Passover Countdown: Stock Your Kitchen, Get Ready to Cook

Shopping and re-stocking are a vital part of Passover planning. As we start to think about the seder menu, and what to serve during chol hamoed, we need to consider, do we have all the ingredients? Everything, from spices, to condiments, to oils and vinegars need to be kosher for Passover.  Luckily, we are here to help! Follow our shopping list and guidelines, tweak them to fit your own tastes, and shop with a plan. 

Ready, set, shop...

Wait! First, read the Golden Rules of Passover Shopping:

1. Never go shopping when you're hungry.
2. Go with a list in hand, and a pen to cross off the items you find.
3. Bring your menu: If an ingredient you wanted is not available, consult your menu for possible substitutions for the same dish.
4. Shop at the best time: Go when the store is less crowded, such as early in the morning.
5. Stick to your budget: It's easy to buy unplanned items that are on sale, or that catch your eye. Ask yourself, do you really need it?

MORE: 7 Perfect Recipes For Your Passover Meal

Kitchen Re-stocking Checklist:

Matza Products

• Matza
• Matza meal  
• Cake meal

Spices (Check your menu and note all the spices you will need)

• Salt
• Pepper
• Parika
• Cinnamon
• Oregano
• Basil
• Garlic powder
• Parsley flakes/frozen cubes
• Dill
• Soup powder (or make your own)

Baking

• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Cacao/cocoa powder
• Sugar
• Potato starch
• Vanilla extract

MORE: Passover Menu How-To

Oil/Vingear

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Walnut oil 
• Canola oil (Sephardim only)
• Coconut oil
• Balsamic vingear
• Red/white wine vinegar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Bottled salad dressing

Dry/Canned Ingredients

• Quinoa
• Rice (Sephardim only)
• Canned tuna
• Marinara sauce
• Tomato paste
• Jelly
• Canned fruits or veggies
• Kosher for Passover cereal
• Chips
• Coffee
• Tea
• Nuts
• Chocolate chips
• Honey
• Pickles
• Olives

MORE: Nuts for Nut Based Passover Cuisine

Drinks

• Wine
• Grape juice
• Juice
• Bottled water (for outings)

For the Fridge

• Cheese
• Butter/margarine
• Milk
• Sour cream
• Eggs
• Fresh/frozen meat and chicken
• Fresh/frozen fish (gefilte fish is a favorite!)

And of course, don't forget the fresh fruits and veggies!

MORE: Passover Soups, Salads, and Side Dishes Your Family Will Love

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