Whether you are a novice chef or have been cooking for years, there are certain items that everyone should have in their kitchen. These items save you time, which we all know is precious, and can also affect the outcome of your dish in a positive way. This is a list of utensils and other cooking items that I feel no aspiring cook should be without:
- Chef Knife- A top quality chef’s knife is very important because you will use it for everything from chopping veggies and smashing garlic, to chiffonading herbs and trimming meats. Make sure you take good care of your knife so it doesn’t rust, and keep it sharp for best results. You can even buy them with built in sharpeners as well.
- Whisk- Find a great whisk and you will be so happy you did. It will come in handy for making dressings, gravies, and sauces. You will also use it anytime you prepare any baked good (if you don’t have a big fancy mixer, or don’t want to deal with the clean up of using it)
- Saute Pan- A medium to large saute pan is a must have! You will utilize this for just about anything you cook. Saute vegetables, sear meats, sweat onions, and even use it for one pot meals. Find one with a Teflon coating so food won’t stick and a heat proof handle so you won’t burn yourself.
- Grill Pan/Griddle- I have a grill pan that also doubles as a griddle and it is a lifesaver. I use the grill side for chicken breasts, steaks, pork chops, etc., and the skillet side is great for pancakes, skillet potatoes, toasting buns, and even cooking bacon or sausage. This enables you to cook a whole meal on one device. Fast and less mess!
- Tongs- I learned this little trick from Racheal Ray. She uses tongs for everything! Serving pasta, picking up salad greens, turning over meats, and even stirring sauteed veggies. She has a great brand that have a nice coating so they don’t scratch your pans or burn your hands. (see below)
- Pepper Grinder- Fresh ground pepper adds so much flavor and freshness to any dish. Way better than using that old stale pre-ground stuff. Try it once and you will never go back
- Grater- I have an old box grater that my Mom gave me a long time ago and I use it for so many things. It has 4 sides that all have different uses. You can grate cheese, of course, but you can also grate ginger, or use it to zest lemon or limes, and even garlic. It saves you a lot of time, because rather than having to mince garlic by hand you simply grate it right over the pan and be done with it!
So try out some of these fantastic kitchen tools and see if they work as well for you as they do for me. Hopefully it will make your life a little easier and allow you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the fruits of your labor with your family. I have also put a link to each item listed above in case you would like to purchase some. Happy Cooking!
Victorinox / Forschner 8″ Chef’s Knife Fibrox Red Handle No. 40421
Oxo Good Grips Nylon Balloon Whisk
Rachael Ray 5-Quart Hard Anodized Orange Oval Saut¿ Pan with Helper Handle
Old Mountain Pre Seasoned 10119 Two Burner Reversible Grill / Griddle, 20 Inch
Rachael Ray 2-Piece Tong Set – Orange (51214)
MIU 8-Inch Bamboo Peppermill with Stainless-Steel Gear
Gourmet Standard Stainless Steel 4 Sided Box Grater with Scraper – GR00901
Tags: cooking utensils