essentials to a yummy kitchen

1.)hearty cereal: grape nuts (I add banana and honey), shredded wheat, and oat meal squares.
2.)Lots of sweet onions, yams, red potatoes. I probably go through at least half an onion a day!
3.)baking ish: wheat flour (we grind it our selves...not lie'n!) sugar, brown sugar, and a little canister just for me of golden raisins:)
4.)Lily cereal: she really will only eat oatmeal, funny how she is particular. Oh and she is now on soy formula cause the dairy kind makes her poo like a goat.
5.)there must constantly be apples and bananas in our house, occasionally there may be a pomegranate and some pears too
6.)powdered sugar is a constant. You have to be able to make frosting and a moments notice:)
7.)Prenatal vitamins: ALL WOMAN of child-bearing age, even if you are not planning on having a baby in years, need to be taking these. So you can store up on the folic acid and calcium...you take them during pregnancy when really you don't absorb them then...look it up if you don't believe me.
8.)Meynders (and other fellow Dutch readers) will appreciate this, these are baby 'rusks' and Lily LOVES them.

1.)beans, beans, beans, really are magical, but not a fruit. I love black beans and kidney beans. (dump a can of kidney beans and diced onion in a pot and boil for a little bit...my favorite lunch)
2.)whole wheat spaghetti
3.)cous cous. Love it, so does Lils, go to Heather and my recipe blog for a good recipe!
4.)whole wheat penne
5.)cake mix (SO cheap) and brownie mix: a definite essential in our home, you never know if a friend (0r you) is going to have a bad day and needs a few cup cakes to cheer them up.
6.)hazel nut coffee creamer: put in cocoa, frosting, brownies...so many possibilities!
7.)chocolate chips=chocolate chip cookies.
8.)instant pudding: a healthier alternative to ice cream.
10.) (I forgot 9) craisins!!! I love them. Put them in: muffins, oatmeal, salads...
11.)sushi rice. Sometimes we make it.
12.)lentils:when done right, a very yummy source of protein.


1.)fat free milk: same nutrients as 2%, but no fat. Pitcher of water, to entice my husband to drink more water, when its cold already its easier to drink?
2.)fat free plain yogurt. I eat this every morning basically (with granola or grape nuts and honey and bananas)
3.)eggs: always keep at least 4 of them hard boiled, a quick source of protein.
4.)minced garlic: if you know me, you know that I believe there is no such thing as too much garlic. (I even have a apron that says it!)
5.)hummus + feta = LOVE. Amazing with pitas, wraps, or salads
6.)smooshable veggies: mushrooms, tomatoes, broccoli, squash, zucchini and cilantro (to make pico de gallo/ guacamole and anything else)...
7.)firm veggies: onion, avocado, peppers, carrots... ALWAYS have at least two limes for pico de gallo, its amazing what a fresh lime can do!
8.)Isn't she yummy? I want to eat her all the time.
9.) Mozzarella and cheddar
10.)tofu: firm and softer. So you have the options from stir fry, grilling, and soups