Welcome to the final segment in our three part series, Top Tools for Every Kitchen! Like we mentioned in Part 1, you don’t need a lot of fancy tools in your kitchen in order to create delicious meals. We’ve put together a list of tools that will come in handy to help you create a variety of different dishes. They are versatile, essential items that you will learn to rely on!
Depending on your cooking style and how you like to prepare certain items, this list may vary. There are definitely many tools that aren’t on this list, but this is a great place to start if you’re looking to invest in a few key pieces to keep you cooking!
Kitchen Essentials: Hand Tools and Utensils
Mixing spoon: There is something so grounding about the perfect wooden spoon. For many cooks, this one is personal so I won’t give you specific directions ;-). Some spoons are shaped to have a right angle so you don’t miss out on stirring right up into the edges of the pot. Genius!
Spatula: These versatile tools come in many different variations to help with all of your flipping and scraping needs. Make sure you use a plastic spatula in a metal pan!
Whisk: This tool helps to incorporate of air into whatever you’re mixing. Use it with eggs for a fluffy omelet, to make whipping cream, or emulsifying a hollandaise sauce.
Tongs: Great for easy control for grabbing and flipping, almost like an extension of your own fingers. I love my silicone tipped tongs for flipping meat that I’m browning on a pan especially for cooking items in a non-stick pan as they won’t scratch the coating! For more information on the different types of pans, click here.
Vegetable peeler: Try a Y-peeler instead of the traditional style with the blade extending out of the handle. These Y-peelers allow for better control based on the positioning of your hand.
Zester: Even though it’s main function is to make delicate citrus curls, try using it for parmesan cheese, garlic, fresh ginger, or unground spices like nutmeg.
Thermometer: Always trust your thermometer! By cutting your meat to check on it’s progress you are letting out delicious juices. Use this helpful tool to find out the right internal temperature for the type of meat you’re cooking.
Hopefully now you have a better idea of what tools you need to whip up healthy and delicious meals right in your own kitchen! For more cooking tips and inspiration, check out the latest video in my cooking series, Salmon en Papillote!
Much love and good eating,
Stephanie