Ed Nuxters wrote:
>
> Well,.. I'm finally living all alone. I'm making some simple chicken
> for now, but eventually I want to make something better. What should
> I get to have in my cabinets? Spices and stuff like that. Just a
> general cooking ingredients type deal.

Well, how basic do you want to go? Salt, pepper, garlic powder, Mrs. Dash
original and cinnamon will do to spice up most basic recipes. A good way to go
is to start getting recipes and then buying the spices as you go. Sometimes,
you might end up with something that you only use a few times a year - Cream of
Tartar is a good example but it's a good way to build up your spices. A few
good pantry items that I like to keep on hand would be:

Canned tomatoes - diced or whole
chicken stock/broth
beef stock/broth
black, kidney and cannelini beans
canned salmon
albacore tuna
pasta
rice
Good Olive Oil
whole wheat bread
good sour dough bread


baking stuff:
baking soda
baking powder without aluminum
salt
powdered sugar
brown sugar
dutch processed cocoa
baking chocolate
all purpose flour
cake flour

In the fridge:
baby greens
balsamic vinegar
sour cream
butter
tortillas
milk
cream
eggs
good parmesan cheese
mozzarella or jack
brie if you want to get fancy

In the freezer
You could freeze beef, chicken and pork cut into the size you need for one or
two servings.
and then take out whatever you need to cook
I usually buy fish fresh

Then you'll only be going to the store for fresh vegetables, fish, fruit, or the
spices you need to cook.

Also, you can go to certain websites and do a search for ingredients you already
have on hand. A recipe will pop up and there you go. Cookinglight.com,
allrecipes.com are some good basic ones.

Pantry dishes I make:
frittata and green salad w/balsamic vinaigrette
quesadillas and salad and rice
stir fry w/rice, chicken or beef w/vegetables
pasta, french bread, veggies
Salmon croquettes
etc.

Anywho, hope this helps.

Mrs. W