20 Things the beginning Cook Needs in the Cupboard (Plus One)

If you're anyone like the typical American in the early 21st century, your kitchen could use some help. I know mine could: It's small, there's not enough counter space, and there literally is not enough warehouse in my cupboards. And yet, there are ways to make even the worst kitchen work well enough to cook decent meals consistently.

A first step is having on hand the basic ingredients you need. These will vary depending on your preferences and how often you cook, as well as either you resolve to bake cookies or cake for sweetmeat once in a while. But with a few basics in your cupboard, you'll be amazed at the variety of meals you can make fast and easily.

Food And Dessert

For starters, some dry staples:
Pasta (choose the shapes you prefer) and rice
Salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices you like (I advise basil, oregano, thyme, chili powder, garlic powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and parsley for starters)
All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar

Now, add some liquid seasonings:
Olive oil (buy the top capability you can afford of the type you prefer. If extra virgin is too strong for your taste, don't worry!)
Canola or vegetable oil
Balsamic vinegar (start with a small bottle; you'll be amazed at the uses you find for this!)
Soy sauce

Some vegetables that store well for long periods come in handy
Russet potatoes
Yellow or white onions
Fresh garlic (if you buy fresh, you can skip the garlic powder listed with the spices above)

Perishables in refrigerator that you will use often include:
Butter or margarine
Eggs
Lemon (or lemon juice
Cheese
Salsa
Ketchup
Mayonnaise
Milk (If you're not a milk drinker, buy non-fat dried milk so you don't have to worry about spoilage)

And finally, stash a few cans in your cupboard:
Tomato sauce
Chicken stock

With these staples, all you need to add are some fresh items each week - meat, produce, dairy - for an phenomenal estimate of different, easy meals.

This list may seem a bit daunting, but remember two things. First, you don't have to buy everything at once, especially the spices. Buy what you need as you need it, but keep track of what you have so you don't buy it again! Second, this entire list can be bought for less than 0. If you can spare that estimate of money to stock your kitchen all at once, go for it! Think of how fast you would spend that cash eating out. The return on your 0 investment in terms of your time, your health, and your calorie count is well worth it.

20 Things the beginning Cook Needs in the Cupboard (Plus One)