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Starter Kitchen Part I: Baking Goods
As discussed in this introductory post, here's the list of items without which my kitchen would not function. Of course, this is not nearly everything a kitchen needs, but many recipes will only require that you go out and buy a few more items.
I've guessed at prices, but they will vary from region to region and store to store. Also, I often buy organic products these days, so some of my estimates may be a little higher than conventional items.
This list is also really subjective to my tastes, especially in the few spices that I can't live without. Do you disagree with some of my choices? Let me know!
Baking Goods--around $18
Extended List--around $35
Go to Starter Kitchen Part II: Dry Goods & Spices.
I've guessed at prices, but they will vary from region to region and store to store. Also, I often buy organic products these days, so some of my estimates may be a little higher than conventional items.
This list is also really subjective to my tastes, especially in the few spices that I can't live without. Do you disagree with some of my choices? Let me know!
Baking Goods--around $18
- Unbleached wheat flour. Who said wheat should be white? Unless you're putting your food on display, I say go with the basic unbleached flour. $4 for 5 pounds.
- Whole wheat flour. You can make any baked good a little more nutritious by replacing a little of the regular flour with whole-wheat. $4 for 5 pounds.
- Granulated white sugar. From cane or beets. Rise up against the tyranny of corn-based sweeteners! $4 for 5 pounds.
- Brown sugar. In a pinch, you can substitute white sugar plus molasses for brown sugar, but it really doesn't hurt to have a box in the house. $2 for 1 pound.
- Baking soda. An essential leavening agent which acts when exposed to heat. Plus, you can stick an open box in your fridge to suck up bad smells. Just don't bake with it again after that! $2 for 1 box.
- Baking powder. Like baking soda but more so, most baking powders are double-acting and react to liquids and to heat. Also a kitchen essential. $2 for 1 container.
Extended List--around $35
- Chocolate chips. Well, maybe this is an optional item. I use chocolate chips a) in cookies, obvs, b) in hot chocolate, c) in quick chocolate sauces, and d) as a sweet snack. $3 for 12 ounces.
- Cornmeal. Get a nice crunchy one. $3 for 1 pound.
- Oatmeal. I like basic rolled oats because a) they're versatile, and b) how many foods can you buy in a cylindrical container? $5 for a lot.
- Powdered sugar. I don't know exactly how they make powdered
sugar, but its main ingredients are sugar and cornstarch, magically
fluffed together. $2 for 1 pound.
- Unsweetened baking chocolate. I use this mostly for brownies and other baked goods. It's a staple of my kitchen, but definitely a second-tier item for many. $3 for 8 ounces.
- Cocoa powder. You can use this for basic hot chocolate, cookies, cakes, and a myriad of other dishes. $4 for 8 ounces.
- Molasses. Second-tier item. I most often use it for gingerbread. $3 for a jar.
- Honey. Nice locally-produced honey may help protect you against disease! Plus, it's good in almost everything. $5 and up.
- Yeast. I love yeast breads! They take a little more time, but are so worth it. $2 for three packets.
- Cornstarch. Thickens quick puddings, soups, and sauces, and doubles as a great plaything. Just add water! $2 for a box.
- Vegetable shortening. I used to use a lot more shortening than I do now--these days, I mostly go for straight butter. However, for some applications, vegetable shortening provides superior crispness. Plus, it's cheaper. $3 for a small tub.
Go to Starter Kitchen Part II: Dry Goods & Spices.
However, the fact that they belong in the basic kitchen is indisputable.