Kitchen Essentials

I’ve always wanted to write more to help me remember this time of my life but I’ve become too much of a consumer of information to start writing, which should change.

Since I’ve moved here, I’ve become so much more domesticated. Back in Manila, I was already cleaning the apartment that I lived in during the weekdays, doing my own laundry once in a while, but I would still go home during the weekends. I didn’t really buy my own groceries or kitchen appliances.

I’m happy that I can cook for myself and teach my roommate a thing or two about feeding himself.

This is my list of Kitchen Essentials for the twenty something grad student who likes cooking:

  1. small saucepan
  2. nonstick saute pan
  3. big saucepan with steamer insert
  4. baking sheet
  5. can opener
  6. bottle opener
  7. rubber spatula
  8. paring knife
  9. chef’s knife
  10. mixing bowls
  11. strainer
  12. toaster oven- better than using the microwave for reheating food!
  13. blender- for making smoothies and hummus, grinding coffee beans
  14. measuring cups and spoons
  15. tongs
  16. microphone and normal grater
  17. slotted spatula-turner
  18. slotted spoon
  19. normal cooking spoon

Pantry Essentials:

  1. sea salt
  2. whole peppercorns
  3. cayenne pepper
  4. curry powder
  5. cinnamon
  6. garlic powder
  7. cumin
  8. olive oil
  9. apple cider vinegar
  10. rice wine vinegar
  11. balsamic vinegar
  12. maple syrup
  13. soy sauce
  14. worcestershire sauce
  15. turmeric
  16. paprika
  17. sundried tomato
  18. canned tuna
  19. garbanzos
  20. tea
  21. hot chocolate
  22. coffee
  23. honey
  24. nutella
  25. peanut butter
  26. cookie butter
  27. almond butter
  28. nori
  29. popcorn
  30. almonds
  31. cashews
  32. dried mango
  33. think thin crunch bars
  34. chocolate

Refrigerator/ Freezer staples:

  1. Almond Milk
  2. Yogurt
  3. Kimchi
  4. Eggs
  5. Cheese
  6. Lemons
  7. Spinach
  8. Cremini Mushrooms
  9. Cucumbers
  10. Carrots
  11. Salad Mix
  12. Celery
  13. Garlic
  14. Onions
  15. Ginger
  16. sweet potato
  17. avocado
  18. pineapple
  19. broccoli
  20. brussels sprouts
  21. kale
  22. oranges
  23. sriracha
  24. mustard
  25. ketchup

I’m a huge fan of Trader Joe’s and I love shopping there despite the long lines. I usually get a cart and get my fruits and veggies while waiting.