Keep Your Kitchen at the Ready
If you live near Keystone at the Crossing, it can be tempting to spend a lot of time eating out. However, whether you’re a gourmet cook or you rarely touch the stove, it’s important to have some kitchen staples close at hand to make simple, delicious meals. But what should you almost always have hiding in the pantry, fridge, or freezer? Here are some of our top recommendations and why they make the best basics for you.
Pantry Favorites
#1: Oil
There are very few freshly-made meals that are successful without some kind of fat, like oil, to start the cooking process. You can go for the classics like vegetable oil and olive oil, but you can also branch out into alternatives, like coconut oil or avocado oil.
#2: Beans
Beans are an incredibly flexible food source. They are high in protein, come in multiple varieties, and can integrate easily into several types of cuisine. Some top choices include black beans, which are always great for a Southwest-style dish or even a quick crockpot chili.
#3: Pasta
Few people can resist a nice, hearty pasta dish. And pasta is the perfect blank canvas. You can go simple or dress it up for a more rustic or fancy feel.
#4: Rice
Rice is another universal staple. It’s used in many cuisines and can take on all kinds of flavors. It makes a perfect backdrop for a stew, a pork tenderloin with a sauce, or a burrito bowl. To keep it healthy, try brown rice for a whole-grain option.
Fridge Favorites
#1: Onions
Onions are the unsung heroes of so many dishes. They create a great flavor base without having to rely entirely on seasonings. They are also used in practically every kind of cuisine and can work both raw or cooked.
#2: Unsalted Butter
Unsalted butter lasts for quite a while stored properly in the fridge. It is also great for both sweet and savory dishes, so you can start with butter and end up with steak or eggs or start with butter and end up with cookies or a pie.
#3: Apples
You may question if it’s the best move to put produce on a list of staples, but apples are some of the best long-lasting fruit you can have on hand and are super flexible. You can grab one on the go, you can pair them with cheese for a charcuterie board, or you can do a quick apple crumble.
Freezer Favorites
#1: Meat
So many grocery stores offer you packs of meat that you can store in the freezer and have ready to go whenever you want. Top choices include chicken, ground beef, and bacon.
#2: Green Vegetables
If you struggle to keep fresh produce around, then try keeping peas, green beans, or even kale or spinach in your freezer. To stay healthy, make sure your vegetables are frozen fresh without excessive sodium.
#3: Bread
Nothing beats a good old-fashioned sandwich or piece of toast, and having a loaf in the freezer will give you the flexibility to use part of the loaf and save the rest.
If you live in apartments near Keystone at the Crossing, then you can count on easy access to groceries when you need them. (And plenty of restaurants when cooking is out of the question.) At 82 Flats at the Crossing, you have it all. Our luxury apartments have top-of-the-line kitchens, ample pantry space, and the perfect setting to host your next dinner party. Call us to learn more! (317)-661-2850.