Kitchen Essentials

I like to consider myself a traditional woman, meaning I love cooking, I love making my house feel like a home, and I love doing all of that for my husband. It is one of my greatest joys to make my husband a dish and see the big smile on his face because of how much he loves the food. 

I take pride as a woman in maintaining my home, keeping everything in its place, and making it feel cozy. But first, it starts in the kitchen. 

Not everyone has someone there to help them along the way and teach them the staple things to note when being the COO of their household. Some things are just trial and error, and for me, that is how I came to these conclusions. If you are a young wife, like me, or a single woman, or just someone who likes to take care of their home, here are some tips to always maintain it…starting with the kitchen (where the heart is). 

Everyone will have the things that work best for them, but these are mine, and they are pretty great! 

First, your pantry

In my pantry, you will always find:

  Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Turmeric, Basil, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Cayenne, Cinnamon, Honey, and Adobo or Sazón. 

Other staples you will find are: 

Pasta, White and Brown Rice, Oats, Farro, Lentils, Broth, Canned Tomato Paste, Onions, Garling, Beans (garbanzo and black), and Potatoes (I love making recipes with sweet potatoes). 

With these ingredients, you can create so many delicious meals! Trust me! I have a few recipes. 

Second, your fridge/ freezer

In my fridge, I make sure always to have: 

Eggs, Greek Yogurt, Fruits (preferably strawberries, raspberries, and green apples), Mushrooms, Milk, Butter, Cream Cheese, Ketchup, Mayo, Spinach or Other Greens, Lemon, and Lime.

My freezer always is stocked with:

Chicken Breast, Multigrain Bread, Bagels (*pro tip: freezing your breads helps them last longer), Assortment of Peppers, Green Peas, Broccoli, Shrimp, and occasionally Salmon or Red Meat. 

Let’s move on to the other kitchen must-haves. Be sure that you always clean your cooking space after every meal and clean it at the end of the day. I like to do a mini-deep clean after dinner, right before we go to bed, it helps me sleep better and wake up knowing the most important space in the house is clean. 

Third, Cleaning Supplies

I have found that the key to my daily cleaning routine is to have cleaning wipes. These are a lifesaver! It makes the after-meal clean-up quick and easy. Another lifesaver is always to have a box of brillo pads under the sink- they are a blessing in disguise when you need to get those pesky grease marks or rust off your pots and pans. I also use these when I do my deep cleanings and clean the stovetops. 

Under my sink, you will find:

All-Purpose Cleaner Spray (I typically make my own with warm water, dish soap, and vinegar), All-Purpose Cleaner Wipes, Glass Cleaner, and a Refillable Bottle of Dish Soap (this is helpful to refill the dispenser).

I stock up on, Sponges, Brillo Pads, Cleaning Gloves, Washing Gloves, Dishwasher soap, Dishwasher and Sink cleaner, Vinegar, Cleaning Rags, Garbage Bags, and a Small Toolbox.

Pretty simple, right? I know- it seems like a long list, but with these key supplies, you will always be prepared to care for your kitchen. You can do your research and add extra things to help keep your house clean, but these are great blueprints. 

*Be sure to have paper towels, plastic wrap, and aluminum foil regularly stocked in your inventory. Don’t forget to have your Oven Mittens, Broom, Mop, and Aprons!