What everyone should have in their kitchen....

So, I have talked with several people who are following my blog, and they all seem to have the same comment:  "how do you know what ingredients to have on hand to be able to make the meals you make?"  Well, I have to tell you.  There are just certain things that are standard in any recipe.  I am going to try to compile a general list, but keep in mind, you can always add to it as you discover things you like.

Canned Goods:

Chicken Broth

Artichoke Hearts
Canned Mushrooms (in case you don't have time to buy fresh ones)

Diced Tomatoes

Your favorite pasta sauce

Evaporated milk
Olives

Frozen Foods:

Frozen chopped green peppers

Frozen chopped onions

Bag of frozen shrimp

Frozen chopped spinach

Frozen corn

Seasonings:

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Tarragon

Basil

Herbs de Provence

sea salt and fresh cracked pepper

Paprika

Mustard powder

Thyme

Rosemary

Any favorite spices you find (like the ones I got from Colonel De's in Cincinnati)

Corn starch

Fresh Ingredients:

(obviously, these are harder to keep on hand, but I try to go week to week)

Fresh Lemon

Fresh Lime

Celery

Basil/parsley (only buy this when you have a specific need for it because it doesn't keep)
Vidalia onions
garlic
ginger (keep it near a window and it will last forever!)
fresh spinach

Dairy:

Parmesan cheese

Cream cheese

Butter

Sour Cream

Half and Half

Grains:

Wild rice

Risotto

Jasmine Rice

Pasta

Lasagna pasta

Couscous

Barley

Meat:

Chicken

Ground beef/turkey/lamb

Italian sausage

Pork tenderloin

Steal

Oils/Sauces:

Soy Sauce
Worcestershire Sauce
Teriyaki Sauce
Balsamic Vinegar
Cider Vinegar
Olive Oil
Canola Oil
Marsala Wine (keep in the fridge)
Barbeque Sauce
Mr. Yashida's Sauce

I am sure that the more I think about this, the more items I will need to add, but this is a start!