Introduction to Essential Ingredients

Invariably I find myself reaching for the same ingredients over and over again. It’s not as if it is a crutch, I liken it more to having some trusted friends with me in the kitchen. These important bases of cuisine can help make your life in the kitchen easier while making the end product much more flavorful. Having these simple products will make your life much easier culinarily without sacrificing flavor or the quality of your food. Once you see how much depth and complexity they can add to your food you will never want to go back to cooking from cans and boxes.

Basically each component on this list adds more flavor, depth and complexity than they should, and feel like they should be totally complex and impossible to make; but they actually are rather simple. The short list of ingredients I have with me at almost all times in my kitchen consists of: Soffritto, caramelized onions, garlic confit, real aged Italian Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and others. This is by no means an exhaustive list, just the ingredients and preparations which inspire me over and over again in the cooking process.

For me the true test of an ingredients utility, I like to taste it cold with nothing else. When it tastes good cold, it is going to be magically delicious when it is hot. Remember to take the time to use good ingredients and cook them properly and you will be rewarded with healthy delicious food for life. If you have any further questions as to how best prepare these foods and many others, please feel free to contact us or sign up for eandjfoodways custom cooking classes. We offer a wide range of classes from beginning to expert in the best possible environment, your own home!We also offer other amenities such as our popular “shop like a chef” classes where we take you to markets, farms and other specialty shops and then show you how to prepare your menu in your own home. The best part (according to many of our friends): we even do the dishes! Sign up today and we will walk you through shopping, preparing, cooking and serving the menu of your dreams. This also makes for a great dinner party or opportunity to cook with friends and family. We also offer this class in groups larger than 10 in select locations.

Of course if all the shopping, cooking and preparation are not what you would want, we do still offer our services as a caterer. We service custom dinner parties of up to 50 people or events of up to 200 people. Please call or email our sales department for availability and a consultation with our chefs.