Food & Drink

Pantry Essentials: Food Items You Should Always Have in the Kitchen

It’s a new year and we guarantee a good number of you (ourselves included!) vowed to cook more in 2013. After bookmarking a few recipes from your favorite cooking blogs, cookbooks, and our food features, you’re ready to get to work in the kitchen. Sure, you’ll need to pick up a few key ingredients each time you try your hand at a new recipe, but make sure you keep the kitchen stocked with these pantry essentials. We turned to contributing food editors Clara Artschwager of Chaneling Contessa and Shari Press of The Daily Dish to put together a list of items you should have on hand in the kitchen at all times. Whether you’re doing a little grilling or whipping up your first roast chicken, you’ll find that you have the basics needed to make it happen. We can attest, there’s nothing more discouraging than having to take a second trip to the grocery store.

You can download and print our Pantry Essentials Handbook to help you with your shopping!

OILS, VINEGARS,  SAUCES, & WINE

whole grain mustard
ketchup
extra virgin olive oil
sesame oil
vegetable oil
balsamic vinegar
red wine vinegar
white wine vinegar
chicken stock
soy sauce
marinara sauce
wine (red, white, or both)
canned diced tomatoes

DRIED HERBS

garlic powder
cumin
basil (can also be bought fresh)
rosemary (can also be bought fresh)
thyme (can also be bought fresh)
smoked paprika
dried oregano
fresh nutmeg
curry
red pepper flakes
cinnamon
kosher salt
sea salt
fresh ground pepper (not pre-ground pepper!)

BAKING GOODS

all purpose flour
brown sugar
granulated sugar
confectioner’s sugar (powdered sugar)
baking soda
baking powder
pure vanilla extract
honey

PERISHABLES

onions
lemons
eggs
fresh garlic
salted butter
unsalted butter