What's in Our Pantry? 15 Ingredients the Test Kitchen Can't Live Without

What do we always have in our test kitchen pantry? Which ingredients do our food editors use in so many different ways, and not always the most obvious ways at that. (Sure we might drink club soda but that's not why it's always on hand.) Read on to discover our pantry picks, and the delicious ways we use them.

Coconut Oil

It's oh so rich, versatile, vegan, and readily available.

The ultimate in umami? Yes, but there is so much more to this protein-rich fermented soybean paste. 

Think beyond the coffee mug: we never use espresso powder for drinks. We're too busy using it for baking, in rubs and even on toast!

The subtle flavor of tahini can boost everything from dips (and not just hummus!), to sauces, to cookies.

Better than balsamic? But I already have red wine vinegar? Do I really need another bottle of vinegar in the pantry? Trust us, you need this.

Forgo the brine, salt-packed capers are the way to go -- and there are so many ways to use them.

Not just for steak -- Worcestershire sauce is tangy, savory, and pungently delicious.

Chips are reason enough to have salsa in your pantry but they are not the reason we always have a jar or two to hand.

Add pizzazz to everything from iced coffee to tempura batter with this favorite fizzy water

Maybe you've sampled these tangy pickles as part of an antipasti platter or sampled them straight from the jar? While we approve of both those uses (!), our favorite ways to use them is a stealth flavor boosters.

Essential in a Martini, but this classic aperitif wine also stands in for white wine in all kinds of savory and sweet recipes.

Just a touch of anchovy paste delivers big flavor in pastas, greens, meats, and so much more.

This syrupy condiment adds a depth of flavor and complexity -- but not sweetness -- to many Middle Eastern dishes but that's not the only recipes where it shines.

Better than Sriracha? Add heat and spice to all kind of dishes.

Enrich all manner of dishes with this nutty oil, it adds a rich, roasted flavor and instant finesse.