Bacon – I tend to use 12 oz. packages of center cut bacon whenever bacon is called for. I feel that 12 ounces of center cut bacon is an acceptable substitute for 1 pound of regular bacon. Edit: I've switched to local bacon whenever possible, it's lower in fat than regular grocery store bacon and so much tastier.
Broth/Stock – Since I don’t make my own stock or broth, my preference is Kitchen Basics for Beef, Chicken, and Vegetable.
Butter - Unsalted unless otherwise noted.
Chicken - It is my family's preference to mainly use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. In most recipes boneless, skinless thighs could easily be used instead based upon your own preference. The breasts I get tend to come in packs of three or four.
Chocolate – I tend to stick with Ghiradelli chocolate.
Cow and Other Meats – Whenever possible, cow and pig is humanely raised, grassfed (or mostly grassfed), and local.
Eggs – Unless otherwise noted, eggs tend to be large, although variance is allowed for given the nature of sizing eggs fresh from the farm.
Fat – I opt for 2% cheese when it's available, light sour cream, and other lower fat options in the realm of dairy. However, and this goes for all foods, I tend to avoid "fat free" like the plague as it normally comes at the cost of added sugars. Fats are good for us in moderation.
Flours – I prefer King Arthur Flours when available. Unless otherwise noted, flour used in recipes is All Purpose.
Garlic – Garlic cloves are assumed to be about 1 teaspoon each when minced. If using particularly large or small cloves, adjust clove count as necessary. If you have the choice, I recommend Music variety garlic. I store mine in the freezer since I get it in bulk during the market season.
Milk – Unless otherwise noted, I tend to use 1% milk.
Oil – Unless otherwise noted, I tend to use extra virgin olive oil. Even for baking things like banana bread. It tastes fine, really!
Pasta – Unless otherwise stated, or unavailable, I recommend dried pastas and tend to use Barilla.
Vegetables – Recipes assume that all vegetables are properly washed.
Wine – My preference is for wine from Ménage à Trois. Appropriate, eh?
