my top items for your kitchen

Alright, so to kick this off I'm starting simple... my top 10 sets of items for your kitchen. I believe you have to spend some time investing in your self. This may be clothes or spa days for some people but for this kid.. kitchen gear. For the last gifts I've gotten for christmas and my birthday were a waffle iron and an immersion blender. AMAZING! Recently... a stainless steel deep frying pan with a lid. That was just for fun.

My top ten kitchen essentials are...

1.   set of pots (small, medium, large and soup pot large)

2.   set of frying pans (small, medium, large and deep with lids)

           - I personally don't care for teflon but its a good thing for starters. I love my stainless steel.. frying pan...

3.   roasters (small and large)

4.   utensils (wooden spoons x3, flippers x2, spatulas x2, slotted spoon, ladle and a regular big kitchen spoon)

5.   pot holders. This is burn prevention people! Safety first after all

6.   food processor

7.   beaters

8.   cutting boards. It's nice to have at least 4. 1 for chicken, 1 for beef, 1 for fish and 1 for veggies and bread

9.   block of knives and 1 chefs knife and a paring knife

10. mixing bowls x3 (small, medium and large), casserole dishes x2 (small and large), baking sheets x2 (1 for 
     fries and meat and 1 for baking) and baking tins x2 (muffin pan and loaf pan)

My top ten spices for your kitchen are...

1.   salt

2.   pepper

3.   italian seasoning

4.   chili powder

5.   onion powder

6.   garlic powder

7.   cinnamon

8.   nutmeg

9.   dill

10. cumin

I have over 20 spices in my cupboard and ones I don't use often are in my freezer. I love bulk barn for this reason. I get to choose how much I want of each spice... if its new like chipolte chili powder, I might not know if I'll like it or not. So why buy a jar of it? Nah... a little itty bag is good for me!

My top ten canned/boxed items for your kitchen are...

1.   canned tomatoes (diced, whole and crushed)

2.   canned mushrooms

3.   dry pasta (lots of types! macaroni, penne, fettuccine are some)

4.   canned creamed soup (mushroom, chicken, celery)

5.   canned tuna

6.   canned beans (white, kidney and if you like those horrible pork and beans haha)

7.   baking powder and baking soda

8.   bread crumbs (ok, they aren't canned or boxed but they are in a tub!)

9.   sugar (brown and white)

10. flour

And for those enthusiasts, yes... you also need...

1.   olive oil (extra virgin... who doesn't love that)

2.   butter (NOT margarine... that's crap)

3.   cooking spray

4.   cling wrap

5.   tin foil

6.   tupperware

7.   vinegar (red wine and regular)

8.   ketchup (I personally hate this stuff other than in my recipes... yuk)

9.   worcestershire sauce

10. fresh/frozen veggies, fresh fruit, protein fresh/frozen (fish, chicken, pork, beef, tofu/soy)

Having these items in my kitchen or pantry (the shelf in my basement that is extreemly wobbly) allows me to not have to make giant runs to the grocery store when I want to cook from a recipe or even just whatever is in the cupboard or fridge/freezer. Believe me, being a pack rat with non-perishable food pays off! And I can't say that in many other areas of my life... just look at my purse.

Also don't be afraid to change some of these... if you hate dill... get something you like! Like curry powder or who knows... peanut butter. Funny... someone I know likes the combo.. curry and peanut butter.

I'm probably missing items... I didn't bring my laptop into my kitchen to run inventory.

Happy cooking!