Some people consider cooking to be their passion and they enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, creating and perfecting new recipes. Others are still finding their way around the kitchen, learning to improve their skills and make easy meals. Whether you belong to the first group or the second, having the tools that make the cooking process easier would make your time in the kitchen more fun and productive. Without the right tools, cooking and baking can quickly go awry. Therefore, we have gathered 7 tools that should be in everyone’s kitchen, so hang onto your chef’s hat and let’s get right to it!
1. Measuring Spoons and Cups
Measuring ingredients is a key element in almost every recipe. Adding more or less of any ingredient can easily ruin your meal. You should always know how to measure both wet and dry ingredients by reading the steps carefully and following them. Note that there are different tools to measure wet and dry ingredients respectively. With the right measuring tools, cooking and baking becomes emphatically easier. Once you get used to it, you’ll be able to measure just by looking at your ingredients. It’s important to add the right amount needed of each ingredient, specifically when baking as this will affect the outcome. Cooking, on the other hand, allows for a little more leeway.
2. A Rice Cooker
A rice cooker is a machine that steams and cooks rice; it controls the temperature needed to cook the rice. What is very special about rice cookers, and why they need to be a part of your kitchenware, is that they give you perfectly cooked rice every time. Cooking rice requires precision and doesn’t come easy to everyone. By investing in a rice cooker, you won’t have to worry about getting it right whenever you decide to cook this side dish.
3. A Chef’s Knife
Slicing and dicing is an important part of cooking, but you cannot cut properly without a good knife. A chef’s knife is your only way to have a smooth experience if you are cutting meat or vegetables. Make sure you choose the best knife for your needs as it’s not a one-size-fits-all item. While some of the best knives may be on the pricier side, this would be an investment that you won’t regret.
4. Cutting Board
A cutting board goes hand in hand with knives and you shouldn’t use the same board for different types of food. You can get a wooden or a plastic board according to your preference and there are different sizes as well. No matter which one you will end up choosing, just make sure you properly sanitize the boards to avoid food contamination. It’s best to label your boards to have one for cutting vegetables and one for meat and poultry.
5. Mixing Bowls
A set of mixing bowls is not only for professionals or for a cook filming their cooking show. Mixing bowls are used for many things from mixing salads to baking ingredients. It’s best to buy a set of different sizes as you will surely find a use for each and every size and it will make preparing your meals much easier.
6. Non – Stick Pans
Non-stick pans are especially great for beginners who are more likely to go through some trial and error, but are useful for any kind of cook as well. Non-stick pans are easy to clean after every use. That said, do not forget to grease your pan properly before use to minimize your mistakes as much as possible and to ensure a long lifespan for your pans.
7. Baking Trays or Sheet Pans
At some point on your cooking journey, you may want to learn how to bake and enjoy making your loved ones some desserts. Every baker, experienced or beginner, will get the most out of a baking tray. You can make so many recipes when you decide it is time to bake some delicious cookies among other snacks and you can also look into non-stick sheet pans to make it easy to get started.
Whether you’re new to cooking or looking for some inspiration, having these 7 tools will help you take your skills to the next level. Creating recipe ideas or putting your own twist on old family ones will ensure you enjoy your time in the kitchen. Cooking, like anything else, needs change and requires learning and preparation. So, make sure you have all the tools you need to spruce up this hobby. The great thing about it is that you can find inspiration anywhere from trying to recreate dishes you order at your favorite restaurants or looking online for quick and easy homemade dishes. You can also ask your kids for help and encourage some family bonding. This makes cooking fun for the whole family and with the aforementioned tools, it will never feel like a dull chore again.
Photo by Jimmy Dean on Unsplash
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