Top Ten Things I Can’t Live Without in The Kitchen

These are the Top Ten Things I Can’t Live Without in The Kitchen. I use most of these on a daily basis and can’t imagine cooking without them!Truthfully, there are more than ten things I couldn’t live without in my kitchen — however, these are the most important.

Now, could I really not live without them?  Yes, of course I’d continue breathing if someone took away my cast iron skillet!  Would I be sad with out it?  Very sad!

You’ll notice none of these items are “fancy,” or “gadget-y.”  They’re all simple, strong, durable, highly functional tools.

I’m almost as passionate about my need for these items as I am about incredibly delicious food.  In my kitchen,  the magic couldn’t happen without them!

1. Cast Iron Skillet. I use this skillet at least twice a day, often more.  I make quesadillas in it, stir fries, breads, pancakes, burgers, steaks, even desserts!  Really, this list is just the tip of the ice-burg.  This pan sears and caramelizes like no other! My cast iron skillet only gets a washing if it must.  Otherwise it lives on the front right burner of my stove, slightly oiled, waiting for action at all times.

2. Kitchen Tongs. Bacon anyone?  And how else would I turn roasting vegetables, steak on the grill, or searing scallops!?

3. Glass Mixing Bowls. I think I have at least two of every size in existence.  I use these all the time for prep, mixing, marinating, and even serving!

4. Sheet Pans. These are the best! I use them for prepping, roasting, baking pizza crust, baking cookies, and the list goes on — a lot longer!

5. Wooden Spatula. I’d be hard pressed to enjoy making a stir-fry without this!  It’s the perfect deglazing tool!

6. 1 1/4-Inch Cookie Scoop. I also have a 1-inch, and a couple larger sizes. It shapes all of my cookies, meatballs, crab cakes, risotto cakes, and so on.

7. Microplane Grater-Zester. This cool tool finely grates zest, chocolate, cheese, and my favorite . . . fresh ginger!

8. Measuring Spoons. These are about as cutesy as kitchen tools get in my kitchen.  They were a Valentine’s Day gift from my husband one year, and I love them.  Since I’m recipe testing all the time, and want to make sure I give you excellent instructions, I use these all the time!

9. Chef’s Knife. It’s essential.  It’s almost never dry, I use it so often!  I’m partial to Wusthof, and I love the round, smooth handle. Try a few, so see what feels best in your hand.  It’s simply a matter of taste and most importantly, comfort. I’m short and little, so 6 or 8-inches is perfect for me.  Are you tall?  Maybe go with the 10-inch.  Just ask the folks at the store what’s best for you.

10. Paring Knife. Ditto!

Note:

As I said,  these are the Top Ten Things I Can’t Live Without in The Kitchen. I use most of these on a daily basis and can’t imagine cooking without them!  There are many more kitchen tools I love — a serrated knife and a whisk are right up there, too.  Top ten simply sounds better than top twelve! 😉