The Essential Setup: A Wisely Stocked Kitchen

Essential Kitchen Setup and Refreshment

When embarking on the journey of either establishing your kitchen anew or revitalizing an existing one, your priority should be to judiciously select ingredients and tools that not only fortify the well-being of your family but also elevate the taste and simplify the process of cooking.

The Foundation: Pantry Essentials

For any culinary enthusiast, the art of maintaining a well-stocked pantry is crucial, mirroring the practices of esteemed chefs. The transition from heavily processed items to those free from additives marks an essential leap. Begin by discarding all refined sugars, vegetable oils, refined salt, artificial mixes (regardless of natural labeling), and the majority of canned goods. The exceptions that merit space in my storage include tomato products and coconut milk in glass containers when possible, steering clear of premade mixes with the exception of a select few that meet the criteria of healthiness and convenience.

Salt, sugar, and fats are the triumvirate that every kitchen arsenal should possess. Embracing the teachings of Dr. Price, the emphasis on wholesome, unprocessed fats like superior olive and coconut oils, lard, and butter from grass-fed animals becomes indispensable. These fats are crucial for daily culinary adventures, complemented by unrefined salts such as Celtic or Himalayan varieties.

In my pantry, raw honey, coconut sugar, and on occasion, natural sugars like sucanat or jaggery are staples, with the latter being ideal for fermented drinks and chutneys. Adapting recipes to use honey or these sugars is straightforward, ensuring they’re indispensable in your kitchen too.

Essential for both baking and cooking, baking soda without aluminum, baking powder, and arrowroot powder are must-haves. Chia seeds prove invaluable for their thickening properties in grain-free recipes. An unmissable ingredient for a wide array of culinary creations is high-quality vanilla extract, pivotal for flavoring.