What 3 items must you absolutely have in your kitchen, not counting salt, pepper

1. 67

   Debby Bruckposted 11 years ago

   What 3 items must you absolutely have in your kitchen, not counting salt, pepper, etc. ?
   
   When cooking we all have our favorite ingredients and touches that we add to the recipe. We also tend toward preparing 'family' dishes. Can you tell us 3 must have items, besides salt, pepper, bread, butter, oil, milk, eggs and major staples that you would run out to the store because they were necessities?
   
   

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   moonfairyposted 11 years ago

   hmmm. I guess I would have to say celery seed ( I use this alot!) worchestershire sauce and garlic.

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      Debby Bruckposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Wow! You use celery seed too?! So, do I. And, yeah, garlic. couldn't live without that. Thanks for your 3 items.

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   Goody5posted 11 years ago

   Like you have pictured bread. Then bologna and mustard that are a must for any quick sandwich.

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      Debby Bruckposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Goody. That's funny. An old fashioned mustard and bologna sandwich on white bread. Guess we don't need something exotic. However, you may choose one more item, because 'bread' is considered a staple in the food basket.

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      Goody5posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Okay then, throw in some American cheese to top the sandwich off 

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   JThomp42posted 11 years ago

   Hello Debby,
   That would have to be ham, cheese, and cereal. I could live on cereal. Plus ham and cheese sandwiches. I'm a bachelor, can you tell? LOL

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      Debby Bruckposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Jeff ~ Your answers surprise me!  I did not know really what to expect. Next, someone will put "pop tarts" as their must have kitchen item for a recipe. I was surely thinking of a certain spice, fruit, vegetable or grain, etc. Turned tables on me.

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      JThomp42posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Sorry Debby. I might have misunderstood the question.

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5. 95

   vespawoolfposted 11 years ago

   Garlic, bananas and oatmeal. We don't eat them all together, of course.
   
   Just a funny story--three years ago we had a "state of emergency" here in Peru, a political upheaval. It wasn't safe to leave the house and our staples were running out. But the one item my husband was stressing about? The butter! He really can't live without it. :   )

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      Debby Bruckposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Many thanks for sharing that story, Vespa. Three super items. True, I wouldn't put the garlic in with the bananas and oatmeal; but, I used to mash the bananas with oatmeal to feed the children when they were little. Blessings, Debby

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      lupineposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      These are 3 of my favorite to have available at all times.

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      Shanti Perezposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Over the summer I was eating kimchee noodles soup and there was a banana on the table. For some reason I craved the two together and so broke the banana into bite-sized pieces and put it in my soup. It was delicious! Somehow I knew it would be.

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   LillyGrillzitposted 11 years ago

   Whole Garlic cloves, Buffalo Chipolte Hot Sauce, Jalapeno or Anaheim Peppers. In that order of importance.
   
   I use whole garlic, smashed and chopped, as a spice for food, but also as a part of my wellness agenda. The Buffalo Chipolte Hot Sauce is perfect for so many of the dishes I make, and the peppers are more of that spice / health routine.
   
   No black pepper for me, very little sea salt ( I have had one container over 3 years). This is an excellent question, and it is interesting to see the other answers.
   
   Thanks for spicing up this cold Christmas day.

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      Debby Bruckposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Whew! That's hot, Lilly!

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7. 92

   peeplesposted 11 years ago

   Tomatoes, Garlic, and any hot pepper. When it comes down to it you can make soups, sauces, salsa, and so much more with these 3. Add the basics and you can make countless meals.

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      Debby Bruckposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Peeples! The votes for GARLIC keep coming in. Do we consider it a staple in the grocery market? Those who love hot and spicy foods must have their hot pepper. All this talk is making me hungry.

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8. 69

   BSloanposted 11 years ago

   My three items would have to be sazon (a latin spice mixture of garlic, paprika, parsley, onion, saffron, and pepper) which I use for all my cooking, raisin bread, and chocolate soy milk.

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      Debby Bruckposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I'm learning that each culture has their preferences. Having a spice blend covers many items at once. I agree with you on the raisin 'cinnamon' bread, and the kids would love the chocolate milk. Wonderful choices!

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   Sharkye11posted 11 years ago

   Ground turkey, brown beans, and Cajun seasoning salt. We eat a lot of spicy beans!

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      Debby Bruckposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hey, Thanks Sharkye - I think you've got a yummy meal simmering on the stove. Save me a seat. Blessings.

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    duffsmomposted 11 years ago

    Peanut butter, bread and bananas.  Good for snacks or a meal.

