Kitchen Staples are the Key

I found I have certain staple foods in my kitchen made all the difference in the world when it came time to cook dinner. By keeping my kitchen staples on hand it seems no matter what I want to cook I can usually make it work and I no longer have to ask what's for dinner. The following is what I keep on hand and I make a list when I run out and immediately replace it.

Produce

Salad stuff, fresh veggies, potatoes, fresh fruits & plenty of onions.

Shelf Items

Breadcrumbs, broths, soups, cornmeal, croutons, dry pasta, dry potato flakes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced and stewed tomatoes, ketchup, mayonnaise, minced garlic, mushrooms, corn, green beans, mustard, olive oil, olives, rice, pasta sauces, salad dressing, salsa, shrimp, tuna, salmon, stuffing mix, sun-dried tomatoes, green chilies, tortillas, taco seasoning, dried herbs such as basil etc.

Meat, Poultry, Fish & Seafood

Boneless skinless chicken breasts, whole chickens, pork chops, fish fillets, ground beef, sausage, shrimp and ribs.

Dairy

Butter, refrigerated biscuit dough, eggs, cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese, milk, cheese of all kinds and sour cream.

Frozen foods

Breaded chicken strips or nuggets, filled pasta products, meatballs, potatoes, all kinds of veggies and veggie and meat combinations.

Bakery

Loaf of sliced bread, garlic bread, pita bread, dinner rolls and pizza crust.

You can find all kinds of tips and recipes at Cristie's Cookin. Submit your favorite recipe for a chance to win a "Gotcha Covered" apron. Check out her specialty spices, Bling It, Ring It and Zing It. She has a high suspense novel you will want to read "11.11.11"

Cooking lessons for Cristie began at 8 years old with the best teacher in the world -- her Mom! Later, she cooked for the restaurant the family owned, and her love of the "trade" has grown ever since. Cristie's creative cooking has continued for over 40 years. Her creations can soon be on your kitchen table. Check out Cristie's books at http://www.cristiescookin.com and http://www.tjstokes.com

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