Here are five ingredients I find essential to have on board for great meals.
• A kit of seasonings in small bags or plastic containers, gathered in a larger sealable bag. Easy to reach for and easy to store.
• Red wine vinegar or lemons; a splash just before serving boosts the flavors and makes everything taste more "outdoorsy."
• Good-quality turkey bacon; it fries with far less spatter to ease cleanup, yet adds that bacon flavor to pasta dishes and sandwiches.
• Liter box of white wine; keeps well, adds flavor and doesn't break.
• Garlic. Lots of garlic. Tiny bulbs of flavor.
• OK, there are six essentials: Bags of mini-candy bars — because dessert is good and by that time, I'm done cooking.
KIM ODE
