Eating to live or Living to eat?

This is the big question right now.

Jürgen and I are self-proclaimed "foodies." No one gave us this title, we gave it to ourselves (hence the self proclamation), but anyone who was at our wedding knows we love food.  While living in Chicago we were known to make some pretty elaborate meals which were heavy on the stomach lining as well as the pocketbook. Obviously this someone decadent way of eating will not be an option for us right now.

It's dissapointing only because we spent a great deal of time creating an NYC restaurant spreadsheet containing a laundry list of eateries we hoped to try during our time here.  One might also suggest that we also self proclaim ourself as "dorks."

We quickly realized that how we ate would be a key factor in our financial survival here. While it is so very tempting to eat out/order in when you live it a city of culinary pleasures like NYC, one must make certain sacrifices to stay afloat.  So we have devised a list of certain foods which we plan to keep on hand in attempt to cut down on the need/desire to venture outside of our kitchen walls.  They are:

Potato's--there are so many ways to prepare them! Twice baked, mashed, roasted with olive oil...the possibilties are endless

Chicken-One of teh more inexpensive meats and so very good for you.  We are thinking of buying a whole Chicken every Sunday and then using the bones to make a nice chicken stock.  I have never done this but it can't be that hard can it?

Ground beef-cheaper than other red meats but still flavorful.  We made tacos the other night, and we will never turn our nose up at a good burger.

Frozen veggies:  We will of course have fresh produce as well, but typically frozen veggies are picked and thrown in a freezer at the pique of their season, therefore retaining many of their nutrients.  Also, keeping them frozen assures that they won't go bad for quite sometime.  I must admit, allowing fresh veggies go to waste is an offense I have committed one too many times.

Eggs-Good anytime, anywhere and almost any way you serve them.

Oatmeal- A perfect way to start the day and will keep for ages.  I am partial to the old fashioned variety as it doesn't take long to make on the stove and is better for you than the instant stuff.

Pasta: Lots and lots of pasta. And rice.  The blank canvas of the kitchen and can be served with anything.  I will need to create a "Pasta Recipes" spreadsheet with all of the pasta I have right now.

Popcorn Kernels: Our favorite snack food hands down is ill popcorn.  Made on teh stove with plenty o' butter, dill, S&P and parm. cheese.  It's cheaper to buy a bag of popcorn kernels than the pre-bagged stuff and lasts much longer. 

That gives you a good idea.  We also always have peanut butter on hand, as I take great delight in a spoonful of the nutty spread.  You always have to have some fresh fruit on hand, and of course milk and OJ.  We have daydreamed about making our own bread, pizza and soups...but I imagine it's best to take things one step at at time.

Do you have any ideas of foods we should keep on hand? Any recipes to share? Don't be a stranger,  post a comment!