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VEGAN ESSENTIALS
STOCKING YOUR PANTRY &
EQUIPMENT
A big part of learning how to cook fresh, unprocessed, vegan food for you and your family and friends, is having the necessary ingredients on hand to make apropos meals and snacks without having to run to the market for supplies. We, at Blisslife, have found that when our pantry is bare, we do not cook, and we end up leaving the house to go to a restaurant or getting delivery. We can be assured that, when we do so, the quality will be lacking in what we eat.
So, begin stocking up on dried, canned and frozen items, and be sure to have all of the basic condiments, spices, oils and vinegars, etc.
We find that storing in mason jars is, by far, the least expensive, best looking and safe method.
Below are some basics you can begin to buy so that you can learn the art of creative cooking.
PANTRY ESSENTIALS
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Oatmeal (steel cut and Irish)
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Seeds (sesame, sunflower, flax, chia, etc.)
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Dried pastas
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Rice (several types)
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Canned beans(several types)
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Nuts (several types including sliced almonds)
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Grains (barley, freekah, quinoa, etc.)
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Lentils (red, green and brown)
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Split peas and other legumes
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Couscous
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Dried Fruits (great for snacking)
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Baking Necessities (flours, sugars, sodas)
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Cereals
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Healthy snacks (tortilla chips, potato chips)
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Whole Grain Pancake/waffle Mix
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Breadcrumbs (Italian and Panko)
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Teas (see Tea section of website)
HERBS & SPICES
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Sea Salt (fine)
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Sea Salt (coarse)
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Pepper Corns
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Parsley
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Basil
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Thyme
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Rosemary
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Oregano
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Tarragon
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Garlic Powder
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Onion Powder
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Tarragon
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Herbs de Provence
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Paprika
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Turmeric
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Dill Weed
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Thyme
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Cumin
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Gomashio
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Red Pepper Flakes
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Curry Powder
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Taco Seasoning
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Nutritional Yeast
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Sesame Seeds
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Gomashio
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Chili Powder
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Bouillon Cubes
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Chili Powder
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Thyme
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Sage
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Kuzu (starch)
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Celery Seed
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Ground Kelp
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Vanilla
OILS & VINEGARS
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Good Olive Oil
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Light Olive Oil
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White Wine Vinegar
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White Balsamic Vinegar
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Red Wine Vinegar
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Aged Balsamic Vinegar
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Champagne Vinegar
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Red and White Cooking Wine
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Truffle Olive Oil
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Lemon Olive Oil
REFRIGERATOR
Having an organized, well stocked and beautiful refrigerator will inspire you to prepare and eat the bounty of beautiful vegetables in front of you as you look into it.
There is nothing worse than going into a stinky refrigerator with weeks worth of take out containers going bad, and not knowing was lurks behind the scene.
Part of the art of cooking, and the art of life, is organizing that which you use for efficiency, simplicity and beauty. It is in the honoring of the little things, such as this, that your life will begin to take on a beautiful style and patina.
As you begin to do this in your kitchen, you will start to love the process of food preparation, cooking and eating in a whole new way.
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​A Variety of Rainbow colored Vegetables including leafy greens.
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Several Packages Tofu (firm)
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Condiments
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Miso (several types)
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Jelly and Jam
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Tortillas
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Salsa
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Hot sauce
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Vegan Substitutions (if desired)
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Earth Balance Butter
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Vegan Parmesan Sprinkle Cheese
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Hummus
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Vegan Sour Cream
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Vegan Cream Cheese
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Siracha
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Barbecue Sauce
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Pickles
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Olives
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Kombucha
LABELING
Through trials and tribulations with label makers, their expensive tape, and the discontinuation of certain machines, and having to buy a new ones every year, I made the decision to simply hand write my labels neatly on a small cut out piece of paper (1/2"x 1"), and stick it on with a piece of clear tape. I have everything I need to make my labels close at hand for efficiency.
The use of mason jars with handwritten labels saves money, stops unnecessary consumerism, simplifies, organizes and preserves your food well.
EQUIPMENT
Having a functioning kitchen is essential for your cooking experience. We believe that quality is more important than quantity, and to be streamlined in your process will allow you to function efficiently.
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A big Soup Pot
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Several Pots of Various Sizes
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2 Deep Frying Pans
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Several smaller Sauce Pan
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At Least 2 Big Colanders
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A Vitamix or other good blender
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A Handheld Blender
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A Cuisinart or other good food processor
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Several Good Knives of Various Sizes
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Mixing Bowls of Various Sizes
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Several Smallish Cutting Boards
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Measuring Cups
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Whisk
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Wooden Spoons​
note...
If cost is prohibitive in your process of accumulating quality cookware and essentials, your local hospital thrift shop, Salvation Army or Goodwill will have plenty of options for you. You will not only save money, but will benefit a good cause and 'be green'!
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