1. Wooden spoons and spatulas
I'm starting with these because they are the easiest and cheapest thing to add to your kitchen. They are gentle on every kind of cooking pan, they come in a variety of sizes and shapes, they are stronger than any plastic kitchen utensil, and they are cheap to replace. I don't even hand-wash mine (which you are supposed to do) because it's easier to pop them in the dishwasher. The dishwasher will damage them sooner, but they are only $3-$5 to begin with, so who cares. They aren't as popular anymore because the stainless, silicone and plastic varieties have taken over, but just trust me on this one. I cook almost exclusively with these.
2. Non-slip cutting boards from Crate and Barrel
I love these! They are big enough to really have the space you need, and they don't slip on my counters! I also love the way they look and feel. They are very thin, and store well. Quit using glass cutting boards!! Regardless of how pretty they look, they are absolutely horrible for your knives. I also love my wooden cutting board, but I only use it for vegetables because it can't be disinfected in my dishwasher, and the grooves/cuts on the cutting board are susceptible to harboring bacteria.
3. Food Processor
I'm not really sure how I got by without my food processor. I use it all the time! If I'm chopping something up, grating cheese, making salsa, pesto, or pizza dough, the food processor is essential. Make sure to get at least a 10-cup or larger size, as smaller than that won't be as helpful.
4. Kitchen Tongs
I added these when I started watching Alton Brown cook. I realized how essential they were! They are great for tossing pasta into a sauce, flipping pork chops when you're pan-grilling them, giving something a stir, etc. They are simply an extension of your hands. Get something strong and sturdy, like these OXO kitchen tongs.
5. Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer
Whoa - what a game changer! These miracle workers are expensive, but boy are they worth it. I've ALWAYS used a hand mixer but the difference is amazing. Not only is it so nice to be able to walk away and have your hands available to do something else, but I've found that everything from a meringue to simple whipped cream comes together so much faster. Plus, they come in a million cute colors and have lots of different attachments!
6. Meat Thermometer
This completely changed my cooking. I'm one who is always worried that my meat is going to be underdone, so as a result I was overcooking every single piece of meat I cooked. This is another Alton Brown suggestion, and as soon as I began using it all of a sudden my meals had so much more flavor. Plus, I still had a peace-of-mind knowing my food was cooked thoroughly. (Remember: under cook your meat about 5-10 degrees less than recommended, pull the meat off the heat and let the temperature continue to rise while the meat rests.) These are inexpensive, and can be found everywhere. I prefer one that has an instant digital temperature display.
7. High-Quality Dutch Oven
An enameled cast-iron dutch oven is AWESOME! They can go directly from your stove top to your oven. These are also expensive but there are high-quality versions that will cost you less than a Le Creuset. I will say, every great chef uses Le Creuset, so if you have the money then go with the best. I didn't have the money so I went with a Mario Batali version for about half the price. I have to say, I love mine!! I use it for stews, soups, and any time I want to slow cook cuts of meat for a few hours (like pot roast or pulled pork).
This is the one I have.
I will be purchasing this one as soon as I have $300 to spare. In this color - it's beautiful.8. Slow Cooker
There are about a million different varieties of slow cookers out there, but I have found the Crock Pot brand is as good as any. I personally use a more expensive Cuisinart model, but I can't tell any difference. I'd purchase a larger capacity (6 qt) as it will be good for everything. These aren't expensive, and they are really convenient and easy. There is a misconception out there - that slow cookers are convenient, yes, but you can't get a true gourmet meal out of them. I will be sharing some slow cooker meals with you that are out-of-this-world good, and that taste fancy! In general, don't slow cook cuts of meat that aren't meant to be slow-cooked. For instance, chicken breasts aren't meant to be cooked a really long time, but pork shoulder, chuck roast, and ribs do very well!
9. Baking Stone
Calling all cookie-lovers! If you like cookies, biscuits, sheet cakes, etc., then you must get a baking stone. I can thank my sister for this one! The real joy of the baking stone is the non-stick quality and the super-even cooking. My oven is hotter near the top and near the back and this helps compensate for my average oven. Before, I was always needing to turn my baking pans to ensure even cooking or I'd have burnt cookies on half the pan, and undercooked cookies on the other half. This helps cook everything evenly, without burning the bottoms of my baked goods. Would you rather buy a new oven or a $30 baking stone? Mine is from Pampered Chef and it's great!
10. All-Purpose Chef's Knife
When I was learning to cook, one of the most frustrating things for me was chopping and cutting up vegetables, herbs, or meats. I was quite ignorant to the fact that using my cruddy knife was the reason! You don't have to purchase the most expensive knife or buy a complete set. What you DO need is a great chef's knife, as this is the knife you'll be using the most often. Don't wash it in the dishwasher and use a knife sharpener each time to use it. Try it in your hand before you purchase, as each person will like something different. I like my knife to be heavy and substantial feeling in my hand. Try this one - Wusthof Santoku Knife.
There are about a million different varieties of slow cookers out there, but I have found the Crock Pot brand is as good as any. I personally use a more expensive Cuisinart model, but I can't tell any difference. I'd purchase a larger capacity (6 qt) as it will be good for everything. These aren't expensive, and they are really convenient and easy. There is a misconception out there - that slow cookers are convenient, yes, but you can't get a true gourmet meal out of them. I will be sharing some slow cooker meals with you that are out-of-this-world good, and that taste fancy! In general, don't slow cook cuts of meat that aren't meant to be slow-cooked. For instance, chicken breasts aren't meant to be cooked a really long time, but pork shoulder, chuck roast, and ribs do very well!
9. Baking StoneCalling all cookie-lovers! If you like cookies, biscuits, sheet cakes, etc., then you must get a baking stone. I can thank my sister for this one! The real joy of the baking stone is the non-stick quality and the super-even cooking. My oven is hotter near the top and near the back and this helps compensate for my average oven. Before, I was always needing to turn my baking pans to ensure even cooking or I'd have burnt cookies on half the pan, and undercooked cookies on the other half. This helps cook everything evenly, without burning the bottoms of my baked goods. Would you rather buy a new oven or a $30 baking stone? Mine is from Pampered Chef and it's great!
10. All-Purpose Chef's KnifeWhen I was learning to cook, one of the most frustrating things for me was chopping and cutting up vegetables, herbs, or meats. I was quite ignorant to the fact that using my cruddy knife was the reason! You don't have to purchase the most expensive knife or buy a complete set. What you DO need is a great chef's knife, as this is the knife you'll be using the most often. Don't wash it in the dishwasher and use a knife sharpener each time to use it. Try it in your hand before you purchase, as each person will like something different. I like my knife to be heavy and substantial feeling in my hand. Try this one - Wusthof Santoku Knife.
I don't have a Dutch oven or a baking stone...I'm thinking both of those should be on my Christmas wish list. :)
ReplyDelete