With these items, you’ll be able to cook just about anything and start kicking butt in the kitchen!
Cookware
- NON-STICK FRYING PAN
Every kitchen needs a non-stick pan! Non-stick pan is perfect for breakfast, since eggs and pancakes are best made on a non-stick surface. Just make sure that it is a non-toxic one.
I like non-stick pan because it is very versatile and can be used for making sauces, searing meats and sautéing vegetables.
MAKE SURE TO USE NON-ABRASIVE TOOLS! It is a good idea to buy a two-piece set that will make possible to cook two things at the same time.
- SAUCEPAN
A saucepan is very useful for when you need to cook something with liquids, such as boiling vegetables, pasta or simmering sauces and beans. A 4-quart saucepan is a perfect size, easy to handle and maneuver, and is great whether you’re cooking for 1 or
- STOCK POT
For bigger batches of stews, soups, pasta, vegetables and stews, you’ll want to have a 12-quart stockpot around. Its base allows for even heating, so your soups cook evenly.
4.SHEET PANS
These pans you can use for many different recipes like baking meats, roasting vegetables, toasting nuts, and baking cookies. Sheet pans are also very easy to clean up.
- GLASS BAKING DISH
Glass baking dishes are used for baking casseroles and enchiladas in the oven.
Utensils
- KNIVES
Essential knifes are chef’s knife, which you will use this knife for 90% of your food prep, so buy a nice one and take care of it. I also recommend getting a serrated and pairing knife because they serve different purposes – serrated knives let you slice through tomatoes and bread with ease, and paring knives are great for smaller, more delicate jobs, when a big knife just doesn’t cut it.
- MEASURING SPOONS
It is very handy to have a set of measuring spoons around. They are perfect for when you need to use precise recipes and great for scooping spices and dried herbs!
- MEASURING CUPS
Measuring cups are a must! They are essential for baking and they are also great for everyday cooking. I like to keep a 6- piece set for measuring dried ingredients and small amounts of liquid. You can also get a 1- quart glass-measuring cup, which can be convenient and more efficient. It can be also used for making sauces and vinaigrettes right inside and then simply pour it into whatever you’re cooking up.
- WOODEN SPOONS
Wooden spoons are a perfect tool because they are not abrasive on cooking surfaces and they’ll last forever. DON’T PUT THEM put them in the dishwasher! Choose a set that has a variety of wooden spoons, so that you can use it for different kinds of cooking.
- FISH TURNER
This tool can be used for anything, not only for a fish. Choose wider base. That will help you to flip burgers, fish, over-easy eggs, and even pancakes. The thin, beveled edge makes it easy to slide beneath the foods you are flipping, and the slots allow any grease to drain.
- PELLER
Make sure you have a good, sharp peeler to remove the peels of vegetables, shave off cheese, or make veggie ribbons.
- WHISK
Whisk is a great tool! It is efficient for emulsifying ingredients like vinegars and oils. I use whish for marinades, dressing to season up salads and everything else almost daily, so a whisk comes in very handy!
- TONGS
Tongs are like your extended hands and are very useful in the kitchen! You can use this toll for flipping big pieces of food; they help move ingredients around in a frying pan or on a sheet pan without the risk of burns.
Dishes, Tools, and Gadgets
- CUTTING BOARD
A good, grippy cutting board will protect your fingers during all your prep work. I recommend having a few different cutting boards you can use to prep various ingredients and prevent cross-contamination. Plastic boards can be placed in the dishwasher for full disinfecting and they are perfect for meat.
- COLANDER
Every kitchen needs a heavy-duty colander for draining out boiled pasta and vegetables. It is also used for draining canned beans and freshly washed veggies.
- PREP BOWLS IN EVERY SIZE
Every kitchen needs a set of prep bowls to help you organize all your ingredients. Choose different sizes for variety so you can make more that one recipe at once. My favorite ones are stainless steal bowls.
- CAN OPENER
A can opener is something you don’t want to forget! Canned beans and vegetables make for quick-cooking and are great pantry staples, but a bunch of things also come in cans that require a can opener – coconut milk, curry paste, fruits, crushed tomatoes, etc.
- MICROPLANE ZESTER
Zester makes a huge difference when you’re looking to up the flavor in your meals. It is one of my favorite tools in the kitchen! A zester is used for zesting lemons and limes, and grating ginger and cheese.
- IMMERSION/STICK BLENDER
This blender is perfect for pureeing the soups right in their pot and extra creamy and smooth vinaigrettes / dressings. It’s so convenient, even its clean up is easy – simply pop off the blade for super quick cleaning.
- SALAS SPINNER
Salad spinner is more efficient than a regular colander. Salad dressings have a difficult time adhering to lettuce that is still wet and people have a difficult time with soggy tacos and sandwiches. A salad spinner is the answer to your problems because it will help you get rid of water in a matter of seconds and save on paper towels. You can also use this tool to dry fresh herbs. And you’ll have another colander if your primary colander is in use!
In Health,
Angie