Home cooking has been on the increase in the U.S. with a recent study published in Nutrition Journal recently revealed.
If you’re one of the many who likes to cook at home, whether you have a smaller kitchen that came with your new townhome purchased among San Francisco townhouses, or an extra-spacious one that came with that sprawling detached house, you’ll have to be sure that it’s properly stocked with the essentials.
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Quality Knives
High-quality knives are a must, but you don’t have to invest in a full set. The necessities are a paring knife, a serrated bread knife and a chef’s knife which will cover pretty much anything and everything you’ll need to cut. Forged knives are the better bet over stamped knives as they’re especially high in quality and last longer.
A Cutting Board
Those knives need to have a cutting board, and you might want a couple of them as they come in all sizes, shapes and varieties. While stone or glass boards can be attractive, wood or plastic tends to be best.
You want something that is hard enough that it won’t be worn out quickly and doesn’t have grooves which can cause bacteria to build up. Bamboo wooden boards are great for cutting veggies, while plastic is ideal for cutting meats.
Cast Iron Pan
A cast iron pan is great for searing chicken breasts and cooking steaks as they conduct heat so well.
They’re not only inexpensive, but unmatched in terms of functionality, versatility and durability, used for pan-frying, baking, sautéing, searing, braising, roasting, broiling and more.
Non-Stick Pan
If you cook a lot of eggs, be sure to get a non-stick pan. Eggs really tend to stick, and these pans are easy to use and clean as the slick coating helps to prevent food from sticking. Plus, you don’t have to use as much oil, which can help make your dishes healthier too.
A Good Blender
It’s worth paying for a higher quality blender, necessary for purees, soups and more. You definitely get what you pay for when it comes to blenders (and food processors) – if you get a cheap one, it is unlikely to last long and won’t do a good job.
Mandoline
There are very few if any professional kitchens that don’t have a mandoline.
This tool comes in handy when there’s a need for speed, typically coming with various blade options with the ability to slice up veggies as thin as paper, as well as julienne them, creating those sexy cuts, and cutting potatoes into french fries.
While mandolines can be pricey, as much as $400, home cooks will find cheaper plastic varieties that will do the trick and have different blade options as well.
Meat Thermometer
Unless you’re vegan and don’t plan on cooking any meats for family or visitors, a quality meat thermometer is an important addition to your kitchen.
You’ll be able to cook meats to perfection and make sure that chicken is cooked through properly while still being juicy. Of course, it ensures that your food will be safe to eat too.
