Taking my own Advice or One More Pantry and Kitchen Set-up List

The stash I brought plus purchased salt and pepper grinders.

 I've just moved.

And had to follow my own advice about starting a pantry from scratch.  My husband said, "Use the Dinner Place blog posts on pantry and kitchen set up and see if they work."  So I have.  We are day 4 in the new house and have no truck or shipment with kitchen necessities yet.  I have, of course, been to the store three times.

1. Once for the first night:  tp,  milk, bread, yogurt, granola, blueberries, eggs, and bacon.  A friend brought coffee, wine, cheese, crackers, fruit, plates, wine glasses, cups,  and cutting board-thanks!
2. Second time for a few essentials listed on the Setting up Your Kitchen List "First Trip to the Store."  I couldn't print the list out, but I copied it onto a legal pad and set out to follow it.  (See end list for what I actually bought.)  I might have gotten more, but the store was a zoo on Sunday afternoon.  I wanted out of there more than I wanted flour when I was sure I wasn't baking that day.  In fact, we went out to dinner.
3. Third time for things I refused to fight the crowd for on Sunday, which included flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, baking soda, chicken, asparagus and birdseed.   Our yard is full of birdfeeders and they're all full of birds who assume they eat here, too.

The kitchen window feeders.

In other words, the first $100 trip to the store turned into three trips totaling nearly $300.  Live and learn.

 A move of a thousand miles just about requires leaving behind your pantry.  Now I've moved flour in cannisters and open boxes of crackers, but decided against it this time.  Even my spices are in Colorado, with the exception of

• rosemary
• thyme
• bay
• cinnamon
• curry
• crushed red pepper
• chili powder

I  bought salt and pepper in disposable grinders.  Just like in the pantry post.

 

My equipment.

As far as kitchen equipment, I brought in the car (or purchased on arrival) with me:

• one 10" skillet, one spatula and one wooden spoon
• a small Bodum coffeemaker
• a tea kettle, Starbucks instant coffee and green tea
• my knife block (A friend loaned a cutting board.)
• a cheese knife and wine opener
• a 9x12 Pyrex casserole dish for baking or microwaving
• 1 roll of paper towels and two purse-paks of kleenex
• 1 dishcloth, 1 dishtowel
• a small container of dish washing liquid

Unlike some moves, I packed nearly my entire kitchen and shipped it via Yellow Freight, separate from the moving van shipment that arrives much later.  Cost:  $600 shipping  for 600 pounds and over $100 in packing materials as you must bubble wrap and peanut well every shipped container, unlike the typical newspaper-packing in boxes for a regular truck move.  Alyce plans; God laughs.   This kitchen delivery was scheduled for last Friday, but still hasn't arrived.  Hence the one skillet meals.

And what I discovered is this:  you can do a lotta stuff with one skillet.  Or you can eat out.

Glad to get it.

Here's the grocery list I used over a three-day period:

Dry/Canned:  Sesame oil, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, Dijon mustard, mayo, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salsa, soy sauce, jam,  honey, maple syrup, salt and pepper, oatmeal, pancake mix, crackers, bread, tortillas, granola

 Produce: Onions, garlic, shallots, potatoes, salad greens, asparagus, zucchini, apples, pears, celery, carrots, lemons and limes.

Dairy:  Milk, Eggs, Cheese, Butter, Yogurt

Protein:  Chicken, cheese, peanut butter

Paper:  Paper towels, toilet paper, kleenex, napkins (I shipped cloth napkins; they didn't arrive yet.), foil, gallon bags, "disposable" food storage containers and garbage bags.

Cleaning: Dish soap, bleach spray, clothes washing detergent and dry sheets, Windex, bath soap, scrubbing sponges.  I forgot rubber gloves, which I need badly to clean old shelves and to fill birdfeeders.  I also had to buy a broom and dustpan.

What did I cook?
Out of all of that, so far, we ate eggs and bacon for breakfast once,  lots of yogurt, fruit and granola, coffee and tea , peanut butter toast, apples, wine and cheese with bread and so on. We ate a big helping of purchased sushi for lunch as the local grocery store boasts two highly-skilled Japanese chefs making it right before our eyes.

