For every dish, simple or extravagant, that can be envisioned there is a kitchen tool up to the challenge of executing that vision. My years in the kitchen have revealed to me the kitchen utensils I consider essential in preparing a well-crafted meal.
Today, I want to share my must-haves with you! Some of the items listed are basic while others may surprise you; each one has a place in my kitchen and in my craft.
I will post links to specific brands I recommend on certain tools, otherwise the kitchen section at your local store should have everything you need to get cooking!
Measuring Spoons and Cups - With practice, you’ll be able to eyeball and guesstimate with the best of them. Until then, measure away!
Spoonula - An absolute must if that leftover brownie batter on the sides of the bowl has any interest to you: a scraping, stirring and folding legend.
Chef’s Knife - Make sure it is a sharp one at that: dull knives are more likely to cause injury as there is more effort and pressure needed when using them. Safety first, ya’ll!
Paring Knife - This short and sharp blade will be just what you need when precision is required during prep.
Vegetable Peeler - You’ll have your veggies safely peeled to perfection in no time.
Fish Spatula - These thin, angled spatulas aren’t just for delicate fish anymore. One of these puppies will take your flipping game to another level.
Food Scale - Exact measurements, especially when baking, will ensure consistent and enhanced flavors every time.
Microplane - This may seem like just another grater but it will bring the zest to your cooking like nothing else will if I may be so literal.
Citrus Reamer - For all your citrus juicing needs. Quick, easy and waste-reducing compared to giving your fruit a good squeeze.
Mesh Strainer - A great tool for rinsing, straining, fluffing and dusting.
Cast Iron Skillet - This kitchen classic can be intimidating for some as there are certain rules to be followed. I would say the rules are unspoken but casually mention cast iron in a conversation and there is bound to be a concerned citizen ready to advise you - just don’t mention dish soap in the same sentence. Jokes aside, what a cast iron requires in maintenance is more than equaled in flavor.
Dutch Oven - This mainstay rules the kitchen when it comes to versatility. Everything from braising, baking, searing, stewing, simmering, low and slow - it can all be done using this flavor powerhouse.
An important thing to note is that any toolbox takes time to curate: start with the basics and build your collection from there. Even if you don’t have all of the gadgets listed above at your disposal, creativity and perseverance can be just as essential in mastering any meal. Gather what you have, get in the kitchen and do the dang thing!