The At-Home Chef's Most Critical Accoutrements
By Angie Theado |
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Not everyone's job is food. I know these things because it happens to be mine. Here are ten essential items no kitchen should lack. Go get them now. Keep them in your kitchen, and keep them in good shape; they will serve you well and often.
Along with a well stocked pantry including quality vinegars, good salts, spices, oils, and condiments, here are ten tools that you must have to be successful in the home kitchen.
1. Cast iron skillet - This vessel is very versatile and can withstand very high heat, making it ideal for a range of tasks including stewing, frying, and baking.
2. Chef's knife - This is the only knife you will ever need in the kitchen. You can chop vegetables, butcher meat, fillet a fish, even butter your bread. Make sure this is of high quality, which does not necessarily mean expensive. I have even found good quality knives at thrift stores, had them sharpened, and still use them today.
3. Rubber spatula - There are many different shapes and sizes. This tool can be used for scraping out containers, stirring, icing, and folding batters, so choose one that is right for you and the things you like to cook, as well as one that is a size that makes sense for your cookware.
4. Tongs - One of my personal favorites. I grab hot pans, stir, flip, stab, and poke everything with this tool. I always have it by my side when I cook.
5. Mesh strainer - I prefer the fine mesh variety because it can be used for much more than merely draining pasta. Sifting, rinsing rice, and straining purees for smooth silky textures are just a few.
6. Cutting board - Bamboo, preferably, because it's environmentally savvy, easy on the knife, a strong wood, and they usually look nice.
7. Cooking pans - A saute pan, sauce pan, stock pot, and sheet pan are the main pans that any cook needs. A wok always comes in handy, but is not necessary.
8. Thermometer - This tool helps avoid the over-and-undercooking problems we all have experienced. It's good to have them around to aid with those delicate temperature projects.
9. Whisk - This is used for emulsions and introducing air into different combinations and blends. It can also beat eggs much more easily than a fork.
10. Non-reactive stainless mixing bowls - These bowls can be used as a double boiler for melting chocolate, tempering eggs, and making sensitive sauces.
These are the basic tools. If they are reliable and of good quality, they will serve you well in the kitchen. Their versatility will free you and help you be more creative the more practice you get using them.
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Originally Published: August 1, 2009