Last night I cooked the first "cooked" dinner.  I sauteed chicken (seasoned only with salt and pepper) in the skillet with butter and olive oil and then put it in the oven to finish cooking.  I made a sauce by cooking mushrooms and shallots (to which I added white wine) in the chicken drippings.  The asparagus went in the microwave for 2.5 minutes and was dressed with fresh lemon juice and freshly ground black pepper.  I'll admit we were thrilled to eat a home-cooked meal, however simple. 

A different approach:  When we moved as a family (this is our 23rd house) and I could get it accomplished, I bought a beef round roast and put it in the crock pot on arrival in the new house.  I sent someone to the store for hard rolls and salad greens and we had Italian Beef.  I've also done this for a lot of other people over the years. The smell of the beef cooking all day is so comforting in a new environment and also gives people hope there's light at the end of the moving tunnel.

I'm having fun cooking and taking care of myself,
Alyce

The Pantry or What I Need in my Cupboards, on my Counters and in my Frig/Freezer

I can't live without good honey and balsamic vinegar.

A pantry encompasses things you like to cook with on a regular basis.  Things you need all the time.  Things you couldn't live without.  They may sit on the counter (sweet potatoes or onions), be in your frig (mayonnaise) or even in your freezer (bag of blueberries).  You know what those things are for you.   If you're a baker, you'll need baking powder, unsweetened chocolate, etc. If not, you won't buy those things.  I'll make a basic list (and add to it for shopping lists), but you can also visit my friend Lydia Walshin's site The Perfect Pantry and look under "ingredients."  (Lydia also blogs seven different soups every Saturday at Soup Chick.)  This pantry list is a work-in-progress and isn't something to go out and buy today.

If your pantry is well-stocked, you can make a decent meal even without a stop at the store.  You can invite a friend home at the spur of the moment.  You won't starve during a snowstorm or when you have the flu.

Sick or just tired?  You can make soup if you have broth and pasta.

If you made it to the store and bought the first grocery list, you have some of these things.  I'll include them anyway for a complete list.  When I blog recipes, I will (if time) note what you need from the store that isn't on this list.  You'll still need to see if you're out of onions or pasta.

In the Cupboards:  Spices +more , Canned and Dry Goods

Dried Herbs/Spices/Other things in small quantities (I like Penzey's Spices)


Basil
Bay leaves
Cayenne (dried, ground red pepper)
Chili powder (Penzey's 3000, Spice Island or make your own)
Cinnamon -I like Vietnamese or Chinese
Cloves (ground)
Cumin
Curry powder
Ginger
Mustard, dried (Colman's)
Nutmeg (whole; you'll need a grater)
Oregano
Paprika
Pepper, Red, dried flakes
Peppercorns, black (I keep several kinds)
Rosemary
Sage
Salt, Kosher
Salt, Sea (I keep several kinds and a grinder; some are used in chunks)
Tarragon
Thyme


Hot sauce

Baking Powder
Baking Soda
Cream of tartar

Click for a Dictionary of Spices

Dried or Fresh?    Dried or powdered onions or garlic are useful in rubs for meat, etc., but typically you're better off using the real thing for any other cooking.  Also, you can easily grow herbs indoors in a sunny window or in your garden.  I do not lightly say that cooking with fresh herbs makes you so much better a cook that there's no measurement for it.  Without a good window or gardening ability, you will sometimes just need to bite the bullet and pay for fresh herbs at the market.  In summer, farmers markets often have less expensive fresh herbs.

Canned or Dried Goods

Artichokes, jar or can

Beans, canned (no salt)

Beans, dried

Broth, beef

Broth, chicken

Brown and white rice

Cereal

Chocolate, semi-sweet bars and chips

Chocolate, unsweetened

Cocoa

Coconut

Coffee

Crackers,  graham, whole wheat
Cookies, shortbread and/or vanilla wafers

Flour, white (store whole wheat or rye flour in the freezer or frig)

Fruit, canned (unsweetened peaches or pears)
Honey

Lentils

Marinara Sauce

Nuts (I store all other nuts  for cooking/baking in freezer)

Oatmeal

Oil, canola

Oil, olive

Pasta (Keep some small, large and long, such as elbows, ziti and linguine)

Peanut  Butter

Peanuts, in jar

Salsa (store in frig once opened)

Soy Sauce

Sugar, brown (Store in the bag inside a real Tupperware container.)

