Dave,
When I read your post, I looked at various websites touting the best way to
stock a pantry. I did this not just to provide you with some info, but in
hopes I would learn a thing or two myself.
What I found was a plethora of sites assuring me I needed a list the length
of my arm worth of spices, herbs, and various items I don't even like the
taste of.
So, I'll share with you what I did when I set up my first pantry.
I went to the store and bought foods that I enjoy eating, and kept the
non-perishables used in those meals, stocked in the pantry.
So.. what do you enjoy eating? Figure that out, figure out what ingredients
you'll need to make them, and you'll have your own list.
Let us know how it goes, or if you want some tried and true recipes..
lucy

"Dave Smith" > wrote in message
...
> Ed Nuxters wrote:
>
>> Well,.. I'm finally living all alone. I'm making some simple chicken
>> for now, but eventually I want to make something better. What should
>> I get to have in my cabinets? Spices and stuff like that. Just a
>> general cooking ingredients type deal.
>
> My suggestion would be to get yourself an inexpensive set of spice jars
> and then go to some place where they sell them in bulk. They may not be
> the freshest spices around, but not likely to be any worse that the
> popular bottles stuff that is outrageously expensive.
>
> For herbs and spices I would suggest:
> oregano
> basil
> chili powder
> cayenne
> dried chili flakes (should also keep a few buds of garlic on hand)
> garlic powder
> cinnamon
> curry powder
> paprika
> sage
> rosemary
> thyme
> nutmeg
> ground ginger (should also keep some ginger root on hand)
>
> I would also suggest these for staple supplies:
> flour
> baking powder
> baking soda
> cream of tartar
> granulated sugar
> brown sugar
> lard and/or (vegetable) shortening
> butter (I prefer unsalted)
> vegetable oil
> olive oil
> margarine
>
>