoes (come on. only like the most versatile veg on earth.)

carrots (mirepoix component, good for roasting, soups, stir fries, snacks)

celery (mirepoix component, good snack, leaves are great for flavor boosts)

onions (I put onions in everything. Just know that right now.)

garlic (see onions. above:)

cilantro (like to have on hand for making chutney, flavoring mex/asian dishes

flat leaf parsley (it's mostly for pretty, come on, I take pictures of dinner...)

ginger root (actually use this in a lot of stuff, more than you would think)

some sort of pepper (usually poblanos/pasillas, sometimes bells, sometimes jalps)

DAIRY

milk

parmesan

butter (salted and un)

a range of cheeses (try to have a few ranging from soft to firm, in case emergency cheese plate assemblage is needed, it's for guests and stuff. and seriously, sometimes you just want to eat some good cheese.)

eggs? (why are eggs always in dairy? weird. always buy cage free organic, unless my mom brings them to me.)

sour cream

plain yogurt ( Really like greek stuff, but is wicked expensive, usually get dannon)

fruit yogurts ( I like wallaby, and brown cow brands the best.)

heavy cream (was reluctant to put this in there, but I do usually have it.)

DRY/CANNED GOODS

canned whole tomatoes (I like the "clearly organic" brand at super saver)

canned tuna in olive oil

canned broth/stock (chicken, beef, veggie)

Tomato sauce

tomato paste

various pasta (like to have a thin spaghetti, and penne or something shorter)

rice( jasmine, basmati, sushi, and arborio)

quick couscous

dried chiles (ancho, new mexico)

ap flour

wheat flour

sugar/dark brown sugar

baking powder/soda

vanilla

dark chocolate

cocoa powder

olive oil (of course!)

roasted walnut oil (for dressings)

veg oil/canola oil

sesame oil

balsamic, red wine, rice, apple cider, and distilled white vinegars

fish sauce

soy sauce

oyster sauce

dried beans (pinto, baby lima, lentils, split peas, black turtle, and navy)

pam (or other pan spray)

MEAT/FROZEN STUFF

Bacon

some good sausages (andouille, chorizo, brats)

at least one whole chicken

peas (don't be a hater, frozen peas are top notch for risotto and stews)

at least one good, big, roasting meat for entertaining (lamb, beef, pork shoulder, etc)

shell-on shrimp (talk about a quick, easy dinner.)

ice cream (wifeshow would be disappointed if I forgot, yeah, I know we're out:)

MISC

perrier (2 bottles a week)

crackers

pickles/olives

potato chips (I try to buy a bag of kettle chips once in a while, not too often though)

corn chips/salsa

tortillas

tostada shells

red curry paste

so, yeah, seems like a lot, but there are ENDLESS possibilities here. It is really nice to have this stuff on hand, because it all keeps really well (with the exception of the cilantro) and you'll be able to throw together a good, healthy meal really easily. I won't even go into my spice cupboard, that's another post entirely...not even joking.

oh, almost forgot, food. first pic is roasted sausages with scallions and cherry tomatoes on grilled ww baguette. (used staples). 2nd pic is a braised chicken (whole chicken, potatoes, carrot, celery, onion, beer, spices) (all staples). 3rd pic is creamy potatoes and peas (potates, peas, onion, milk, butter, bacon, parsley.) you get the idea. Outfitting your pantry with stuff like this makes your life so much easier, and will make you such a better cook.

I probably left out a ton of stuff, but my kitchen is up stairs and I'm in the basement.

Let me know what you guys have to have in your kitchens. I'm interested to see what things are lurking in your cupboards...

DISH is reading: "The shining", Stephen King. I try to read a scary book every halloween season. I have to admit, I'm kind of scared...

DISH recommends:

St. Andre cheese. Thanks to Mia, I have a new weakness. If I ever get locked in that cracker prison, I hope I have this on hand. Those salty bars of wheat won't have a chance. ( got it at super t. Expensive? some would say, but cheaper than selling your soul away, which is what you might have to do to quit eating it.)