Kitchen Staples and Equipment

If you’re here, I’m guessing you’re at least sort of well-versed in the kitchen. That said, everyone’s tastes and supplies are a little different. To ensure we’re on the same page, here is a list of equipment and ingredients you’ll find yourself reaching for often if you use our recipes.

Caveat – if you see a link to Amazon, yep, that’s an affiliate link. Consider it a tip for a tip. 🙂

Equipment

• Instantpot – also serves as your slow-cooker and rice maker
• Scooper – perfect for cookies, meatballs, muffins… i.e. more than you think!
• Chrissy Teagan’s frying pan – I know, I know… We aren’t supposed to do non-stick anymore. But the size of this pan is perfect and the nonstickiness is nice sometimes!
• Plastic spoon – If you can get to a local restaurant supply store, they will have something like this for $1 that will last you forever. In the meantime, this is the only kind of spoon you need in your kitchen.
• Silicone baking sheets – If it’s good enough for Martha Stewart, it’s good enough for me! Great way to keep you from wasting bunches of parchment while you bake.
• Cheap baking sheets – This is another reason to go to your local restaurant supply place. So cheap there!
• Kitchenaid mixer – Guys, I really love my mixer. It makes baking, particularly with kiddos, so easy! That said, I do pull out my hand mixer sometimes when I don’t have the energy to move a monster.

Spices

I should probably do an ode to my favorite, Penzey’s Spices here as most of my spices come from there. Their flavors are powerful and their ownership is engaged on the right side of important cultural issues. My kind of business!

• Northwoods blend
• Arizona blend
• Greek Seasoning
• Chili powder (medium)
• Cumin
• Sesame seeds
• Garlic powder
• Garlic salt
• Pepper (I get coarsely ground. Who has time for a grinder??)
• Mexican vanilla

Pantry Staples

• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Unseasoned rice vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Jasmine rice

Fresh Stuff

• Yellow or white onions
• Spinach
• Fruit – whatever kind your family loves, get lots of it
• Cheddar (that you shred yourself)
• Unsalted butter
• Milk (I use 1% in most recipes, but use whatever works for your family, including dairy-free alternatives.)

Baking Basics

• King Arthur flour (I am a snob when it comes to flour. You can find this at nicer grocery stores and now at Costco.)
• White sugar
• Brown sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Vanilla
• Instant coffee grounds
• Chocolate chips
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch-processed)