Stocking the Kitchen with the Basics

THE DUMP COOK

I am just beginning this blog and thought I should first discuss what I term one’s “on hand” items.  I use the term “ON HAND” to mean what I have readily availability for use in cooking in the refrigerator, freezer, spice cabinet and pantry.

A well-stocked home makes Dump Cooking so much easier!  How to get that?  Well you need to start with a list of items needed. I then suggest watch for all sales at your local grocery stores, clip coupons and slowly build the inventory by purchasing all at the best available prices. It may take a few weeks but it is well worth doing. Everyone wants a deal and most inventory items go on sale and have coupons at one time or the other. Once you get the well-stocked home it is easy to keep it that way. Just fill in items as you use them and watch for sales.

Here are some of the things I think are most important:

Spices/Herbs

1. Fresh is always best but they need to be purchased

2. I grow fresh herbs and freeze them in ice cube trays and put in plastic baggies and refreeze

3. Always have the tubes of herbs and oil in refrigerator (found in the produce section)

· Dill, Parsley, Ginger (any other you like)

4. Dried is OK and a basic selection always comes in handy. (buy small as they lose taste after one year)

Herbs :
Sea Salt, Ground Pepper (from corns)Oregano (Greek is best), Parsley, Garlic
powder, Basil, Ginger, Cumin, Curry powder, Chili powder, Paprika, Herb de Provence, Rosemary, Mint, Cinnamon (powder and sticks), Nutmeg (nut), Tarragon Thyme, Sage, Anise, Clove (powder and cloves), Red Pepper Flakes, Bay Leaves

Seeds:
Fennel, Sesame, Celery, Caraway, Minced Garlic in jar, Ginger root, Horseradish

Baking:
Flour , Sugar, Brown Sugar, Confectioner Sugar, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Corn Starch, Coco Powder, Chocolate, Corn Meal, Bread Crumbs , Panko, Quick Cooking Oats, Cooking Spray

Liquids/Condiments:

1.Soy Sauce, A-1, BBQ, Hot Sauce of your liking, Wasabi, vanilla, Honey, Maple Syrup, Worcestershire Sauce

2. Oils: Olive, vegetable, Sesame, Truffle ( a splurge)
3. Vinegars: Apple Cider, Balsamic (reg and cream),
4. Mayonnaise, Mustard ( Dijon, Brown), Ketchup

Starches (brown or white or both):
Spaghetti, Orzo, Macaroni, Lasagna noodles, Rice, Quinoa,


Beans (non canned):
Split Peas, Lentils, Navy, etc.


Canned Goods :

1.Beans Canned: Garbanzo, Black, Kidney, Cannellini, Pinto

2 :Tomatoes: Diced, Whole, Tomato Paste (Tube for refrigerator as well)

3: Broth: Chicken, Beef, Vegetable (cubes also can be stored)

4: Fish: Tuna, Canned Salmon, Anchovies, Sardines

5. Vegetable of your choice Peas, Corn, Green Beans , Asparagus , beets

6. Fruit

7. Canned Cream Soups


REFRIGERATOR

1. Milk, Juice, Plain Yogurt, Eggs, Butter, Sour Cream

2. Cream cheese, Other choices such as Cheddar, Mozzarella, American, Pepper Jack etc.

3. Olives { Kalamata, Spanish, Black), Pickles, Relish,

4. Yeast packs

5. Jams or Jellies

FREEZER

1. Bread of choice, Pie Crust, Phyllo Dough,

2. Chicken, Ground Meat,

3. Shrimp, any fish fillets


4. Frozen homemade broths

5. Frozen bagged vegetables of your liking