Store cupboard essentials...or not

[EcclesCake]

Yesterday a friend apologised for having no mustard, explaining that they don't eat it. The same friend recently bought stock for the first time as she's never had call for it before.

Am I the only one to consider these items to store cupboard essentials?

[ethandron]

no, you're no alone :)
i think i'm getting low on store cupboard stuff if i've got one opened and nearly used up with another, unopened, in reserve. as soon as the reserve one gets opened, the item goes down on my list for the next supermarket trip.
i suppose it depends on how much cooking a person does and what their tastes are as to what they consider essential. i buy onions by the ton and put them in just about everything i cook, but i know there are those who hate onions and wouldn't eat mince or stew if they contained them.
so yes, mustard and stock i consider essentials.

[ummmm]

Why would someone store something they don't use/like?

[ethandron]

maybe so they can make something they do like with it, like using it it in a recipe?

[ummmm]

Maybe...but if it's not liked on it's own it ends up getting chucked out and only replaced when it's needed again. I mean, how long does an open jar of mustard last?

[ethandron]

ages.

[ummmm]

I wouldn't keep it for ages. I'm a bit paranoid like that...

[anneasquith]

usually tells you on thr jar, and to store in the fridge.

[carrust]

Do you not have fridges in Northants?

[EcclesCake]

I can accept that mustard might not be considered an essential, but stock???? I really was gobsmacked that she had never used stock!

[craft1948]

Must admit I like mustard every now and then..........I'm always slinging half used jars

[ummmm]

Yep...doesn't mean you can keep it until it's used up. I keep all my sauces in the fridge.

[ummmm]

Stock? as in homemade stock or stock cubes?

[muchlovex]

I always have various mustards in my fridge. I always make my stock fresh when needed.

[woofgang]

I can get not keeping mustard in if you don't like it...When I was working in a community post in the NHS, I stopped taking sugar because folks would offer me a hot drink, ask if I took sugar and when I said yes, they'd panic because no one in the house took it and they hadn't got any....
slightly stunned by never having bought stock (unless you always make your own) what do they do about stews, pies, chilli, etcet.

[EcclesCake]

The person in question has never bought stock cubes, made stock or used stock! When I asked how she made gravy, shepherds pie, etc the answer was Bisto!

My Husband hates mustard but used to keep a jar in the house because he knew it perked up his cheese sauce.

[ethandron]

i don't keep mustard in the fridge, we use it a fair bit although i'd still use it, and other things, past their use-by date if they're not actually off. if it's not got mould on it and smells ok then it gets used generally.

[marval]

I have stock cubes in a cupboard, and I always have mustard in the fridge. I only have the mustard because my OH likes it.

[EcclesCake]

I do think that people can get too paranoid about storing stuff in the fridge and slinging stuff out if its out of date. Eyes, nose and common sense are all that's required, IMHO.

[scarlets fan]

Always thought I didn't like mustard, but always added just a tiny pinch of mustard to my cheese sauce as per the recipe, but a few months back got carried away and added nearly half a teaspoon, what a difference - the sauce was fantastic. Now it wouldn't be the same without that extra kick. Hubby likes mustard on his beef sandwiches - reckons it's not the same unless your eyes water!!