A well stocked kitchen will give you greater flexibility as you cook. There are staples that every pantry should have, including kosher salt, black pepper (in a mill), extra-virgin olive oil, vinegar (red and/or white and/or balsamic), flour, sugar (white and brown), baking powder, boxed chicken broth, canned tomatoes, rice, various pastas, dried and canned beans, canned tuna, olives, tuna, nuts, chocolate, ketchup, soy sauce, and spices such as cumin, cayenne, fennel seeds, curry powder, cinnamon, oregano, nutmeg, white pepper, bay leaves, onion powder, garlic powder and red pepper flakes. Organize your pantry with the most-used items on easy-to-reach shelves. Store heavy items on the bottom - but off the floor - and use airtight containers for bulk items. Finally, label all items to be sure you're always using something fresh.