(pronounced lock-lin)

There are some things that are always in my fridge.

1. Diet Coke I officially became addicted last spring. The advantage? Switching from the real stuff has allowed me to drop about 10-15 pounds.
2. Dill pickles Milwaukee’s Kosher Midget Dills are my favorite.
3. Long Grain Brown Rice The fact that brown rice still has the fibrous “cover” on it makes it susceptible to going bad. Best to keep it refridgerated after opening.
4. Stock Technically in my freezer, I make my own stock. Beef, chicken and vegetable. I want to try fish and veal at some point as well.
5. Hot Sauce As I get older, my taste for things really super hot has waned. I prefer flavor to heat. But, every now and then, I want the heat, particularly on eggs, and asian-inspired rice dishes. My current favorite: La Preferida Louisiana style hot sauce. Cheap (69 cents) and yummy.
6. Ranch Dressing An obvious one, but it’s my go-to condiment, especially with mayo on turkey/cheese sandwiches. That’s yummy.
7. Chardonnay Definitely always have this on-hand in the summer.
8. Eggbeaters I have elevated cholesterol levels and I love me some eggs. Some sacrifices have to be made. I still have the occasional egg, just because there ain’t nothin’ like the real thing. Baby.
9. Apple juice Sometimes this is the only thing I want to drink.
10. Onions Can’t cook without them.