Pantry
Keep these items on hand for easy meal preparation.

Spices (Basic):

• Kosher Salt
  
• Whole black peppercorns
  
• Red pepper flakes
  
• Dried herbs, like oregano, bay leaf, whole nutmeg, and thyme
  
• Ground cinnamon
  
• A spice blend such as
  
• Chili powder
  
• Curry powder
  
• Herbes de Provence or Italian Seasoning
  
• Five-spice powder
  

Spices (Upgrade):

• Ground cumin
  
• Ground coriander
  
• Paprika
  
• Fennel seeds
  
• Ground cardamom
  
• Allspice
  

Condiments (Basic):
[all of these go in the fridge once open]

• Ketchup
  
• Mustard
  
• Hot Sauce
  
• Jelly
  
• Salsa
  
• Soy sauce
  
• Worcestershire sauce
  
• Real maple syrup

Condiments (Upgrades)

• Asian chili pastes
  
• Sesame oil
  
• Fish sauce
  
• Hoisin sauce
  
• Chutney

Dry goods (Basic):

• Vegetable oil
  
• EVOO
  
• Vinegar
  
• Chicken broth (canned or in paper containers)
  
• Nut Butter
  
• Honey
  
• Pasta
  
• Canned tomatoes
  
• Rice
  
• Whole Grains, such as:
  
• Oatmeal, Bulgur
  
• Canned Beans

Dry goods (Upgrade):

• Polenta
  
• Couscous
  
• Canned chiles (pickled jalapenos, chipotles in adobo)
  
• Jarred anchovies
  
• Tomato paste
  
• Bread crumbs

Baking:

• All-Purpose Flour
  
• Baking Powder
  
• Baking Soda
  
• Sugar (White & Brown)
  
• Vanilla extract
  
• Chocolate Chips

From How to Boil Water: Life Beyond Takeout, Meredith, IA, 2006