Stock your kitchen for success...Part 1 Equipment

Ok so the last few posts gave the basics…now what do you do with that information?

Many people think that cooking is scary or extremely time consuming. In fact with the right tools and a properly stocked kitchen cooking meals can be a fun,rewarding and delicious experience. Also guys…ladies(and gentleman)love a man who knows his way around the kitchen!

What do you need?
You don’t need every kitchen gadget known to man to be a successful home cook. With a few basic tools you can make thousands of meals.

Pots and Pans:

Saucepans- a 2qt is your best bet but if you can get a 1 and 3 qt as well it wouldn’t hurt.
Stockpot- 8 qt
Sauté pan- 1 large and 1 small size (sometimes called an omelet pan)
Roasting Pan- Not a necessity but nice to have

Utensils:

Measuring Spoons- splurge on the heavy gauge stainless steel ones if you can
Measuring Cups- it’s nice to have a 1-2cup and a 4-6 cup size of these
Cutting Board- Wood or bamboo is much better than plastic. Plastic cutting boards have been shown to hold much more bacteria and they wear out much faster. (FYI a piece of the non-stick cabinet liner under your board keeps it from moving around on the counter…if you don’t have that a damp kitchen towel will do)
Spatulas- hard rubber if you have nonstick cookware (you don’t want to scratch the coating)
Soup Ladle
Tongs
Cheese Grater (4-sided)
Colander
Vegetable Peeler
Potato Ricer or Masher
Wire Whisk
Turkey Baster
Can Opener
Meat Thermometer- calibrate your thermometer in ice water to make sure it’s reading correctly. That is 32 degrees F and 0 C.
Timer- microwaves and ovens have built in timers and setting an alarm on your cell works too
Zester
Wooden Spoons
High-Heat Flexible Rubber Spatulas- not necessary but extremely useful
Wooden Skewers- trust me on this one…they are essential!

Dishware:

I am going to assume that you have plates to eat on. Here are a few other items that come in extra handy during food preparation:
Nesting Mixing Bowls- 4 or more bowls
Microwave-Safe Casserole with Lid
Rectangular Glass Baking Dishes- multiple sizes
Airtight containers for dry goods storage
Splurge on clear glass custard dishes, ramekins or small stainless steel bowls for organizing ingredients and many other things. If you have cottage cheese or other things that come in plastic washing and saving the containers are a cheap, easy and environmentally friendly way to have ramekin like containers.

Cutlery

Good knives are gold in the kitchen. Look for high-carbon steel and a handle that fits nicely in your hand. Many discount stores (like TJ Maxx/Marshalls) have good knives (and many other kitchen gadgets) for a good price. A variety of knife storage options are available, from in-drawer trays to counter blocks and magnetic wall-holders.
Here are the basic knives you want: You can get away with just a paring and Chef’s knife but it is useful to have others.
Paring Knife
Chef's Knife
Carving Knife
Serrated Bread Knife
Serrated Tomato Knife
Sharpening Steel (from manufacturer of your brand)

Baking Equipment- not just for cookies!

Rectangular Baking Pan (13" x 9")
Square Baking Pan (9" x 9")
Baking Sheet- also called a cookie sheet…having 2 of these around is nice.
Rolling Pin

I am sure many of these things you already have laying around and if you don't it's no big deal. If you have a knife, a sauté pan and a spatula you can get started.

Next post we will cover the right way to make a shopping list and how to stock your kitchen.