A well stocked pantry for easy cooking.

Having a few "go to's" in your pantry is key a quick and tasty meal.

Depending on what you like to eat, you should always have a few staples that can turn into a delicious meal in a matter of minutes, because they are just days where you don’t have the time nor energy for anything too elaborate. Don’t you agree?

STOCK IT UP (my pantry staples)

• Organic low sodium chicken and vegetable stock (for soups and a lot of ethnic dishes)
• Rice - for side dishes and say Jambalaya
• Couscous - as a side dish with Mediterranean foods
• Pasta - for a quick mid week dinner, or pasta salad
• Quinoa - for a meal salad
• Can of organic diced tomatoes - soups, one pot stews, chillin etc.
• Different types of beans (chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans) - salads, soups, with quinoa, for burritos, etc.
• Canned artichokes - on top of a salad or with pasta
• Coconut milk -as I like to make Thai soups and Indian dishes
• Canned olives - to put in pasta dishes, salads, or munch on!
• Jared roasted peppers - on salads, sandwiches, with pasta
• Minced garlic in a jar - everything!
• Minced ginger in a jar - many Asian dishes i.e. Stir fry
• Good olive oil - endless uses
• Vinegars that you like - so many wonderful option out there.
• Start with balsamic and applecide Mustard- Dijon is a good staple for so many salad dressings

WEEKLY PURCHASES TO USE WITH MY STAPLES:

• Feta, or some other type of cheese
• Purple onions and/or scallions
• Avocados
• Cilantro/parsley
• Carrots
• Eggs
• A seasonal vegetable I like (i.e zucchini, or broccolli or cauliflower)
• Lemons and limes

​Freezer Staples

• Frozen spinach
• Whole wheat pita pockets

• Frozen shrimp
• Frozen chicken tenders
• Frozen roasted corn

SPICE IT UP!
Once upon a time, I was so timid to introduce any new spices…and If you are new to cooking and just building your spice rack,  DO NOT worry.

You don’t need to break the bank and buy a million of things at once. Start building your spice pantry as you try new things and they call for items that you don't have. Buy small quantities (bulk isles are  great for this) . See IF you like the dishes you have tried, and build your items from there. Ethnic stores are another great place to find inexpensive and global flavors and the owners can give you some great inside tricks on how to use them!

What's in my spice cabinet:

• Good quality peppercorns
• Sea salt
• Thyme (great for poultry)
• Curry (if you like it many Middle Eastern dishes)
• Cumin (for anything with a bit of a smoky flavor and in many national and international cuisines)
• Oregano for a Mediterranean flavor
• Red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick
• Smoked Chili powder for winter chilies etc.

Have some fun experimenting and please let me know where your discoveries lead you. And lastly, spice sets make GREAT holiday and  house warming gifts!