Mark Bittman’s column about Pantry Essentials appeared in our local paper last Wednesday, and while I agree with many of the items Mark suggests (dried beans, easy in a pressure cooker; BACON; real Parmigiano-Reggiano; and good olive oil, to name a few), I do think he forgot 5 items that I deem essential in my kitchen:
- Tomatoes – I prefer the ones I canned in August, but if I don’t have those available, I like to make sure to have a can or two of low-sodium crushed or whole tomatoes on hand. They are perfect for quick pasta sauces, soups or stews.
- Chocolate – really, does this need explanation? I like to have 72% chips, 99% unsweetened, cocoa powder, and snacking. All are essential in my kitchen.
- Peanut Butter – wow, straight from the jar, made into sandwiches, cookies or thai peanut sauce, peanut butter is definitely a staple in our house. I even know one babysitter who sneaks spoonfuls when he comes over (Dad).
- All the makings for Chocolate Chip Cookies – this was how I knew I was really an adult. One day, I went in the kitchen to make cookies and had all the ingredients – no special trip to the store. Flour, eggs, baking soda, chocolate chips. Even nuts. It was a grand day in my life.
- Green Chili – this is required by my marriage contract with my husband. I agreed to always substitute green chili in any recipe calling for mushrooms. Honest. I did. Check the video if you don’t believe me.
What do you think is missing from Mark’s list? Or what should not be on there?
For additional reading, check out these thoughts on pantry necessities:
Essential Elements of a Pantry by Gluten-Free Girl
Mark Bittman’s Minimalist Pantry Is Great…But What Happened to the Vanilla? by SpiceLines
Mark Bittman tells you what should be in your pantry by Folo
January 28th, 2009 at 12:28 am
chocolate chips used to be a staple in my pantry but i’m such a chocolate fiend that i don’t even like having them around because i’ll snack on them mindlessly!
mariss last blog post..Sweet Potato Chopped Salad
January 28th, 2009 at 2:02 am
ok, admittedly, that is what happens to most of our chocolate chips too, but if I can keep the bag closed, we are usually safe!
January 28th, 2009 at 9:26 am
Tomatoes are essential for me, too. Also soy sauce and chili paste with garlic — cannot cook without them.
January 28th, 2009 at 11:29 am
his list was interesting – very vanilla, somewhat basic, and did not take into account any cultural or regional preferences. Skewed to Italian/American-fresh food. I always have soy sauce and chili paste in my fridge too, they are definitely staples!
January 28th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
I, too, always have green chiles. My other must haves are green enchilada sauce, TJ’s double roasted salsa, Mirin, rice vinegar, water chestnuts, and toasted sesame oil. My husband complains that I have too many condiments. Didn’t know that was possible.
January 28th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
that would be why Tom loves you! You understand the importance of green chili
I don’t think that it is possible to have too many condiments!
January 30th, 2009 at 3:27 am
Dried herbs and mayonnaise never leave my pantry! You don’t know when my kids will want some chicken sandwich.
February 6th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Hot sauce, rice noodles, and Trader Joe’s harvest hodgepodge frozen veggies.
February 6th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
humm, I will have to try those TJ hodgepodge veggies. Could be useful!