With so many options from pots and pans, blenders to food processors, I thought I would take some time and let you have a peek into my kitchen and see what I use on a weekly basis. Most of the items I consider to be kitchen “must haves”, a few are items that I have come to use regularly and I feel deserve a spot in your kitchen as well. You can click on any of the pictures below to take you to a description of the items I use.
Cast Iron Skillet
I use the cast iron for hash, steaks, chicken, burgers, and most everything in between. It lets me get a really good sear and then I can just throw it in the oven to finish cooking.
Dutch Oven
This is my go to pot for soup, chili, braised meat, or even deep frying.
Oven Safe Nonstick fry Pans
I received this set for Christmas and I love them. I’ve used them for eggs, omelets, chicken breast, rice-a-roni(my kids love it), and sauces. They are very easy to clean, just a little soap and water on a soft sponge and they just wipe right out.
Cutting Board
My cutting board is so old I would not know where to find it now but this is close to the one I have.
Casserole Dish
This is perfect for baked pasta for the 4 of us, au gratin recipes, roasting sausage or chicken, and hot dips for parties.
Chefs Knife
Essential, I use this every day. This is just my preference, find one that feels comfortable in your hand.
Paring Knife
Good for peeling fruit and veggies, precise cuts and anything you would not use the big knife for
Blender
I use this WAY more than I thought I would. Not only is it my daily smoothie maker, it makes sauce, turns dried chilies into chili powder in seconds, oats into oat flour, nut butters, I could go on and on. This is one of my most loved kitchen items.
Handheld Blender
I love this particular model because it comes with the small chopper attachment. I use this to puree soup, chimichurri, pesto, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs. Really anything I would use the Vitamix for but when I just need a small amount of something and so easy to clean.
Oven Safe Thermometer
If you want your meat to come out perfect every time buy one of these. There is no guesswork, just put the thermometer into the thickest past of your meat and set the temperature you want. If you do not know what temperature you need you can reference that here. Juicy chicken breast and perfect pork tenderloin will make you look like a kitchen rockstar. *Warning* after using a thermometer you may be upset when you go out to dinner and realize you could have cooked it better at home!
I want to know about your kitchen, what items can you not live without?
Great post! Is there a specific brand of cast iron skillet you recommend? Also, how do you clean them? I see that most are “pre-seasoned” (not sure what that means) so I wasn’t sure if you use soap or just water. I have been wanting to buy one but I’m not sure how to go about it! Thanks Ali!
Good question Shelley! Mine is Lodge brand, I have been using it for about 7 years now I think. Here is a link from Lodge on how to care for the pan http://www.lodgemfg.com/use-and-care/cast-iron-lets-cook I always heat the pan, add oil, and then ingredients. The more you use it the better it will be, you might need a little more oil than usual the first few times you use it. After you cook use a sponge and water, no soap, to get all the cooking bits off and then if it looks dull or not very shiny put it back in the stove to warm it a bit and wipe it with a little oil before you put it away.