Spice Drawer and Pantry Essentials. It's no secret that I love to cook. It calms me down and I love the process. Cooking brings us together and it's a huge way that I show love. So, I'm curating a list of my must have spice drawer and pantry staples that I keep on hand at all times.
Whether you're an old pro in the kitchen or just trying to up your cooking game, this is my list of must-haves.
Let's get started!
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spice drawer and pantry essentials
Spices
Because I love making my own spice blends, spice drawer essentials are a must. I keep a well stocked collection of spices and this Starter Spice Gift Set is a great place to start if you're working on your aresenal!
I can't preface this enough, but you must be freshly grinding your peppercorns if you are not already. These Rainbow Peppercorns are the exact variety I have and I love them. Not only is the color beautiful, but the taste is amazing!
Salts
Salts help to enhance the flavor of food and they are a cornerstone of the spice drawer essentials. These are my favorite.
Kosher Salt is the only salt I use to season my food during the cooking process. I prefer, hands down, the brand in the red box. The crystals are the perfect size and the flavor isn't too salty or bitter. I buy in bulk so I never run out!
Maldon Sea Salt is a one of the most wonderful salts to keep in the spice drawer. The crystals are large and flaky and beautiful. Almost every single dish I make is finished with this salt.
This salt is even amazing sprinkled it over desserts. I mean, is there anything better than an ooey, gooey chocolate chip cookie with just a touch of flaky salt on top? I think not!
Enter Maldon Sea Salt's mysterious cousin - Smoked Maldon Sea Salt. This is such a fun ingredient to keep on hand because it not only lends the lovely crunch of the sea salt, but also a hint of smoky goodness. I've played with this salt so much and it's great on almost everything - even brownies. Yes, I said brownies!
pantry essentials
Flavor Enhancers
In all of my life, I am unsure that I've ever needed an entire can of tomato paste. Enter: Tomato Paste in a Tube. This may seem like an odd pantry essential, but the simplicity of the lid is the key. You only use the amount of tomato paste you need, and then, put the lid back on and into the fridge. There is no random, partial can of tomato paste floating around in the fridge now.
Mushroom Powder is one of my favorite recent discoveries. It is nothing more than a powder made from dried and ground mushrooms. This miracle powder is one of the easiest ways to add flavor to a dish that I've ever seen. It pairs well with everything from roast beef to roasted vegetables and even gives soup and broth an umami flavor that is out of this world!
Fats
If you don't like Mayo, we can't be friends. Just kidding. And, I think, if you "don't like mayo" then maybe you haven't found the right one. Duke's Mayo is by farrrrrr my favorite. I've tried almost all of them and nothing compares. I keep it on hand to make my tuna salad recipe, dips, dressings, and it's even great to make a grilled cheese sandwich perfectly golden and toasty.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil - cook with it, make dressings with it, and drizzle is over a beautiful summery plate of bruschetta. Olive oil is a pantry essential that is as old as time. If you don't have any, get some. Enough said.
Avocado Oil is my favorite neutral cooking oil. It has a higher smoke point than extra virgin olive oil and, in my opinion, is a little more versatile. I grill with it, bake with it, and do a large majority of my cooking with it because it doesn't have a strong flavor. Get some.
for the sweet things
(and not so sweet things)
Although I'm not much of baker, when I do decided to whip out my measuring spoons, I usually want something chocolate. What makes chocolate even better? Coffee. Espresso Powder is the perfect additive for brownies, cookies, cakes, and pies. I measure with my heart and the smell that will waft from your kitchen will make people drool.
Another fun way to use Espresso Powder is to throw some in your chili, on steaks, and even a beef stew for a super rich flavor. This is a great way to elevate flavors and it lives perfectly and for a long time in your pantry without any issue.
Maple Syrup - From pancakes and waffles to dressings and marinades, maple syrup is a wonderful sweetener. I'm not a fan of honey so this definitely my go-to. I drizzle roasted vegetables with it, whisk it into whipped cream, and even a finishing pour on perfectly grilled pork chops - maple syrup is a pantry essential and it goes on almost everything!
meal ideas from the pantry essentials
My kids loooooove a good tuna salad. We lovingly call it stinky tuna in my house, but this recipe is so good, it's the only one you will ever need and is such an easy way to get lunch or dinner on the table. Keep a good quality canned tuna and dill pickle relish in the pantry to make the prep time super simple!
Today and forever, my comfort meal go-to will contain some sort of pasta. From simple buttered noodles with a parmesan sprinkle to fridge clean out carbonara, pasta is just something you have to keep on hand.
And, if the thought of cooking pasta seems to time consuming, use couscous. I could eat a gallon of it by myself, but the best thing about it is that it takes less than 5 minutes to cook. Get some. You will thank me for it.
latest recipes
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! If you make any of my recipes, please share and tag me on Instagram! I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces! And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
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Try my homemade bolognese recipe for a wonderfully comforting meal that everyone will love!
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