Sugar, white

Tea

Tomatoes, canned

Tuna, canned

Vegetables, canned (I keep several kinds of no-salt beans)

Vinegar, apple cider

Vinegar, balsamic

Vinegar, red wine

Vinegar, sherry

Vinegar, white

Vinegar, white wine

Yeast, dried

Refrigerator Items

Apples*

Asian cooking condiments (Sesame oil, fish sauce, etc.)
Barbeque Sauce (my own or purchased)

Butter

Cheese

Cream Cheese (I like no-fat; great for toast, bagels or crackers)

Eggs
Ginger (peel your ginger and put it in a jam jar with sherry to cover)

Horseradish
Ketchup

Lemons *

Limes*
Oranges*

Mayonnaise (Olive oil or Hellman’s)

Meat (Freeze ground meat if not using the day purchased; I keep bacon and/or ham, also leftovers for sandwiches.)

Milk (also ½ and ½ or cream if needed)

Mustard, Dijon

Mustard, Stoneground

Mustard, Yellow

Olives, several kinds

Salad greens

Syrup, Maple

Vegetables (I usually keep peppers, celery, carrots, parsnips, cucumber, spinach, zucchini, yellow squash,  turnips, tomatoes*)

Yogurt, plain

*There are always some fruits and vegetables on the counter, where they keep fine  and are more likely to get used.  Tomatoes are always on my counter unless about to go bad, in which case I use them or store in frig briefly.)

Counter Storage (Some people use bins.)

Bananas

Garlic

Onions, yellow and red
Tomatoes (see above)

Potatoes, Idaho or Yukon or small red

Shallots

Sweet Potatoes

Winter Squash
(Also usually  1.some apples-or other fruit- and a lemon and lime 2. Farmer's Market bounty)

Freezer Storage

Bread (I keep leftover bread, tea bread and baguette for various uses.)

Cookies (Homemade; they don't keep long at altitude.)

Frozen meal, purchased (emergency only--try Michaelangelo's Lasagne)

Fruit (Stock up in the summer and freeze or buy at store; I always keep blueberries.)

Ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato or sorbet
Jam, homemade (Make freezer jam when fruit is in season.)
Leftovers (Make your own instant meals or cook in large quantities or ahead.)

Noodles/pasta, frozen (I keep egg noodles for soup and freeze fresh pasta if I can't use it quickly.)
Protein-Chicken, Burgers, Shrimp, Salmon, Steaks, Chops, Etc (Wrapped in freezer paper, freezer bags, foil or store in Tupperware.)

Onions, pearl (I don't like to peel them.)

Puff Pastry

Vegetables (Stock up in the summer at farmer's markets for the winter or keep a bag of stir fry

    vegetables--or your favorite--from the grocery store.)

Enjoy cooking and taking good care of yourself,

Alyce

Setting up the Kitchen

Table for one?

Welcome to my new blog!  I've been thinking about starting a second cooking blog for a long time, but had too many ideas that never seemed to boil down to just the right one.  Recently, my youngest moved into an apartment and said, "Mom, could come up with a pantry list and some very simple recipes for one?"  That was it; I knew I had my idea.  I, too, often cook for one and would love to share those ideas.

So, who am I?  Check out the profile at the right and, when you have time, peruse my first blog, http://www.moretimeatthetable.blogspot.com and see what's going on over there; I'll be glad to see you.  That blog is a couple of years old by now and focuses on meals that bring people together around a table in our nutty world.  I believe a lot of problems in life could be solved by slowing down, taking care of ourselves and those we love, especially by cooking with and for them.  No car-eats or choked down over the kitchen sink food, but...mostly simple things for you and your family or friends.  Occasionally I'll blog more complicated things or fun things from magazines or other sites.  And, at More Time at the Table, there is a section of recipes called "Cooking for One or Two" that might be interesting to you, as well as lots of recipes and ideas for you and guests.

 "Dinner Place" will contribute to the idea of making dinner (or breakfast or lunch)  a very real part of life.  You'll learn to cook for yourself and enjoy the meal,  how to invite a friend over, and you'll be healthier, wealthier, and wiser because of it.  Or, you can just find recipes for one or two if that's what you need.  It will take a while to get the list of recipes and posts going, but let's get started.  The first entry is about the kitchen set up and will be a work-in-progress, I'm sure.   (Please leave a comment if you think of some important item I've missed!)

Setting up Your Kitchen--What do you need?

