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Photo by Greg Mote, under Creative Commons License
As the week goes on, my cabinets empty — it’s a natural process. But, my pantry is never without a select few items. Check out the list below for some of my staples that create shortcuts and tricks to great meals — you never know what could become a staple in your pantry!
- George Washington’s Rich Brown Seasoning and Broth: This is one of my mother’s secret weapons. Found in the grocery store near the soup mixes, a little packet of George Washington’s goes a long way in flavoring vegetables. It’s a favorite with green beans.
- Grapeseed Oil: Ah… Rachael Ray. You are so perky and cute, but Extra Virgin Olive Oil is so last year. I prefer the clean, almost flavorless, grapeseed oil to the pungent EVOO. Use it to sauté or stir fry just about anything.
- Jarred Minced Garlic: I know the real chefs out there are throwing things at their computers right now, but really people! All that work for just a little bit of garlic? I don’t like using it in dishes where garlic is the centerpiece, like Shrimp Scampi, but this shortcut is a staple in my fridge. I prefer the Spice World brand. Maybe it has something to do with my love for the Spice Girls.
- Canned Tomatoes: Diced or crushed, canned tomatoes are my BFFs. These non-hand fruits are canned during their prime so they are bright and red as soon as you break them free from their tin-can prisons. Use them to make a perfect marinara, in chili or when your dish needs some color.
- Couscous: Boil water and it’s ready in five minutes. This is my kind of dish, and sounds so fancy. I prefer adding little touches to plain couscous, like toasted pecans, golden raisins or sautéed mushrooms.
About the Author
Jamie Rogers comes from a mixed pedigree of chefs. She prefers describing her culinary prowess as "efficient" rather than "lazy." Her loves include Crawdaddy’s Mustard Fried Catfish, The Drafting Room’s Cream of Wild Mushroom soup, and a Popsicle on a hot summer day.
More About Jamie Rogers...6 Comments So Far
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Two words: ramen noodles.
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fruit cocktail and bush’s baked beans umm
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I currently have beer and hummus in my fridge. Mmmm.
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Peanut butter… applesause… granola bars
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Old Bay Seasoning and Mr. Mrs. T’s Bloody Mary Mix
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no mention of any hot sauce?? Surely this should be a staple in anyone’s pantry, but then maybe you keep yours in the fridge.