When you finally get your first place on your own, getting items for the kitchen may be the last thing on your mind. But there are tools that should be found in every kitchen no matter the skill level when it comes to cooking. Whenever you cook you will have to do prep work, so this is a guide to help you to find the things that you must have in your kitchen for prep work.
Cutlery and Knives – When picking out the knives for you kitchen, the price might scare you a bit. It is important to know however that good knives are worth the money and you will definitely get what you pay for. In my opinion, I think going for a whole set is totally worth it. You can choose smaller sets or larger sets depending on what you would like to have, but sometimes that is out of the question financially. If that’s the case for you, then do buy a really nice chef’s knife and find a decent serrated and paring knife. Eventually you can add to your collection.
Cutting Boards – Ah the cutting board…it saves your counters, knife blades, keeps germs and bacteria from spreading, and it makes cleaning up a bit easier too. Must I say anything more to convince you of the need for a cutting board? My favorite cutting board surface is polypropylene. It is non-porous and resists odors. I have a lot of cutting boards so I don’t have to clean after each use when cooking and can avoid cross-contaminating. Look for boards with non-slip grips, handles, and a groove for keeping liquids from spilling over.
Veggie Peeler – Who knew that vegetable peelers were so versatile? Peeling potatoes is just one of the things that I have conquered with my veggie peeler. Use it on carrots for a nice touch on a salad. Peel cucumbers with it in a cinch, and add some chocolate curls to that cake.
Can Opener – This one is an obvious pick seeing as no can will be opened without a can opener. Find one that is nonslip and easy to hold while you are turning it. It must be able to latch on and open it effortlessly.
Salad Spinner – If you have tried drying lettuce with paper towels, then I don’t have to go on any further. From now on, spin your greens to get rid of excess water. Easy!
Grater – Like the veggie peeler, many people don’t realize how handy a cheese grater can be. I use mine almost daily for garlic in meals (the garlic press is a pain to clean).
When you’re ready to stock your kitchen with the best tools, remember this list. You don’t want to be stranded without one of these tools when you begin cooking a delicious meal.
Bon Appétit!
