THREE - Prepare to cook

As I said before, the secret it to have all the basic ingredients in your kitchen.

Start by getting:

Flours - I use self raising and regular ,rice flour

Sugar - have white and brown.

Rice - long grain , arborio, Jasmin.

Pastas - spaghetti, penne , pappardele

Don't forget polenta , cous cous , red beans, butter beans, lentils - unless you don't use them regularly.

Most important:

Olive oil, vegetable oil and if you use sesame oil or Brazilian dende oil which is indispensable for a good «Camarão Baiana» - Prawns Bahia.

Vinegar - red and white wine and balsamic.

Wine - red and white for cooking.

Olives and capers

If you are a good cook and like trying , don't forget to have also:
Good tomato sauce

Curry paste and Laksa (spicy past used on Asian cooking)

Preserved baby tomatoes

Tuna , anchovies and haring

In the fridge , have always Parmesan and a basic «flamengo» or cheddar, also if you enjoy, have a blue cheese and a ricota.

Don't forget dairy products such as milk, yogurt, butter and cream.

Excellent base flavours but only if you are into cooking different food - Asian, Italian, Etc.

Mustard's - regular Dijon and also old grain mustard

Chutneys, Chilly sauce, Oyster sauce, Soy Sauce, Paprika

ORGANIZE YOURSELF

Before you store your fresh products, make sure you clean them first:

Remove all fat and nerves from steaks

Clean and cut chicken

Clean the vegetables and put them in fridge

(to bring salad alive , before serving put the leaves in cold water and some ice cubes).

Chop onions , garlic , ginger and place in small recipients in fridge.

Freeze lemon or lime juice and freeze in ice cubes tray - you will appreciate it...

Remove from the fridge any cheese or chocolate at least 2 hours before serving so they get their full flavour.

If you are one of those persons that like to cook meals in advance, be careful as meat , chicken and seas food can be really dry when heated.

Fresh herbs should be chopped when needed as they lose flavour and colour.

Salads should seasoned just before serving.