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       Debby Bruckposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Hi Duffsmom - Hahahah. You've chosen 3 items I might call "staple" in the market basket, but that's okay. The question and answer has been so much fun. A few others also posted bread and bananas, but you're the first mentioning peanut butter.

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    lupineposted 11 years ago

    This is a fun question. I would have to choose garlice of course, use it on almost everything. Then jalapeno or serrano salsa (that I make) and beans.

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    ChitrangadaSharanposted 11 years ago

    Interesting question and equally interesting answers!
    I was going to write 'garlic', but since so many have already written...it's a must have, i think for everyone.
    My 3 items would be--
    1. Onions;
    2. Paneer or cottage cheese;
    3. Fresh  and dry fruits.

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    1. 67

       Debby Bruckposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Hello Chitrangada - I love your three choices. Onions and garlic always seem to go together. Round it out with dairy and fruit, you've got a meal!

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    renegadetoryposted 11 years ago

    Great question... I'd say canned diced tomatoes, carrots and celery or onions (it's a tie).

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       Debby Bruckposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Renegade - Wonderful healthy choices. I'm going to have to read your Hub on alternatives to milk. I bet you're a fabulous "nutritious" health-minded cook.

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    Novel Treasureposted 11 years ago

    I have to jump on the garlic band wagon too... we love it in our family. I guess the other two would be..
    
    Tomatoes
    Cinnamon (we love to cook with it and it's good for you)

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       Debby Bruckposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Garlic wins hands down. And cinnamon for heart health - Whooo hoo! Thanks Novel Treasure.

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    lburmasterposted 11 years ago

    Spices are not optional. I desperately need my soup, tea and spices. Always.

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       Debby Bruckposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you dear Leah. We all need to spice up our life and dishes! Soothing soup for the tummy and yummy tea warms us on a cold winter day.

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    Efficient Adminposted 11 years ago

    I would have to say parmesan cheese, real lemon juice, and garlic.  The combination of these 3 ingredients give most dishes of vegetables, salads, and meats a nice pop.

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       Debby Bruckposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Hi Michelle ~ Lemons are high on my list, too. I usually have to run out to stock up to make lemon drink. Thanks for your excellent suggestions for meal preparation using your top 3 ingredients!

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    jansharesposted 11 years ago

    Besides the major staples? Garlic powder, low sodium seasonings, and olive oil.

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       Debby Bruckposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Hello Jan - Garlic seems to be turning up in all its forms as the number one choice, second to the spices to add flavor and who can live without olive oil?! I just bought a gallon 100% virgin cold pressed.

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    ReneeDC1979posted 11 years ago

    Tomato paste for my homeade spaghetti
    Emeril's meat seasoning
    Cereal - captain crunch or rice krispies

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       lupineposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       These sound good to me, I've already answered this question...it's hard to limit yourself to only 3.

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       Debby Bruckposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Hi Renee - A varied selection that will go far. Everyone has been having so much fun reviewing their personal kitchen necessities.

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19. 87

    Shanti Perezposted 11 years ago

    Cumin, turmeric and garlic. Yum! I love cooking with raw spices and have forsaken the many commercially bottled sauces that were once dear to my heart for the fresh garlic and ginger paste, coriander chutney and the plethora of spices in Indian cooking which are also beneficial to health.

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       Debby Bruckposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Dear Shanti ~ I was just cooking up dinner and thinking someone would write about turmeric! ESP. There you are. I wholeheartedly agree that FRESH is better! Thanks for contributing to this thread.

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20. 0

    ExoticHippieQueenposted 11 years ago

    Fresh tomatoes, garlic powder or fresh garlic, olive oil.

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       Debby Bruckposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Hi Exotic Hippie - I'm feeling the Italian in the kitchen! Have a blessed day. Debby

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    ieshab1posted 11 years ago

    Bread,peanutButter,and Ramen Noodles inchase the food went low you can make a couple of meals

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    Moon Daisyposted 11 years ago

    I'm definitely with lburmaster with the tea and spices.  I'd also say porridge (oatmeal).  I have to have that in the morning.  I add spices and eat with a cup of tea.

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       Debby Bruckposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Hi Moon - The tea and porridge can help get you through the day. Do you mean spices to put in your tea or for cooking?

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       Moon Daisyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Hi Debby,
       I add spices to my porridge. I use cinnamon and ginger powder, sometimes pepper too. It's lovely, and makes it extra warming, (especially good on winter mornings). I also  sometimes like adding spices to my tea. Chai tea is my favourite.

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    Thelma Albertsposted 11 years ago

    Garlic, tomatoe paste and any kind of noodles.

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