Can’t Cook Without ‘Em
I have always loved to cook. My college room mate described me as domestic (I’m sure it wasn’t because of my obsessive bathroom scrubbing). As soon as I moved into my first apartment, I discovered how much more fun it was to cook with nice kitchen tools and equipment. Although I have been in the kitchen a long time, I still consider myself an amateur, and I learn something new every week (usually through my mistakes). I love anything that will make kitchen time easier and more fun and have come to rely on some specific tools. These are the things in my kitchen that often just sit out on the counter because I use them so frequently. Here are some of the must-haves in my kitchen.
Seriously, I use this pan for every meal. Okay, maybe not EVERY meal, but at least nine out of ten. I have an old Calphalon version with a lid, which I think has been replaced with a different model, but any version of this pan should do. I do my greens, meats, sauces, rice, simmering dishes, etc. all in this pan. The lid also comes in handy because it fits onto my skillets.
Mini-Spatulas
An old friend of mine once made an observation that I love little things. I love these little spatulas, regardless of any little attraction I may or may not have. They are super easy to hold onto and control. I use them for scrambling eggs, scraping the inside of my food processor, scooping things into a bowl, sauteing veggies, spooning batter into muffin cups… you name it.
This was a wedding gift that has received more use than any appliance we own. Great for making fresh salsa or hummus, pureeing soups or baby food. I also have a Cuisinart Mini Prep that is good for really small stuff, but I don’t foresee it lasting forever like the big one.
Small Stainless Steel Colander
I have 2 colanders: one bog one that is great for pasta and big jobs, and a little one. Once again, the little one wins me over. It’s east to handle and the perfect size for washing fruit. I use this for washing grapes, and then stick it on a low shelf in the fridge. Hayden will eat grapes right out of the refrigerator.
I have an older version pf this pot that I have used for almost 20 years. It’s a basic pot that’s great for soups, chili, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
In reading recipes on The Sweetest, you’ll see that I love garlic. A good garlic press is worth a lot more than it costs. I had a garlic press that cost quite a bit more than this one and wore it out. This Zyliss press is awesome, and the little cleaning tool is, too. When the tool wears out (and it will), you can order more from Zyliss.
This is one of my newest tools. I don’t use it as often as the minis, but its great for pizzas and big pieces of fish.
Yes, I really do use this every day. Multiple times a day. I peel a lot of fruit.
Henckels Serrated Utility Knife
The best tomato knife. Ever.
Oooh, I love kitchen stuff–we spend more money there than probably any where else in the house.
One of our most used cooking items is our Le Creuset 5 1/2 qt. french oven. I think we probably use it 4 nights a week, if not more. That thing is well worth it’s (very hefty) weight! If you’ve never used one, you should totally try one out, they’re a-mazing!
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March 24th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Yes- I have one, also (in red!). So heavy, but so fun to use and serve from! It makes me feel very “domestic” when I use it.
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