Have you ever gone into your kitchen in the mood to make something delicious, only to find that you're missing the basic ingredients? Or have you ever tried to opening a can without a can opener? I can answer yes to both of the questions and let me tell you, it's disappointing to open your pantry to find nothing there! So what should you always have on hand in the kitchen? Well take a look at the lists of both food and tools that you should keep in your kitchen.

Food Essentials: We've probably all heard that we should have milk, bread, and eggs on hand at all times, but there are other foods that can be stored for a long time and can be used in a variety of dishes.

•   Olive Oil: Olive oil is great for cooking foods in. It's got a great flavor and it can help ward off cancer and heart disease.
•   Garlic: Garlic is one of the most versatile herbs. You can chop it, mince it, mash it, roast it, and it'll still taste good. It's great in a variety of dishes.
•   Stock or Broth: This staple can be used in soups, casseroles and in basically any recipe that calls for water. By replacing the water with a broth you add more flavor. Be sure to use a broth that matches the flavor of your dish!
•   Spaghetti Sauce: The shelf life on spaghetti sauce is pretty long, so it's a staple you can buy and forget about. Then when you need some sauce in a pinch you'll be ready to go!
•   Dry Pasta: If you have spaghetti sauce on hand, you should probably also have some sort of dry pasta as well. The shell life is almost never-ending and you can use it in a variety of different types of cooking.
•   Dry Beans: This inexpensive, nutritious, and easy to use staple is used worldwide. Although they take a little longer to prepare than canned beans, dry beans are better for you. It's worth the extra time it takes to make them.
•   Rice: Like dry beans, rice is a staple that is used around the world. It lends itself to many dishes because of its versatility. It's worth having a bag on hand.
•   Tuna: Tuna is a great thing to keep on your shelf! It can be fairly cheap and lasts a long time. It's great as a sandwich or as an addition to pasta salad.
•   Peanut butter: This is one thing I can't go without! It's such a great source of protein and its uses are endless. Not only is peanut butter great on sandwiches but it can be used in Asian inspired dishes and as dip for fruits and veggies.
•   Canned tomatoes: Want tomatoes year round? Always have a can or two on hand and you'll be set. A lot of different dishes call for canned tomatoes so having them in supply is a great idea!
•   Other great ideas: Lentils, black beans, oats, fresh eggs, bananas, a variety of spices, and onions. All of these are versatile and filling. They can be used to create fabulous meals.

Kitchen Tools: We've talked about what kind of food you should always have on hand; now let's talk about what kind of tools every kitchen should have!

•   Strainer: This kitchen essential comes in handy whenever you need to drain something.
•   Wooden spoon: There is a wide variety of stirring utensils available, but the wooden spoon is probably the most popular item. It's great for three reasons: it won't scratch nonstick surfaces, it doesn't conduct heat, so you won't burn your mouth taste testing, and because it doesn't react with the acids in food, the taste of your dish won't be altered.
•   Thermometer: Knowing what temperature your food has reached is important. People don't want to get sick from eating undercooked foods. A thermometer can help with that!
•   Peeler: This tool saves time and your fingers! It's hard to peel a bunch of potatoes or carrots with a knife. The peeler makes it much easier.
•   Whisk: It's a whisk...need I say more?
•   Kitchen shears: Kitchen shears are very versatile. You can use them to cut meat, open packages, trim herbs etc. Just be sure to wash them when you're done.
•   Measuring cups and spoons: These kitchen tools are probably one of the most important things to have. If you aren't good at eyeballing ingredients these tools will help you measure ingredients.
•   Mixing bowls: This pretty much goes without saying, but if you don't have anything to mix the ingredients in, how do you expect to cook? In my opinion everyone needs a mixing bowl or at least something to mix things in.
•   Cast Iron Skillets and Pans: Now that you can mix the food, you need a way to cook the food. Skillets and pans are great for doing that.
•   Cookie Sheets: Not only are these essential for baking cookies, but for things like rolls, pizza, chicken nuggets, and fish sticks. Out of all the things on this list, this is what I use the most.
•   Knives: Knives are one of the most basic things every kitchen needs. I'm assuming all of you already have knives, but if you don't, comment and let me know how you get any cooking done!
•   Cutting Board: If you have a knife, you'll probably need a cutting board. You wouldn't want to scratch your counter or anything.
•   Crockpot and Rice Cooker: Okay, so maybe these two items aren't essential, but they sure do make cooking a lot easier. If you have a crockpot you can throw ingredients in it at the beginning of the day and by the time you get home, an amazing meal is waiting for you. I'm not sure how you make rice without a rice maker, the microwave maybe?

These lists are not necessarily true and may not include what you consider a kitchen essential. If I've missed something please comment below with what you can't live without in the kitchen!