Well-Stocked Pantry

When I moved into my first apartment, I decided I needed to learn how to cook. I loved to eat and nurture so cooking was a natural fit. Slowly cooking through the only cookbook I had, The Campbell’s Soup Cookbook, I learned a ton and I was sold.

But as I moved on to more complicated recipes, the grocery store became intimidating. I can remember a man at the Italian grocer not too happy when I asked if the parmesan cheese was Reggiano. “All our parmesan is Reggiano, lady,” he yelled at me. I left the store a little dejected that day. I probably should have known that I thought. Cooking is a skill you are learning. That’s one of the reasons I started The Kitchen Chalkboard, to learn together. You aren’t supposed to know everything; it’s part of the fun! And what better than learning together?

I can remember coming across a simple pantry list that really helped me to get started cooking. I’m hoping that you find this helpful. It’s by no means exhaustive. This list should help you get a well-stocked kitchen and perhaps go to the grocery store a little less. That’s a wonderful thing.