A Culinary Blogger’s Refrigerator Essentials: A Peek Inside Amy’s Kitchen

It’s an absolute joy to welcome Amy to our blog today! I feel like I’ve been blogging alongside Amy, the incredible talent behind Very Culinary, for what feels like an eternity – or at least since the very beginning of my blogging journey. Her blog is a true visual feast, consistently adorned with the most beautiful photography that makes every recipe jump off the screen. More importantly, it’s packed with genuinely fantastic recipes that have become staples in countless kitchens, including my own.

For instance, her Crock-Pot Honey Sesame Chicken recipe has become a regular favorite for my family; seriously, if you haven’t tried it yet, you absolutely must! Beyond her culinary prowess, Amy is a genuinely fun, down-to-earth person. She’s the kind of chick I’d love to spend an afternoon with in the kitchen, chatting, listening to music, and undoubtedly devouring a freshly baked pie made by her skilled hands. We’re so incredibly grateful to have her sharing her insights with us today. Thank you for being here, Amy!

Want to get to know Amy better and dive deeper into her amazing culinary world? You can find her captivating content and connect with her across various platforms. Explore her delicious recipes on Very Culinary, discover visual inspiration on Pinterest, follow her updates on Facebook, catch her tweets on Twitter, enjoy her beautiful food photography on Instagram, and watch her culinary creations come to life on her YouTube channel!)

**************************************************************************

Hi everyone! Amy from Very Culinary here, thrilled to be a guest on this wonderful blog. I think it goes without saying for most home cooks that my refrigerator is rarely this organized! However, for the sake of this fun little project – giving you all a peek into my kitchen essentials – I decided to clean it up a bit. It actually turned out to be a fantastic motivator to purge some long-overdue items, like those near-empty salad dressing bottles that were practically vintage, dating back to 2012! It’s amazing what a little external motivation can do. But what you are about to see are truly the items my fridge is never, ever without. These are the core ingredients that keep my kitchen running and my family well-fed.

1. White Wine. While I’m not much of a wine drinker myself, my kitchen certainly runs on it! I use white wine extensively in my cooking – deglazing pans, adding depth to sauces, braising meats, and creating rich, flavorful marinades. It’s an indispensable ingredient that elevates countless dishes, imparting a subtle acidity and complexity that water simply can’t replicate. Always having a bottle on hand ensures I’m ready for any culinary adventure.

2. Lots and Lots of Eggs! Eggs are a cornerstone of my kitchen, a true workhorse ingredient. I’m a huge fan of “breakfast for dinner,” which means omelets, frittatas, and breakfast burritos make frequent appearances on our table. Beyond savory meals, eggs are fundamental to baking; whether it’s cakes, cookies, or custards, I go through dozens every week. My dream, someday, is to have my own flock of free-range chickens, but for now, I ensure my fridge is always stocked with a plentiful supply of these versatile powerhouses.

3. Bacon, Ground Sausage, and Hash Browns. These are the ultimate breakfast trifecta, and as mentioned, breakfast-for-dinner is a cherished tradition in my household. I go through these items like mad! Bacon adds a smoky, savory crunch to everything from salads to sandwiches, and ground sausage is perfect for quick scrambles, pasta sauces, or even homemade pizza toppings. Hash browns are an instant crowd-pleaser, whether as a side dish or integrated into a larger breakfast casserole. They’re quick, satisfying, and always a hit.

4. Breads! My refrigerator is a testament to my love for bread in all its forms. You’ll always find a variety: classic white bread for everyday sandwiches, sweet raisin bread for a delightful breakfast or snack, hearty bagels for toasted perfection, and my absolute favorite, Stonefire naan flatbread, which is incredibly versatile for quick pizzas or dipping into hummus. I’m certainly not going gluten-free by choice; bread is a pure joy in my life and essential for so many meals.

5. Olives and Dill Pickles. Oh, pure love! These briny, tangy delights are always in residence. Whether they’re chopped up and mixed into salads, served alongside charcuterie boards, or simply enjoyed straight from the jar as a crunchy snack, olives and dill pickles add a fantastic punch of flavor. They cut through richness, add a zing to sandwiches, and are indispensable for entertaining or just satisfying a salty craving.

