Get back to basics

Every cook needs a good selection of flavour-packed staples that can be combined with fresh fruit, vegetables and meat to create fast, fuss-free dishes. Add these must-haves to your shopping list:

1. Extra virgin olive oil.
   Two aged vinegars: for example, a balsamic and a varietal, such as chardonnay or cabernet.
   Anchovies and capers.
   A good-quality, tomato-based pasta sauce.
   Whole peeled tomatoes.
   Your favourite pasta variety.
   A crusty Italian bread, such as a savoury, double-baked lingue piemontesi crispbread.
   A versatile hard cheese, like parmigiano reggiano.

Added pleasures

Good chocolate and biscuits are great for a morning or afternoon snack. Biscotti, such as Simon Johnson's Antonio Mattei Cantucci, $21.45, is versatile; you can serve it with coffee, or combine with a dash of espresso or Italian dessert wine, mascarpone and preserved peaches for a fast, flavoursome dessert.

Trends to try

Impress your guests with the food industry's latest star ingredients. Sliced jamón ibérico on toasted sourdough is wonderful. Or try Australian truffles, which are more affordable than the imported ones. They go well with root vegetables, pasta and eggs. Or, for breakfast, try shaved truffles over scrambled eggs.

Festive favourite

Panettone is a holiday must-have that can be dished up at any time of the day. Serve it as a delicious breakfast if guests decide to stay overnight, or create a simple dessert by lightly toasting slices and top with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream. Try Simon Johnson Panettone, $55.

Smart storage tips

* Create order in your pantry by grouping similar items - like oils, herbs and vinegars - together.

• Store ingredients in a cool, dry place - they may look impressive displayed on your kitchen bench, but the quality may be affected by exposure to sunlight.
  Always transfer food into a glass jar with a sealed clip top once it's opened.