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This week, I published a quiz on "what type of cook" are you - hoping to gain insights on how many of you are gourmets, creatives, family-focused, or efficiency experts, which would help me best focus this newsletter to meet your needs.

I was truly surprised when several people posted on my Facebook page (which is a COOKING focused page, of course) that they abolutely hated to cook - one even said she preferred doing dishes to cooking.

Based on that input, I decided the best way to serve you this week would be to share a very simple recipe and a list of the basics that I keep in my pantry to use as the base for quick and simple meals.

This recipe was one I put together decades ago to use when I was helping my daughter's Girl Scout troop get their cooking badge.  It can be assembled in minutes, and requires only 5 ingredients.  Those of you who are more creative can dress it up with spices, additional veggies, maybe even some sauteed onions - but for those who want to get in and out of the kitchen fast, it fits the bill as is.

I'm also including a 20% off coupon for Cestari's multitool, that includes both a grater and a measuring cup (among other gadgets) to help with grating and measuring the cheese needed for the recipe.

Enjoy,

Susan

A well-stocked pantry is the secret weapon of every home cook. With the right ingredients on hand, you can create a delicious meal at a moment’s notice. Here are the top ten foods to keep in your pantry to ensure you’re always prepared.

1. Dried Pasta
   Versatile and quick to cook, dried pasta is a pantry staple. It’s the foundation for countless meals, from a simple spaghetti aglio e olio to a hearty lasagna. Keep a variety of shapes and sizes to suit different recipes.

2. Beans
   Dried or canned, beans are a nutritional powerhouse. They are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Black beans, chickpeas, and kidney beans are particularly versatile and can be used in soups, stews, salads, and even as a base for dips like hummus.

3.Canned Tomatoes
   A can of tomatoes can transform any dish, adding rich flavor and a hint of acidity. Whether you’re making a quick marinara sauce, a robust chili, or a comforting tomato soup, canned tomatoes are indispensable.

4. Chicken Broth Base
   A high-quality chicken broth base is a lifesaver for adding depth to soups, stews, risottos, and sauces. It provides a flavorful foundation that enhances the overall taste of your dishes. Look for low-sodium options to have better control over the seasoning.  My favorite is the broth base made by Penzey's.

5. Olive Oil
   Extra virgin olive oil is a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine and an essential pantry item. It’s perfect for sautéing, dressing salads, drizzling over finished dishes, and even baking. Its rich flavor and healthy fats make it a must-have.

6. Vinegar
   A good variety of vinegars, such as balsamic, red wine, and apple cider, can elevate your cooking. Vinegar adds brightness and complexity to dressings, marinades, sauces, and even desserts. It’s also a great ingredient for quick pickling vegetables.

7. Onions
   Onions are the unsung heroes of the pantry. They provide a flavor base for a vast array of dishes, from soups and stews to stir-fries and salads. Yellow, white, and red onions each bring their own unique flavors and are indispensable in both raw and cooked applications.

8. Garlic
   Like onions, garlic is a foundational ingredient in many cuisines. Its pungent flavor and aroma can transform simple dishes into something extraordinary. Fresh garlic cloves are versatile, but keeping garlic powder on hand is also useful for quick seasoning.

9. Flour
   All-purpose flour is essential for baking, but it’s also useful for thickening sauces, breading proteins, and making homemade pasta. A small supply of whole wheat or specialty flours can also be beneficial for adding different textures and flavors to your cooking.

10. Sugar
    Granulated sugar is a pantry staple not just for baking, but also for balancing flavors in savory dishes. A pinch of sugar can enhance the taste of tomato sauces, dressings, and marinades. Consider keeping brown sugar and powdered sugar for additional versatility.

By keeping these top ten pantry essentials on hand, you’ll be well-equipped to create a wide variety of delicious meals. Happy cooking!

Save 20% on Cestari's Multitool, with a measuring cup, juicer, cheese grater, and corn stripper.  Save 20% with code MEASUREGRATE  through June 4 at the Cestari store on Amazon

Kaitlin from Lake Forest shares,  "Keep a bowl on the counter for food scraps as you cook. It makes cleanup faster and keeps your workspace tidy."

Annette from Walnut Creek suggests,  "Prep ingredients ahead of time and store them in clear containers. It speeds up cooking and keeps you organized."

Ezra from Austin notes,  "Invest in a good quality chef's knife. A sharp knife makes chopping and slicing much easier and safer."

Liz from Fort Lauderdale mentions,  "Double your recipes and freeze half for later. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights when you don’t have time to cook."

Susan from Tacoma advises ,  "Use a slow cooker or Instant Pot for hands-off cooking. You can prepare meals in the morning and have them ready by dinner time."

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We'd love to feature some of your best tips and tricks. Please let us know what you know!  You can submit your thoughts by replying to this newsletter, or sending them directly to [email protected] with the subject "Newsletter-May."  Every subscriber whose contribution we use will receive our MINI TURNTABLE as our thank you gift.

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