My sister is getting married in a couple of months. Like me, she does not have a ton of experience cooking, although admittedly she does do more of it than I do. Since she is in the process of putting together the items for her first “real” kitchen, I thought I’d make a list of the things that have come in handy for me.
Now keep in mind that I’m fairly new to the whole kitchen scene, so I’ve been figuring this out as I go.
1) A sharp knife. It sounds like such an obvious thing that I almost didn’t write it down, but I want my sister to avoid the months of using a dull knife that I had to suffer through. See, on my wedding registry, I asked for what I thought was a decent set of knives and utensils. One of those block sets that sits out on the kitchen counter. I didn’t realize that the sharpest knife on there couldn’t cut through butter. And if you want to cut anything from the softest tomato to the hardest potato, buy a sharp knife!
2) Food processor/blender. I use the Cuisinart food processor. I like it because it comes apart so it stores easily and it is a processor and a blender in one. And for my limited skills right now, that’s enough. In fact, I had originally received (as a wedding gift) a beautiful Kitchen Aid mixer. Oh my, it was pretty! I hated to return it! But I quickly realized that it wouldn’t fit on my counter because it was so big and our kitchen is tiny and besides, I had no idea what to do with it. The Cuisinart processor is a good way to start small.
3) Cutting board. Again, something probably very obvious for a lot of long-time cooks, but one of those necessary items you don’t think about until you don’t have one. Kind-of like socks.
4) Non-stick Grill Plate. There’s something about the taste of grilled food that just makes my mouth water. Granted the Calphalon isn’t exactly like an outdoor grill, but it’s pretty darn close. And it’s so easy to use and clean! I use it several times a week at least. Besides, you can’t go wrong with Calphalon.
5) Strainer. Another important item and another necessity that sometimes doesn’t get on the wedding registry.
6) Pots and pans of various sizes. I received one of those big sets of the pots and pans with the copper bottoms (mostly because they were pretty). And I am so glad that I have them. You think you couldn’t possibly use the soup pot or the sauce pan with the steamer insert. But you do. Granted, you don’t use some of them all of the time. But there have already been several occasions when I was cooking a big meal and needed as many pots as my stove could handle. You’ll be glad you did.
7) Good set of utensils. There are so many of these that have come in handy. A large spoon for stirring, salad tongs for lifting hot potatoes, spatula for just about everything. The list goes on. Just make sure you have a set that has a little of everything and you can’t go wrong.
A cake cutter/pie server. I realized I was missing one of these the first time we served some dessert to guests. You can make do with something else, but it’s just not the same. I have a great pie server that’s in the shape of a high-heeled shoe that my mother got me. How cool is that? Functional and fashionable!
Well, that’s my list. It’s not everything you’ll need of course, just the things that I quickly found out were necessary for a smooth-running kitchen. I’m sure as I continue cooking more, then the list will expand. Hey, maybe one day I’ll even have a reason for getting me another Kitchen Aid mixer!
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