My Foodie Call

Here is a list of my 10 key items that have a permanent spot on my shopping list.

These are in my house. ALWAYS.

This list could probably be top 12, 13, maybe 14, but having a top “10” sounded way cooler.

In no particular order:

1. Veggie broth– I have this on hand at all times. To cook vegetables, for soups, dressings….You can use vegetable broth instead of water when making couscous. You name it. Get rid of the chicken broth already.
2. Cashews– Soaked and softened, these blend up real easily and make a nice creamy base for dressings, desserts. You can make cheesy sauces in a snap. Cashews are seamless in recipes in a way that other nuts are not.
3. Nutritional yeast– Loaded with B12, and other nutrients. Seriously, this gem is on auto-delivery from Amazon straight to the My Foodie Call household. I put this in everything. Toast, salad, popcorn, spaghetti sauce. It’s EVERYWHERE. Remember this post?
4. Almond milk- How else will I make smoothies or awesome stuff for pancake day?
5. Coconut oil- We all understand the coconut oil craze, yes? Stuff is just great. Cook with it, slather your skin with it. Whatever you are down with for the day. We all love coconut oil. But here is what I like: I like it because it has a high smoke point, meaning it can withstand high heat before it breaks down. Something EVOO can not do. All you people stir-frying with olive oil. I am talking to you. Not GOOD!
6. Frozen Organic Berries-  Mixed berries having permanent freezer status? Yes. Organic? Double yes. (Berries are part of the EWG Dirty Dozen, so yes, organic.) My morning oats? No berries? Life would just not be the same.
7. Rolled Oats– Speaking of oats, seriously how can you not use oats all of the time? Oatmeal, baked goods, ground up into flour. This one goes without saying.
8. Chia Seeds– Little seeds of awesomeness. Baked goods, chia gel (for all you runners), and smoothies. Calcium, fiber, and an awesome non-animal protein source. yes-ah.
9. Canned Pumpkin– My favorite thing. Okay, I claim a lot of things as “favorites”. Can’t help it. It’s just that I use canned pumpkin a lot. High fiber, insane vitamin A, easily blends into baked goods, desserts, pasta dishes, and my favorite pancake recipe EVER.
10. Carrots- I have nothing but love for my greens: kale, broccoli, spinach…. ♥ But here’s the thing. Carrots are just so easy to give to kids and require zero prep work. Especially when I am feeling less than stellar in the kitchen and need to give them a veggie ——–> stat. Yes carrots, you are user-friendly.

What are your “must haves” for your kitchen???