Quick tip: Beach house kitchen essentials

We're spending a week at the beach, and as soon as we found a rental I started to think about what to bring. And I'm not talking about clothes. I consulted blogs, friends, the local realtors, and took note of what I reach for every day to compile a list of essentials for a week of easy cooking and fabulous eating. This assumes a house with a functional kitchen including basic pots, pans and utensils; a barbecue; and access to fresh protein and vegetables.

Beach rental essentials for the foodie

• Good canned tuna for sandwiches and quick pasta dishes
• Good canned beans and chick peas for sides dishes and salads
• Olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dressings and marinades
• Salt and pepper mill
• Spices: cayene pepper, chili powder, cinnamon, garam masala, ground ginger, ground cumin, oregano, paprika, and thyme 
• Light brown sugar (for rubs)
• Whole wheat pasta, Israeli or regular couscous
• Oatmeal for breakfast (and if you're so inclined, for baking)
• Package of good strained tomatoes
• Pistacchios or other nuts to sustain you while you sip and cook
• Good chocolate for eating or shaving over ice cream
• French press and coffee
• Red and white wine, beer
• Wine, bottle and can openers
• Candles and matches for romantic dinners and power outages 
• Heavy duty aluminum foil for grilling
• Napkins, paper towels, kitchen towels 
• Oven mitts
• Plastic bags for marinating proteins
• Tongs
• Kitchen shears
• Grater

Throw in a bathing suit and a pair of shorts, and you're good to go!