Condiments. Choose what suits your taste but ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauces, steak sauces, soy or teriyaki sauces, are all standards in most refrigerators. Don't forget things like pickles, relishes, or other snacks. Vinegar is another common recipe ingredient.

Fruits and vegetables. Keep an assortment of favorites on hand in frozen or canned form. Use the crisper drawer of the refrigerator to store fresh fruits and vegetables. Consider bagged salad pre-mixes and pre-chopped vegetables to save time.

Meats. Unless cooks want to dash to the market daily, it's wise to keep a few choice cuts in the freezer or to buy ahead. Ground meat, chicken, pork, beef, and other meats all come in handy. Choose favorite cuts or easy to use products like pre-breaded chicken tenders. Thaw frozen foods properly and never keep fresh meats for more than a few days in the refrigerator. Keep a few cold cuts or other lunch meats on hand.

Frozen staples. It never hurts to have a few frozen waffles or pancakes, dinners or entrees, or other items on hand. Chicken tenders, fish fillets, casseroles, and more can make cooking simple.

Beverages. Coffee, tea, fruit juices, lemonades, soft drinks, and alcholic beverages. Buy what you like and need.

Dry foods. These can include beans and lentils, baking mixes, dinner mixes, and more. Keep a few on hand in the pantry (or a convenient cabinent) for quick meals when needed. Canned or dry soups, canned pastas, and other ready to eat items are also advisable to keep on hand. Packaged puddings or jellos are also handy.

Once the kitchen is well stocked with basics, be as creative as you like. Learn what items are needed in favorite recipes or common meals. With the right kitchen essentials and basic ingredients almost anyone can turn out a delicious meal for one or a dozen!