Cooking Basics

The first step to cooking more is to make sure you have the supplies you need to cook well.  Many of these supplies are obvious, others are not so intuitive.  But to start, you really need the following:

1. Basic Spices: salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, basil, oregano, bay leaves and cumin. Extra Credit: dried dill, whole peppercorns, tarragon, thyme, sage, smoked paprika, etc. 

2. Basic canned foods: Whole tomatoes (28 oz. and 14 oz), diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, black beans, garbanzo beans, evaporated or condensed milk, tuna in water and canned chiles. Extra Credit: Hatch green chiles, other assorted canned beans, anchovies, and bottled peppers.

3. Basic Rice/Beans/Sauces: Jasmine rice, Arborio rice, Uncle Ben's Converted Rice, dried pinto beans, split peas, boxed or convenience rice (if you use), and whatever basic sauces you like. Extra credit: Polenta or grits. .

4. Condiments: Ketchup, yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, red and white wine vinegar, rice vinegar, and soy sauce.  Extra credit: fish sauce, oyster sauce, Siracha, chiles in oil, sherry vinegar, balsamic vinegar, etc. 

4. Oils: Olive oil and neutral oil like Canola to start.  Extra credit: Sesame oil, grapeseed oil and peanut oil. 

5. Basic Flours and Baking Supplies: Flour, unbleached white, Sugar, Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Cornstarch, Confectioner's Sugar, and Cornmeal.  Extra Credit: Self-rising Flour, Cake Flour, Chocolate Chips, Walnuts and Pecans. 

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