Here are some of my favorite ingredients for getting inspired.
White Miso Paste
My latest obsession. You can find this in a tube or tub at your favorite Asian food store and also at Whole Foods. Miso paste adds an incredible umami and creaminess to sauces and sautés. Keep an eye out for my Secret Garden Pasta and Miso Truffle Mac and Cheese recipes which both use this.
A Variety of Vinegar
There are so many wonderful vinegars to choose from and each one adds a different dimension. I keep on hand an aged balsamic, white balsamic, apple cider, and sherry vinegar along with Trader Joe's Balsamic glaze which is wonderful for topping Caprese salads or layering into paninis. If you are local to the Bay Area check out Amphora Nueva.
Red Curry Paste
I am absolutely addicted to red Thai curry. But there are so many other wonderful uses for this. Dab some into a quick stir fry, add to your favorite salsa or hummus for an extra kick, or use as you would any other hot sauce to enhance soups or sauces.
Fresh Lemons
These are so important to keep on hand. They can brighten up any sauce or saute or be used as the acid for a variety of salad dressings. You can also freeze lemon juice in ice cube trays and use as needed but I still prefer it fresh.
Good Quality Butter
It does make a difference. I love Kerrygold but any organic one made from grass-fed cows is worth the extra money.
Good Quality White Wine
White wine is wonderful for deglazing pan sauces and adds a depth of flavor to sauces. Always use a good wine one that you would enjoy drinking. Though in a pinch I also keep dry vermouth on hand.
Trader Joe's Spices
I have been shopping at Trader Joe's since I was in college when they mainly only carried cheese and wine. I mean what more did we need? We are lucky to have half a dozen TJ's within a short drive from our house so I shop there often. One of the things I love the most is their spice mixes. My favorites are Everything but the Bagel, Everything but the Elote, Chile Lime, and Italian-style Soffritto. If you don't have a Trader Joe's near you have no fear. You can also buy all of these on Amazon.
Cooking Oils and sprays
There are many different kinds of oil and each has its own flavor profile. You also have to be careful of each oil's smoke point. Some can tolerate the high heat of a wok stir-fry while others are better for flavoring sauces and dressing. Here are the staples I keep on hand: olive, avocado, sesame, sunflower, and grape seed.
