For those darlings who might not have all the tools in the kitchen, I’ve compiled a list of my *must haves* for you and I’ve included whether you should splurge or save! I’m gonna assume that every kitchen with a cook has the basic flour, sugar, butter, salt and pepper. Outside of those, here ya go!
- Olive Oil – Also known as evoo (extra virgin olive oil), is the HOLY GRAIL of cooking oils because it can be used for anything from cakes, chicken parmesan, sautéing veggies, marinating and making dressings. However, NOT ALL OLIVE OIL IS CREATED EQUAL! Unfortunately, there are some olive oil frauds (who knew there was such a thing?) out there because international shipping/quality standards are much looser. So, here are some brands that will get you exactly what you’re paying for! SPLURGE. California Olive Ranch, Kirkland Organic Olive Oil, or Whole Foods California 365 Olive Oil.
- Garlic – fresh and powdered. There is nothing like a fresh clove of garlic to sauté veggies with. But powdered is so versatile! I go through soooo much garlic and olive oil, it’s not even funny. If you’re going to use fresh garlic, I recommend buying a garlic press. Otherwise, you end up with garlic sticking to your knife while you’re trying to chop it. *TIP* If you want to chop your garlic and feel like a badass you can dab a little evoo on your knife blade with a paper towel. That will stop the garlic from sticking! SAVE.
- Basil – This herb can go in so many different recipes! Perfect for sauces, soups, pesto, making a herbed butter (super easy, I’ll do a post on it) and even just mixing a little with olive oil for a nice bread dipping sauce. Drool! SAVE.
- Nonstick Frying Pan – Ah, the frying pan. The most versatile of pans. You can make omelets, veggies, meats, reduce sauces, make a stir fry, etc etc. Need I say more? SPLURGE.
- Nonstick Cookie Sheet – Nonstick cookie sheets are the absolute best. I make pizza crusts on mine, roast veggies and yes, make cookies. Lots of cookies! SAVE.
- Knife Set – Say it with me, KNIVES CHANGE EVERYTHING! A knife set seriously changes the game when you’re trying to cut a potato, halve cherry tomatoes or halve a chicken breast. Now, I know knife sets can be pretty pricey, like $250+ for a good one. But I promise you they are worth it. Haven’t you ever tried to cut up a head of cauliflower and realized that you’re more terrified of chopping a finger off than eating this glorious vegetable? Been there. When you have a good sharp knife, it glides right through what you’re cutting. Plus, if you ever need to protect yourself you’ll look super intimidating holding a giant chefs knife. We live in a scary world, ya’ll. SPLURGE.
- Cast Iron 4 Quart Dutch Oven – This is amazing because it can go from the stovetop to the oven. You can brown a roast on all sides on the stovetop and then add your veggies and finish it in the oven. It’s so versatile! Roasts, soups, chili, making chicken stock etc etc. Some cast iron comes pre-seasoned, some not. Either way, avoid the dishwasher. SPLURGE.
- Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer OR Food Processor – I said either or because if you can’t afford a kitchen aid, a food processor will get the job done in many cases. With a Kitchen Aid you can make cookie doughs, cake batters, ice cream and basically any other type of sweet treat out there. A food processor can also be used for some cookie doughs and can be used for things like making mashed cauliflower, making a pie crust, grating carrots and onions. Either one will serve many uses to you! If you are a baker I’d go with the Kitchen Aid 100% and if you’re more of a cook I would recommend the Food Processor. If you’re both like me, ya gotta have both! SPLURGE or SAVE.
- Utensil Set – You can buy lots of different types of utensils. Most kitchen stores have a little set with anywhere from 2-15 pieces in the set. Convenient! Must haves for these are: spatula, whisk, tongs, slotted spoon, ladle. SAVE.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups – Yep. You will use these for everything. Especially baking. Baking is a science so you don’t want to guesstimate how much flour or baking soda to put in the cookies. I’ve seen some fails, let me tell ya! SAVE.
This was a challenging list to make! There are so many things I’d recommend.
Do you guys have all these? What are some other things you can’t live without in the kitchen?
xox Tessa
