My Top 10 Kitchen Essentials

Being skilled in the kitchen is just like being skilled at any sport; you must practice and you must have the proper equipment to train adequately. The first week I joined Crossfit I bought myself a pair of Reebok Nanos and ordered a speed rope and grips for the rig. If I was going to pursue my dreams of elite athletics, I was going to have the right tools to do so. The same applies to becoming a better chef in your kitchen. Having the proper tools will expedite your learning curve. I remember as a young girl having to cream butter and sugar together using a fork while making Christmas cookies with my mom and sister. It was TEDIOUS and not nearly as efficient as using a hand mixer. I decided to compile a list of my must haves in the kitchen that have helped me grow as a chef and become much more efficient in my kitchen.

Kitchen Essential #1 : A Very Sharp Chef Knife

This is non-negotiable. Having a knife that will slice through your onions like the Indy 500 will not only save you time but also aggravation of sawing through raw veggies. Amazon has a wide selection of decent quality knives that won’t break the bank. If you have the means, I would pony up for a high quality chef knife. You’ll be amazed at what it is actually like to prep your food with a real knife! Be careful! Speed does kill, or at least will cut your fingers while doing all that sous chef work.

Kitchen Essential #2: A Sharpening Stone

Now that you have that amazing knife, it will need to be sharpened every so often and a wet stone is the must have here. Again, they range in price and can be found on Amazon. I got mine for $11. Money well spent to keep a swift knife during prep time!

Kitchen Essential #3 : A Bamboo Cutting Board

I. Hate. Plastic. Wait let me reiterate that. I LOATH plastic anything, especially in the kitchen. Plastic cutting boards are a breeding ground for bacteria and are aesthetically just tacky. Bamboo boards are non porous and easily washed and dried. Everytime I’m at Marshalls, Ross or TJ Maxx I scope the housewares for more bamboo boards. Generally you can get a multipack there anywhere from $9-$20. The only caveat is that these CANNOT, I repeat CANNOT go in the dishwasher. Hand wash only or else they will be ruined!

Kitchen Essential #4 : A Cotton Apron

Let’s face it, cooking can get messy and fast. I’ve ruined too many garments to make the mistake of not wearing an apron ever again. Besides being protective, aprons can be functional as well. All of mine have pockets that I conveniently stash my cooking towel (spoiler kitchen essential 5), phone, tasting spoon or whatever I need close by while orchestrating a meal. Besides, aprons come in a million styles and prints. It’s just another fun way to add excitement to your kitchen!

Kitchen Essential #5 : Cooking Towels

Another must have while in the heat of creating your masterpiece. Great to wipe off your hands, spills on the countertop or whatever other reason you deem fit. This will save your nice kitchen towels from getting ruined. I like tea towels or cotton towels best.

Kitchen Essential #6 : Stainless Steel Cookware

If you are just terrified of having traditional pans versus non-stick, then I would recommend a high quality ceramic set. Traditional teflon pans can wear and release the coating into your food and then right into your body. I don’t know about you but I’d much rather coat my nice Calphalon stainless pans in a nice layer of olive oil than ingest chemical grossness. The stainless steel heats evenly, even on an electric surface ensuring that the food cooks evenly throughout. Always a plus.

Kitchen Essential #7: A Cast Iron Skillet

If this is your first time visiting my blog you will quickly realize my love affair with my cast iron. Actually, I’m surprised that I didn’t put that at the top of my list! I could wax poetic about my pans all day, but bottom line cast iron typically will cook an entire meal in one pan, is super easy to clean and adds incredible flavor to whatever you’re cooking. Not all cast iron is created equally though! Make sure to do your research.

Kitchen Essential #8: Silicone Coated Spatula, Basting Brush and Tongs

Okay I know I said I HATED plastic, but it is efficient and heat proof and for that I will make an exception. These are cheap and come in all kinds of colors. More ways to add fun to your cooking experience!

Kitchen Essential #9: An Immersion Blender

An immersion blender is great for making quick sauces, smoothing out lumps in gravies and even quick whipping up mashed potatoes! Better yet it’s easy to clean and store, especially if you are limited on space in the kitchen.

Kitchen Essential #10: Baking Sheet

Baking sheets aren’t just for cookies you know! I love to roast veggies, especially during the fall and winter months. A good quality baking sheet lined with parchment paper is the perfect platform for your next spaghetti squash or sheet pan dinner. I always go for quality rather than price. Remember, you're only as skilled as your tools allow you to be!