As The lady of the house, you know what you need in your kitchen, and you simply wouldn’t settle until you’ve got them all. Whether they are utensils, cutlery, pots and pans, you simply need what you need! Here’s a list of some of those essentials.
Cast Iron Skillet
A cast iron skillet, no matter how old fashioned, is a woman’s forever best friend. There are loads of benefits of using these pans. They have a heavy bottom that distributes heat evenly. They are non-stick, and spares you the stress of its layers getting scratched off. They can be used on a stove or go in the oven, and will last a lifetime! It’s like the perfect all-rounder in the kitchen.
Sauté Pan
A sauté pan with straight sides is another one of those must-haves. The ideal one’s are usually wide with a flat bottom, and made of material that will heat fast, evenly and retain its heat. Material like aluminium and copper might be ideal. Make sure you Pay attention to the handles – look for those with secure and riveted handles that are both safe and comfortable to handle.
Saucepan
Your baker life would be incomplete if you did not have a couple of saucepans in your pantry. Straight sided pans are for steaming, blanching, making sauces, curds, and creams. Their sides are tall to prevent rapid loss of moisture, and are usually as thick as the bottom. Always look for those that come with a lid. Ideally, you’d have at least two different sizes of pans to suit your cooking.
Non-stick Skillet
A non-stick skillet is one of the super essentials, especially when it comes to cooking breaded items, seafood, and eggs. Opt for a wide skillet with a ceramic coating and you will need less fat to cook these foods, and also spend less time cleaning them!
Nevertheless, a skillet with a ceramic coating is going to need some extra care. It is best not to use metals spoons and utensils on them. Also, avoid placing them in the dishwasher. Simply soak in some soapy water and clean with a soft cloth. Never use abrasives, whatsoever!
Dutch Oven
This one might have the looks of a traditional pot, but has quite a couple of sophisticated features! It has a thick bottom and sides, and comes with a lid that fits tightly to prevent any moisture or flavour from escaping. You could opt to use it without the lid for browning meat or veggies. Place it on the stove top, or in the oven if you wish. However, make sure that the knobs and handles are oven proof.
Stockpot
Cooking for large gatherings can be almost impossible without one of these! A stockpot is the king of pots and is just what you need when you want to cook in large quantities. Whether you are going to cook large batches of soup, or pasta for two families, this should be perfect. Just make sure it’s good quality and has sturdy knobs and handles.
