To be a brainy gourmet and to be fast and frugal about it, all you really need in the pantry and or fridge are these ten basic ingredients: eggs, butter, heavy cream, onion/shallots, fresh garlic, herbs, potatoes, tomatoes, cheeses, and wine.
Again, if you don't have these inexpensive items in stock, then get shopping. At any time, you can prepare a delicious satisfying meal with these basic items. It is not just my advice but the advice of renown chef Eric Damidot's and most good chefs that care about food quality, food cost and taste.
Eggs: When you have eggs in the frig, you always have the makings of a meal.
Butter: The best fat with multiple uses: searing, emulsions, and or a rue.
Heavy Cream: The perfect finishing ingredient: sauces, stews and soups.
Onion/shallots: Raw or cooked, these staples will enhance most dishes.
Fresh Garlic: Chopped, sauteed garlic perfumes all dishes and is healthy.
Fresh herbs: Rosemary, mint and oregano or basil and parsley as a garnish.
Potatoes/tomatoes: both are cheap and healthy and can be made many different ways.
Cheese; From domestic to imported, grated or sliced, good for gratins, melting and spreading on.
*I also recommend having on hand: soup stock, fresh bread and pasta. If these items and the ten above are all you have, you can be brainy any day of the week. You will also be frugal and that means rich in providing for your family good quality, hearty satisfying food.
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