6. Sauces and Spreads. This section is where flavor lives and thrives in my fridge!

• (a) Homemade Lemon Curd – I make a fresh batch almost once a month. It’s like candy, but even better! Perfect for spreading on toast, filling tarts, or simply eating by the spoonful. Its bright, zesty sweetness is utterly addictive.
• (b) Sabra Hummus – In my opinion, it’s the next best thing to homemade. Dare I say, sometimes it’s even better for its sheer convenience and consistent creaminess? It’s a healthy snack, a dip for veggies, and a fantastic spread for sandwiches.
• (c) Greek Yogurt – This is a daily ritual for my morning smoothies. Beyond that, it’s a fantastic healthy substitute for sour cream, a base for creamy dressings, or a tangy addition to marinades.
• (d) Philadelphia Cream Cheese – Because… cream cheese. Please! It’s non-negotiable for bagels, decadent frostings, creamy dips, and countless baking recipes. Its rich, tangy profile is simply irreplaceable.
• (e) Margarine – In addition to real butter, not instead of. I keep both on hand as they serve different purposes in baking and cooking. Margarine can be excellent for certain baked goods where a lighter texture is desired, or for quick searing.
• (f) Maple Syrup – Mmmmm. This natural sweetener isn’t just for pancakes and waffles. It’s a fantastic ingredient in dressings, glazes for roasted vegetables or meats, and adds a unique depth to baked goods.
• (g) Nut Butters – Because of my kids’ peanut allergy (*sad violin*), we have a variety of delicious alternatives like almond, cashew, and sunflower seed butters. Not only are they safe options, but they’re incredibly delicious and versatile for snacks, smoothies, and baking.

7. Heavy Cream and Chicken Stock. These two ingredients are the unsung heroes behind so many comforting, flavorful dishes. I never have to worry about expiration dates on the heavy cream; I use it too fast! It’s essential for adding richness to sauces, soups, and desserts. Similarly, I always have chicken and/or vegetable stock at the ready. The stock and cream often end up together, forming the luxurious base for so many stews, creamy pasta dishes, and risottos. They create a depth of flavor and a velvety texture that brings pure bliss to every spoonful.

8. Fruits and Vegetables. Love, love, love! Fresh produce is paramount in our household. In particular, strawberries, blueberries, spinach, tomatoes, and bell peppers are always in permanent residence. During the growing season, these are the very items that take up prime real estate in my planter boxes, straight from garden to fridge. These are foods that not only provide essential nutrients but also vibrant flavors and colors to our meals. If I ever ran out of these staples, I would have a very unhappy and hungry house!

9. Cheese, Pillsbury Grands and Crescent Rolls. Cheeeeeese! What can I say? Stinky, spicy, buttery, nutty – I love them all! My fridge is a mini cheese shop, housing various types that serve different purposes: grating for pasta, melting for quesadillas, slicing for sandwiches, or enjoying with crackers. And Pillsbury? I wish I owned stock in General Mills because their Grands biscuits and crescent rolls are pure genius for quick, comforting meals and snacks. They’re a lifesaver for last-minute additions to dinner or impromptu baking projects, making fresh, warm bread products incredibly accessible.

10. Bologna, Hot Dogs, Salami, and Pepperoni. We are all about our lunch meats here! These are perfect for quick school sandwiches, providing protein and convenience for busy mornings. But their utility extends far beyond the lunchbox; they’re fantastic for layering into pizzas, stuffing into quesadillas, or even dicing into omelets. They’re a practical and versatile component of our family’s meal planning, ensuring there’s always something easy and satisfying on hand.

What you don’t see! You might be wondering about a few glaring omissions. For starters: milk. SO. MUCH. MILK. We actually bought a second refrigerator for the garage just to hold all of our milk – well, not quite *all* of it, but definitely the overflow from our main fridge. Ha! You also don’t see all the butter, mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. These are such fundamental staples that they almost blend into the background, but rest assured, they are always present and accounted for in abundance! They are the condiments and fats that make everyday meals complete.

Thanks again, Aggie! This entire “What’s in My Fridge” series is so much fun, offering a genuine glimpse into the culinary lives of others. I absolutely loved being a part of it and sharing a piece of my kitchen with your wonderful readers!