5. TAKE A TRIP TO THE GROCERY STORE

Now that you've got all the utensils, it's time to break them in. If you plan to expand your cooking horizons, get some free recipes and cooking tips. Also, pick up a few interesting cookbooks and pay attention to the spices and condiments that are mentioned most frequently. Then buy some so you always have them on hand. There is nothing more frustrating than getting halfway through a recipe and then realizing you have no rosemary for your rosemary-encrusted chicken.

Here are the staples we suggest pre-stocking your pantry with:

  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Cornstarch
  • Basil
  • Oregano
  • Thyme
  • Rosemary
  • Sage
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Nutmeg
  • Cinnamon
  • Vanilla
  • Garlic
  • Lemon juice
  • Mustard
  • Olive oil
  • Vegetable oil
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Cooking wine
  • Sherry
  • Corn meal
  • Soy sauce
  • White sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Tomato paste
  • Chicken and beef stock
  • Vinegar
  • Yeast

These lists aren't by any means complete, just guidelines for you to work with. We don't want you to be underprepared, but we also don't want you to fill your kitchen with a bunch of stuff you'll never use. Be realistic, and when you start your own four-star catering service, send some of it our way!