Pantry Staples Checklist

The most important item in a respectable kitchen.

Salt and pepper are the basics for any recipe.

Paprika is one of these spices that are basic in Western cuisine. You can get it and make this Hungarian Goulash that is so good.

Dried dill goes in so many dishes, from stews to soups and pies, like this Meat Pie made with puff pastry.

I prefer fresh parsley, but sometimes dried is convenient and easy to use. Here is a recipe that uses plenty of it.

Aromatic and delicious bay leaves are used in many cuisines around the world. Here is a bean recipe that uses them, and it is perfect for the cold season.

I like cumin in a lot of soups, stews, and even baked goods. Here is a recipe that requires cumin in baking.

Great for roasted meats, marinades, etc

Great in all kinds of recipes. Try these crushed red peppers in this authentic Spanish recipe.

This Mexican Chicken Fajitas recipe uses this awesome ingredient. Dare to try it?

You put cinnamon in a lot of baked goods, but have you ever tried a cinnamon tea?

From stews to desserts, cinnamon is a very loved ingredient. Here you have a chicken recipe that uses cinnamon. Yum!

I love thyme in roasted meats.

Oregano has a milder flavor than thyme. From pasta to stews and Mexican dishes, oregano leaves are used to flavor and enhance the recipes.

Here is a salad that uses basil. You might be surprised how good it is.

Roasted meats are very good friends with rosemary. It is a match made in heaven.

An awesome spice that makes this chocolate dessert amazing. You can use it in teas, baked goods, and other dishes.

Whole cloves are used together with cinnamon and nutmeg in baked goods. They can also be used to flavor meats, stews, and sauces. It is an awesome spice to have around.

This soup is a great opportunity to use a little bit of chipotle powder when chipotle chiles are not available.

Ginger is great in many recipes, from savory to sweet and from western cuisine to Asian one. Here is a recipe for meat pie that uses this awesome ingredient.

This Ham Cheese and Onion Puff Pastry Slab Pie is a great recipe to use nutmeg.

Fresh mint leaves are great in all kinds of recipes from lemonade to ice creams and teas, but what if it is winter outside and there is no fresh mint around? Dried mint could save the day. Try this recipe of peas with mint for a change.

Baking soda can be used for cleaning but could also be used in many baked goods—an essential item to have in the house.

Many recipes require baking powder, so it is an important item in the pantry if you like to bake. Here is a recipe for muffins to bake with this ingredient.

This is my favorite cocoa powder; it is dark and delicious. Would you like to make a flourless, gluten-free cake using cocoa powder? Here it is.

I could snack on these chocolate chips, but I better try one of these recipes. Use good quality chocolate for better results.

Perfect for this cake.

I love this chocolate and bake with it quite often. You can find it in the store or buy it online. Perfect for making these decadent brownies.

I make bread, so I do have yeast in the house all the time.

Most recipes require vanilla flavor. If you can put your hands on vanilla beans, you are a winner.

I love vanilla. I even make chicken with it. Yeah, you heard that right!

Corn starch is a good item to have in the pantry.
I use it from thickening sauces to making compote jams for my cakes.

Well, if you bake, you need one of those. I like organic, good-quality flour.

I don't like my desserts very sweet, but I like desserts, so sugar is part of most dessert recipes.

Dark brown sugar gives a depth of flavor to most recipes. Carrot cake, anyone?

Multiple uses. This powder sugar goes inside some desserts or outside like in these recipes of pastries with cheese.

Minnesota produces the best wild rice in the US. Also, this is one of my favorite types of rice to cook with. Here is a vegetarian recipe you might like to make.