Cari´s essentials in the kitchen

The same way every woman needs some good "girl talk" and most men need that time of the day where they can disconnect from life and think absolutely about nothing, us foodies need some essentials to work with in the kitchen =)

Here is a list of fresh foods, herbs, and kitchen basics I make sure to have stocked. Hope this will make trying these recipes much easier for you. After living in Spain I have been extremely spoiled with FRESH INEXPENSIVE VEGETABLES & FRUITS.  Wow, I can not stress enough the difference this will make in your cooking, your life, and in the lives of those you feed. Eating fresh is beneficial in so may ways: 

Mercado San Miguel: Madrid

Always try to buy fresh local produce. Locally grown food always taste better and is healthier for you too. This food has not traveled as far, so has not lost its vitality. Support your community and farm families. Know where your money is going. This act will develop a stronger sense of community where you live. I always feel better about spending my husband´s hard earned money towards someone we actually know and see weekly. There is so much to say about this topic.  For more on this check out greengrow.org.

Mercado La Boqueria: Barcelona

Now, we are moving back to America in 10 days!!!! WOW!!! I realized that I need to start thinking in ounces and cups again, shouldn´t be too hard for me =)  I am really looking forward to rediscovering the American food culture and farmers markets again. Any of you "Chicagoans"  feel free to pass any local secrets along.

Cari´s essentials in the kitchen:

Good Quality Olive Oil
Red Wine Vinegar/ Balsamic
Plain non fat Greek yogurt
Garlic & Onions
Green peppers
Tomatoes
Lemons
Eggs

Dry Spices a few essentials:
Fresh ground pepper/ Dill/ Parsley flakes/ Paprika (sweet and spicy)/ Bay leaf/ Cumin/ Curry powder/ Onion powder/Garlic powder/Celery salt/Coriander/ Nutmeg/ Ground red pepper and Red pepper flakes

Fresh Aromatic Herbs:
Basil/Parsley/Cilantro/Rosemary/Thyme...The list goes on
*Let me just say having fresh herbs growing in a pot, on the back patio is NO WORK AT ALL!!! You always have them available and if you don´t need them that day, you can just appreciate their blooms as they grow. They don´t go bad like the store bought ones do so fast.

Some of my other favorites in the kitchen:
Heavy cream
Brown sugar
Honey
Cinnamon
Raisins
Slivered Almonds or assorted nuts (great on last minute salads)
*If you live on the coast or have access to a great sea food market, the "catch of the day" is usually the best value.

This will be enough to start!
Un abrazo,
Cari