A Few of Our Favourite Things
When it comes to cooking there are some tools that simply make preparation easier. Here are a few of our favourite kitchen essentials:
1. WOODEN SPOON: Wooden spoons are great to use on any non-stick surface, strong enough to mix a tough batter and they can last a lifetime.
2. CHEF'S KNIFE: 8-12" depending on your comfort level, a good Chef's knife is essential.
3. WOODEN STRAIGHT EDGE SPATULA: This tool acts as much more than a spatula. Use it for breaking up ground beef or chicken for chili, meat sauce or lettuce wraps. Use it to break up whole tomatoes into quick chunks in my tomato sauce. Or use it to serve rice directly out of your rice cooker so you don’t scratch the non-stick surface.
4. CITRUS REAMER: This can be used for all of your juicing needs. If you need a splash of lime on your fish, a few spoons of lemon juice for your salad dressing or some fresh squeezed oj for breakfast, this is a tool that's quick to use and easy to clean.
5. SERRATED KNIFE: This knife should be non-negotiable in everyone's kitchen. It cuts through tomatoes like butter, slices bread so easily and will become your best friend in the kitchen. There are shorter ones, longer ones and rounded ones but the one pictured here can do everything. You can even buy a set and use them as the perfect steak knife.
6. THERMOMETER: There are many types of thermometers out there including digital, candy-specific, meat and ones with a hook to set on the side of a pot. Whichever type of thermometer you choose make sure it is shatterproof.
7. CAN OPENER: In 2 words - must have. Manual or automatic, a can-opener is an essential piece of kitchen equipment.
8. PLASTIC SPATULA: This is an easy go-to spatula. It works well as a lifter, flipper and will not scratch your pan.
9. RUBBER SPATULA: A heat-proof sturdy silicone spatula will cover all your bases from mixing to getting the last drop out of the jar to scrambling your eggs.
10. MICROPLANES: These graters are wonderful for mincing garlic, zesting lemons or grating cheese. Some are handheld (10) , others have no handle (11) and some have rests on either end (12) so you can place it directly on the bowl or pot edge and grate away. It doesn't matter which one you choose or if you choose them all as long as you remember they are extremely sharp, so be very careful.
13. METAL SPATULA: Spatulas are used for flipping or frying. A metal spatula has the ability to get right under certain foods to allow for easier flipping for more delicate foods. Be sure not to use on non-sticks pans because it will scratch the coating.
14. HEAT-RESISTANT TONGS: Tongs can be used for everything from flipping meat, serving vegetables and chicken, tossing salads, and more. Find a pair that locks closed (easier to store) and has gripping edges.
15. WHISK: Whether its a metal whisk or a rubber heat resistant whisk, every kitchen needs a whisk. Have you ever tried making whipped cream without one??
Now that you have the essentials in hand it’s time to get cooking!