Everyone knows that the most important part of the holidays is the food. On Thanksgiving, we surround ourselves with turkey, stuffing, and the tradition trimmings. At the Christmas table, we eat ham and other amazing goodies. Many families still celebrate the tradition of not having meat on Christmas Eve. Those celebrating Hanukkah eat traditional potato latkes and gelt. In fact, many of our traditions and holidays revolve around food. In Poland, a traditional greeting is to offer a piece of bread with salt. Therefore, the importance of the kitchen and cooking is paramount. Even those whose cooking skills are less to be desired must spend some time in the kitchen. So, I think it is important to stress those things that every cook, even the simplest cook, must have in his/her kitchen.
1. Salt and Pepper
Those of you who have spent any time in Europe know that salt and pepper are not traditionally on the table when walking into a restaurant. That is because it is considered insulting for a customer to add salt or pepper to the chef's food. That does not mean the chef forgoes salt and pepper all together. That simply means it is insulting for you to add salt and pepper. However, when you are in the kitchen, you can do whatever you want. Salt and pepper are the basic ingredients in just about every dish.
2. Butter/Olive Oil
These are really interchangeable. In my opinion does add a nice buttery flavor to your dish while olive oil doesn't always cut it. Butter can be used to melt and mix with garlic and parsley for a nice and simple garlic bread or put in some rice and mashed potatoes for a creamy, butter flavor. However, olive oil does the trick in a similar, but different fashion. Mix olive oil with balsamic for a simple bread dip. Both are vital for use as replacement for non-stick cooking spray. Therefore, I use them all the time, either to add flavor or just to prevent sticking.
3. Garlic
Garlic, Garlic, Garlic!! Every Italian knows the importance of the seasoning. Even those who aren't Italian know to never skimp on garlic. There is no such thing as too much garlic. In fact, there is a whole festival dedicated to garlic. Whether it's minced, clove, or powder, you can't help but praise the garlic gods.
4. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice adds that nice citrus touch to any meal. Add to chicken, fish, even pasta. Basically anything that you would drink white wine with would taste good with lemon juice. You could even use that white wine to create a delicious chicken dish when mixed with lemon juice and cooked out. Lemon juice is one of those things that's so basic it allows you to be creative. You can add it to just about every dish and it will taste delicious.
5. Crock pot
The best thing about the crock pot is knowing dinner will be ready when you get home, even when you live alone. Throw in a mound of ingredients in the morning, and when you come home, dinner is ready. It is as easy as that. It caters to those with busy schedules, those who can't cook, or those who don't like to, all while allowing those who do cook the freedom to add and adapt recipes to be creative.
6. Milk
Let me be the first to say that I am not a fan of white milk. I think it's boring. But that's what most cooking essentials are: basic and kinda gross on their own, but add flare and taste amazing when with a dish. That's what milk is. Mix with cocoa and make chocolate milk. Make it hot and make hot chocolate. Milk serves as the base for Alfredo sauce or amazing cheese sauce that can top anything from fries to pasta.
7. Cheese
Speaking of that cheese sauce... Cheese is amazing. It is good to eat on its own, add to crackers and make as an app, or add to the crock pot for some tasty soups or dips. Cheese can also act as a topping on chili (which can also be made in the crock pot).
