Somewhere in my mid 20’s, I decided to teach myself to cook. I approached this new endeavor with a “go get ’em” attitude, recording and watching (and re-watching) episodes of America’s Test Kitchen, ordering way too many cookbooks from Amazon and checking even more out of the local library. I turned my kitchen into a cooking laboratory.
Prior to this undertaking, I mostly survived on a diet of Stove Top stuffing, english muffins, Cheerios, canned corn, elbow macaroni, pizza and fast food. No wonder I was obese. Back in college, I can remember attempting scrambled eggs in my little kitchen on Ray Street and failing miserably. I forgot to oil the pan – it didn’t even cross my mind.
While growing up, my Mom did most of the cooking and she made it quite clear that didn’t particularly enjoy this aspect of domestic life. Ironing – no problem. Laundry – sure thing. Cooking – she’d rather go to the dentist and have a root canal. Okay, I’m exaggerating a bit, but you get the point.
Now don’t get me wrong, my Mom is the light of my life and THE best mama a girl could ask for. But as an inspirational cooking mentor, oy vey! Sorry mama. XO
Over the last decade or so, I’ve improved my skills. I no longer serve brisket that has the texture of beef jerky (Note: Catholic girls who can’t cook should NOT volunteer to prepare Rosh Hashanah dinner for their Jewish in-laws).
Learning to cook takes time, experimentation and patience, but it also takes the right tools. Below is a list of my top 10 favorite kitchen essentials. If you have a personal favorite that isn’t included, go ahead and send me a message. I’m always looking for new products to try out.
#1 Thermopen
I have no idea how I lived without a Thermopen. In fact, I dedicated a whole post to this fabulous little piece of technology a few months back. Why is it so awesome you ask? It’s an instant read digital cooking thermometer. That means you’ll never have to guess at the internal temperature of your chicken or steak again. Perfectly cooked meat, every single time.
#2 Chef’s Knife 8″
A good knife is a chef’s best friend. Whether you’re slicing, dicing or cutting through bones, it’s essential kitchen tool. They can be a bit pricey, so if you’re on a budget, skip the set and pick up a a single 8″ knife. It’s the most versatile size in my opinion. Don’t want to spend $150 on a Wusthof, no worries – you can get a great knife for less than $50. Check out the Victorinox for just under $40.
#3 Large Frying Pan
My frying pan is the most used item in my kitchen. I’ve spent several years testing different pans and mostly being disappointed. That was until I found my mean green Ozeri. It is made out of durable heavy-gauge pure aluminum with no heavy metals or harmful chemicals and it’s super easy to clean. For $35 (plus another $17 for the lid, (which I highly recommend) you can’t go wrong.
#4 Crockpot
Slow cooked and tender brisket, roasts or lamb on a cold winter’s day bring me (and the hubby) joy. I’ve recently started my roasts in the crockpot before hitting the sack (they take ~10-12 hours on low) and upon waking, voila – dinner is done before the day even begins. Chicken is a cinch in the crockpot as well. Toss in some split breasts and set it on high for 3 hours for tender and juicy chicken. I currently have this simple and inexpensive Hamilton Beach in my kitchen.
#5 Glass Storage Container
Most of my meals for the week are prepared on Sunday, so I need a good storage solution. I prefer glass to plastic for numerous reasons and highly recommend these Pyrex bowls with lids (I have 2 sets) and a set of glasslock storage containers.
#6 Silicone Spatulas
I try not to use plastic in the kitchen. With the research piling up against BPA and phthalates, I just don’t trust it, especially when exposed to high heat. Silicone spatulas, on the other hand, are a perfect multi-tool that can withstand high heat, won’t damage pans like some metal spatulas and their flexibility make them great for mixing wet and dry ingredients together. Plus they come in bright colors. I’m all about the bright colors.
#7 Dish Towels
Yes, dish towels. A durable and absorbent towel is a must. I’ve been using Williams Sonoma towels for years. Each time I try a new brand, I’m utterly disappointed. I put my towels through the ringer and they last and last and last…
#8 Blender
I’ve become a green smoothie addict. It’s a quick and easy way to be sure I’m getting my greens. The Vitamix is the Aston Martin of blenders, but it’ll cost you around $500. I recently picked up this Cuisinart blender at Costco for 60 bucks. Yes, there are tiny flecks of spinach in my smoothie, but I don’t mind. There are bigger concerns in life than bits of spinach (IMO). I’ve heard great things about the Ninja as well.
#9 Wide Bowl
Have you ever tried to microwave oatmeal or buckwheat in a narrow bowl? Then you know it’ll overflow and make a mess of your microwave. I start most days with a hot bowl of buckwheat cereal and I never have to clean up. If you love hot cereal as much as I do, get yourself a big ol’ bowl.
#10 Cooking Tunes
This one is a must have for me. When I cook, the music is always blaring – Count Basie, Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Puccini, Rosemary Clooney. Choose music that inspires you. Cooking doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Spice it up with some lively tunes and even pour yourself a nice glass of Cabernet. Make cooking an event you look forward to.
Update! Make that 11 essentials. Bought this Lodge Dutch Oven a few weeks ago and I can’t believe how much I love it. It’s over $200 less than the Le Creuset and my Oven Roasted Beef Stew turned out perfect.
Robyn Spurr is a Certified Health Coach, Weight Loss Coach, Personal Trainer and founder of Chickadee Weight Loss. She helps women reach their healthy, natural weight and stay there without all the diet craziness.
For more information on Weight Loss Coaching, click here.
