I'm trying to be a better cook-Wednesday's Wonderful Recipes/Tips

As you all know by now, I like to cook. I wish I had a little different kitchen to cook in, another oven, larger counter space to work on and to keep a few more appliances on (a Kitchen Aid mixer has been on my covet list for a long time...there is just no room to keep it) maybe a pot rack to keep pots and pans handy, the list goes on and on, and just gets more extravagant from there. Since I am destined to work in my current kitchen until either a) we win the lottery or b) hell freezes over, I need to just try to keep the counter top cleared off so there is always room to chop, slice, mix, and grate (I can hear Seth now "Yeah right! That isn't going to happen!). I subscribe to daily and monthly newsletters from All Recipes.com that give cooking advice and new recipes. Today's advice was how to have the perfect pantry (No Beth, I said Pantry, not Panty...you have enough of those in the leg of your jeans) I have come across many lists from many chefs with supplies to keep a pantry stocked with items that can help you make great meals for your family. I don't think I have ever taken any of those lists seriously enough to take it to the grocery store and stock my own pantry. When I got the email I thought I'd finally take a look at one and see what I might be missing. I was fairly certain I was going to need quite a few items to complete the list, and decided to start stocking a little at a time. As I went through the list, I was amazed at how little I have to buy! I only have to buy 5 or 6 items to make my pantry as perfect as it is going to get. They recommend buying canned beans as well as dry beans, and even though I have a few cans of black beans, we just don't eat many beans in this family (to the chagrin of me and the joy of Seth). Whoo Hoo! My first attempt to boost my basic cooking and baking skills was a success! Onto the next challenge (whatever that might be). PS I have pretty much abandoned the idea of a "Side Dishes" series. Which makes me ask "How many posts constitute a series anyway?" If I come up with anymore, I will post them. If I don't you'll just get random recipes, OK?