Maybe you’ve recently refreshed your kitchen and want to update some of your dated items, or you wish to expand your culinary prowess by trying a new recipe. Having the right inventory of cookware, tools, gadgets, and utensils in your home’s kitchen will make cooking easier and hopefully more enjoyable. But the possibilities can seem endless. With the list below and a time-honored technique, we hope to make it easier for you to relax with family, neighbors, or the occasional out-of-town guests. Take a peek at the list of essentials below for some ideas on how to stock your kitchen.
Mise en place, a French culinary phrase which means “everything in its place”, is a tried-and-true plan of action when it comes to cooking whatever is on your menu. In a nutshell, you gather all the ingredients and tools you need. Simple enough. All that is next is to put your knife skills to work, make sure everything is measured out and in its own bowl.
Food Prep Items. Getting your ingredients prepared ahead of time will require:
- Various cutting boards, including one dedicated for meats
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Small bowls for spices and/or sauces
- Grater
- Vegetable Peeler
- Colander
Utensils and Tools. You will also need the following tools to help in preparing and cooking:
- Knife set, including a chef’s knife
- Biscuit cutter
- Wooden or silicone spoon sets
- Slotted spoon
- Ladle
- Whisk
- Pizza cutter
- Tongs
- Spatulas
- Meat thermometer
- Kitchen scissors
- Rolling pin
- Stand Mixer, Hand Mixer and Immersion Blender
- Strainers
Cookware. No matter what your level of culinary expertise is, here are some items that will help:
- Frying pans
- Multiple sized pots and saucepans
- Baking sheet
- Cooling rack
- Roasting pan
- Dutch oven
- Muffin tins
- Casserole dishes
Organize. Your kitchen will feel complete when your items are organized and easy to find. That can happen in a number of ways, from maximizing counter, island or pantry space, to storage bins and racks for dried goods, like pasta, cereals, spices, et cetera. Making sure your space is not cluttered will make your cooking and food preparation much easier.
With all these tools within reach, you’re Albemarle Plantation kitchen will be set!