I love cooking and there is a certain comfort level I’ve gotten used to in my own kitchen. A few of these are absolute necessities but the rest are just luxuries I’ve racked up over the years. When you cook as often as I do, these little gems are as important as a collection of eyeshadow palettes are to a make-up lover!
1. Tongs
These are like having an extra set of hands! For diving into hot oil or water, flipping meat or vegetables or even lifting hot lids. (okay perhaps that’s just me)
2. Stick blender
Invest in a good one, it’ll change your life. For the smoothest soups and purèes, a stick blender always comes in handy. It’s really good for making sauces and pestos as well.
3. Vegetable peeler
Despite being particularly nifty in the kitchen, I absolutely hate peeling anything with a knife. A peeler is also great for making ribbons of vegetables which let’s face it, look very fancy.
*Tip: the cheaper the better. Don’t be fooled by the slick appearance of the stainless steel variety, the cheaper one seen here is far superior!
4. Pressure Cooker
To be honest, I could probably live without this one because it has come into my life fairly recently. It’s just so darn handy! Imagine coming home from work and wanting to cook something that requires hours of cooking? It cuts the cooking time in less than half and you don’t need to watch it! What’s not to love?
5. The Trusty Spatula
This is an important one not only for baking but for a handful of other things. Depending on the firmness, it can be used to make scrambled eggs, an omelette or even a risotto. I have five of them!
6. Measuring Cups & Spoons
I remember the days when I would measure a cup of something with an actual cup. A tea, or coffee cup. Not hard to see why I was never very successful at baking! These are perfect for getting those measurements right every time.
7. The Microplane
This tool is normally used to grate citrus for orange, lemon and lime zests or to create perfect mounds of Parmesan cheese. However, it can also be used to grate ginger, garlic or spices such as Nutmeg or Cinnamon.
8. A Chef’s knife
Probably one of the things I use the most and have even taken it to other people’s houses because I just can’t hack it with a blunt knife. (see what I did there? *insert sarcasm*) If you’ve ever used a really good quality knife, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
Over the next few weeks I’ll be focusing on various tips & tricks in the kitchen so be sure to come back again soon!
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