You can make do with a hot plate, a microwave, a dorm frig and a single plate, fork, knife and spoon--and some of the recipes will be just for that.  But I'm looking at someone who has a basic kitchen:

• A stove and oven of some sort
• A sink
• A refrigerator
• A microwave
• Perhaps a dishwasher

In order to make the best use of that kitchen and what you can cook in it, you'll need (and can take your time getting it all) the following items; use your discretion.  Shop at Good Will, garage sales, estate sales or antique shop for bargains, but buy new cutting boards and knives.

1. Tableware (I'm assuming you'll use the dishwasher and/or have people over for a meal.)

• 8 ea plates, salad plates, cereal/soup bowls, mugs, large glasses, small glasses, wine glasses, silverware.  (Steak knives optional)
• 2 serving spoons; 1 serving fork;  1 butter knife
• 2 serving bowls, which could double as mixing bowls; 1 serving platter or tray
• 1 bread basket
• 1 trivet or large hot pad
• 4 place mats and 8 fabric napkins (You have to wash clothes anyway; be green.  You can use a big pack of cheap white bar or mop towels for napkins if that appeals to you. Antique stores or second-hand shops that sell linens are a great source for fine-quality napkins that will last and last.  New napkins are often made cheaply abroad.)
• Candles (real or battery)
• Things you collect for centerpieces as time goes by.  A plant or herbs can do double duty and you can splurge on fresh flowers for a special occasion.

2.  Equipment with which to cook:

• 1 small, nonstick skillet (8") for omelets, eggs, grilled sandwiches, etc
• 1 large, nonstick or stainless large skillet (12")
• 1 2 or 3 qt saucepan w/ lid for rice, heating soup and so on
• 1 (and later 2) stockpots 10 or 12 qt for pasta and soup or stew
• 1 8" chef's knife (buy the best you can and this should be your only knife if it's all you can afford)
• 1 serrated all-purpose or tomato knife
• 1 wood or plastic cutting board
• 1 colander (strainer)
• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 set of measuring cups
• 1 set of measuring spoons
• 1 cheese grater (box-type is fine)
• 1 whisk
• 2 wooden spoons of different sizes
• 1 spatula for nonstick pans
• 1 ladle
• 1 large cooking spoon
• Can opener
• Wine opener
• Bottle opener
• 2 glass or ceramic casseroles  (1 8" sq. and 1 9"x13") for oven and microwave
• 1 (later 2) cookie sheets for cookies, heating bread or heating other things in the oven
• 1 roasting pan, hopefully with a "V" rack 
• 1 tea kettle (or you can use your 2 or 3 qt sauce pan to heat water) 
• Food storage containers (plastic or glass) and/or plastic wrap, aluminum foil and gallon/sandwich bags if you use them.

3.  Electric Appliances (This is  a very personal list you can make yourself.  Only you know if you can't live without an iced tea maker, ice cream freezer, iron or hot chocolate maker.  Most people at least need a toaster. Don't buy used appliances; ask friends or family if they have anything first, then, if they don't, buy the best you can afford.)

• Coffeemaker (if you drink coffee)
• Toaster 
• Hand-held electric mixer (Optional--Will you make cookies or whip cream?)
• Crock-pot (opt)
• Waffle Iron (opt)

4.  Fabric Kitchen Needs

• Oven mitts, gloves or potholders (potholders can also be used for trivets)
• 2 dish towels (1 terry; 1 plain cotton)
• 2 dish cloths
• 1 Apron (save your clothes)
• Scrubbies of some sort for hard-to-clean dishes or pots
• Place mats and napkins (see above)

5.  Basic Cleaning Supplies

• Dish soap and/or dishwasher detergent
• Windex or Vinegar and water
• Sanitizing spray or cleaner (Diluted Bleach or Bleach spray like Chlorox Clean-up; There are also more environmentally friendly products.)
• Broom and dustpan
• Mop and Floor Cleaner (in a pinch, you can use dish soap) or old rags / big sponges
• Small sponges (some with rough sides)
• Old towels (or paper towels)
• Garbage can (and liners if you use them)
• Oven Cleaner (unless you have a self-cleaning oven--and sometimes even then)

PANTRY
     
     If you try to fill your pantry all at once, you'll be broke.  Buy a few basics and the things you'll need for 3 or 4 meals.  The following week, buy the things you'll need for another 3 or 4 meals.  Soon you'll have an operating pantry out of which you can easily pull together a quick meal.  You'll need, as a solo cook, to greatly rely on dry goods that are not perishable and to very carefully choose your perishable goods so you don't waste money and food.  For instance, a bag of oranges might be a good buy, but will you eat them before they go bad?  Also, sometimes it might be easier and cheaper to eat certain things in restaurants.  A big salad bar take-out meal twice a week could be cheaper than maintaining all of those vegetables for one.  Your shopping habits will also determine what kind of pantry you'll have.  Do you shop once, twice or five times a week?

