Stocking First Kitchen Stockton CA

So, you’re finally on your own and in your very first home. Before you can cook for yourself or entertain any guests, you’ll need to stock your kitchen. Here is a list of the essentials.

Stock Your Cupboards With Dishes

You’ll need things to eat out of, off of, and with. This is a basic list of dishes and flatware appropriate for a household of 1 to 4 people.

• 6–8 water glasses
• 6-8 mugs
• 6-8 plates
• 6-8 bowls
• 6-8 sets of silverware
• 4 wine glasses or other barware
• Set of mixing bowls
• Serving platters
• Serving bowls

Necessary Gadgets

Even if you don’t cook much, you’ll still need some kitchen gadgets. The following is a list of instruments to get you on your way to a complete kitchen.

• Can opener
• Bottle opener
• Corkscrew
• Kitchen shears or scissors
• Pot holders
• Spoons: wooden, slotted, serving, and soup ladle
• Spatulas
• Whisk
• Knives: paring knife, butcher knife, and serrated bread knife
• Garlic press
• Cutting boards
• Grater
• Tongs
• Vegetable peeler
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Glass liquid measuring cup
• Potato masher or ricer
• Ice cream scoop

Purchase Grocery Staples for Your Pantry

Everybody has a different preference for tastes and cooking styles, but here is a list of some basic grocery items with which to stock your pantry.

• Coffee and tea
• Dry beans: red, black, navy, and pinto
• Dry cereal and oatmeal
• Dry milk powder or canned evaporated milk
• Bread
• Dry pasta
• Rice: long grain, wild, and brown
• Potatoes
• Tuna
• Popcorn
• Canola or other vegetable oil, shortening, and olive oil
• Raisins
• Dried spices: basil, bay leaf, black pepper, bouillon, cayenne pepper, chili powder, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, mustard, nutmeg, onion powder, oregano, paprika, parsley, rosemary, sage, salt, and thyme
• Canned broth: chicken, vegetable, and beef
• Canned fruits and vegetables: peaches, pears, pineapple, tomatoes, green beans, peas, baked beans, corn, olives, peas, and mushrooms
• Canned soups: chicken, cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, and tomato
• Canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce

Get Ready for Baking

Not everyone bakes, but if you do, here are some baking necessities.

• Flour: white or whole wheat
• Sugar: granulated, light brown, dark brown, and powdered
• Molasses
• Condensed milk
• Vanilla extract
• Yeast
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Chocolate chips

Select Your Condiments

Selection of condiments is certainly reliant on personal preference. But here are some basic suggestions to get you set on condiments.

• Ketchup
• Mayonnaise
• Mustard
• Relish
• Maple syrup
• Soy sauce
• Vinegar
• Salad dressing
• Peanut butter
• Jam, jelly, or preserves
• Applesauce
• Barbeque sauce
• Honey

Stocking Your Refrigerator

Perishable items should be purchased only as needed.

• Dairy: milk, butter, yogurt, cheese, sour cream, half and half, and whipping cream
• Fresh fruit
• Fresh vegetables
• Fresh herbs
• Deli meats
• Garlic
• Onions: sweet, green, red, or yellow
• Peppers
• Meat, fish, and poultry
• Convenience foods: pizza, deli-prepared foods, and frozen entrees

Cookware

Pots and pans are an absolute must-have, once you’re ready to do some cooking and baking.

• Skillets: large and small
• Saucepans in multiple sizes
• Stockpot
• 3-in. by 9-in. baking dish
• 9-in. by 9-in. baking dish
• Muffin pan
• Cookie sheets
• Pie plates
• Loaf pans
• Colander
• Tea kettle
• Cooling racks

Small Appliances

You might not need all of these appliances right away, and they can be expensive. Choose the appliances you use most, and build your collection from there.

• Toaster or toaster oven
• Blender
• Food processor
• Electric beater
• Standing mixer
• Coffee pot
• Kitchen scale
• Microwave oven
• Waffle iron
• Coffee grinder

Food Storage

Saving leftovers can save you time and money. Having these storage materials on hand is invaluable.

• Plastic freezer and food storage bags
• Plastic wrap
• Aluminum foil
• Waxed paper
• Airtight storage containers

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