The first trip to the store--$100. or so

• Salt and pepper grinders(these are disposable and in the spice section)
• 1# packages of flour and sugar
• Whole wheat rolls, buns or tortillas/wraps (can freeze and use one at a time)
• Peanut or almond butter and jam or honey
• Whole wheat pasta and/or brown rice (You can also buy quick brown rice or frozen, cooked brown rice you can heat in the microwave.)
• Tea, coffee or cocoa (your choice)
• Jar of Marinara sauce (I'll blog a great home-made one for you, too.)
• 1 jar Dijon-style mustard
• Spinach or Leaf Lettuce or Bibb Lettuce (your favorite greens)
• 1 onion; 1 bulb garlic (or buy a small jar of minced garlic for the frig)
• Your favorite vegetables (fresh or frozen)
• Your favorite fruit-3 or 4 pieces
• Olive oil, small container
• Vinegar (white, red or balsamic)
• 1 Lemon
• Salsa
• 1/2 # of your favorite cheese
• Tortilla Chips 
• Nuts of some kind
• Whole grain cereal or oatmeal or granola
• Milk
• Yogurt (Buy plain and add your own fruit or jam or honey; flavored, sugary yogurt is expensive for the nutritional content.)
• Eggs
• Butter
• A protein you like:  canned tuna, fresh or frozen chicken, sausage, hamburger, tofu
• 1 frozen desperation meal
• Pint ice cream, sorbet or frozen yogurt
• Dish soap
• Bath soap
• Toilet paper
• Plastic Wrap

   
First Meal (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner or Snack)

                  EGG TACOS WITH VEGETABLES AND SALSA  
                                                          1 serving

1 tsp (teaspoon) butter or olive oil
1/2 cup  chopped vegetable(s) of your choice or mixed ( example: onions; spinach; zucchini; red peppers)
2 eggs
Salt and pepper
1  large whole-grain tortilla
1T grated cheese
1/8  c salsa

1. In a small skillet, heat butter or oil over medium heat and saute vegetable(s) about five minutes, stirring often, until tender. 
2. Meantime, in a mixing bowl, beat two eggs with a sprinkle each of salt and pepper until well-mixed. Pour into the skillet.  Stir well and cook until eggs are set as you like, stirring again a time or two to let uncooked eggs reach the bottom of the skillet.
3. Spoon eggs and vegetables out onto a tortilla (which you can heat for 12 seconds in the microwave wrapped in a towel or paper towel) and top with salsa.  
4. Turn bottom of tortilla up and fold in each side to make a firm package.

For a larger meal,  you can add some cooked potato to the taco (easy to chop and cook 1 potato in the microwave with a bit of water, covered, for 4-5 minutes) or add a piece of fruit for dessert.

What else can I make from that stuff?

1. Peanut Butter Toast or Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly
2. Grilled Cheese Sandwich  (WikiHow to make one.)
3. Pasta (follow directions on package) and Marinara with hamburger ( kind of a Bolognese Sauce)
4. Chicken Spaghetti and vegetables (if you bought chicken)
5. Salad and dressing  (click to learn how Jamie Oliver makes a salad and dressing)
6. Yogurt and fruit w/ jam or honey or a smoothie
7. Omelet (plain, cheese, meat or veggie) and toasted roll with jam or honey and fruit (Coming soon) 
8. Fried Egg Sandwich and fruit
9. Sauteed chicken and vegetables with a whole wheat roll (Coming soon)
10. Grilled Chicken Sandwich and salad or Leftover sauteed chicken sandwich if you made 2
11. Cheese and fruit 
12. Chicken and rice
13. Meatloaf (if you bought hamburger) and vegetables
14. Nachos

Have fun cooking and taking care of yourself,
Alyce