subject: New Kitchen Equipment Suggestions [print this page] Effectively pulling off a scrumptious meal requires a plan and tough work. Proper supplies and equipment, coupled with planning and hard work, make it easier to make the perfect scrumptious meal. The cooking process is an art form and it requires special tools much in the same way as a carpenter requires particular devices to make quality creations out of wood. Sometimes cooking equipment can be fairly priced and sometimes it is excessive, falling into three distinct categories: pots and pans, utensils and miscellaneous. It is essential to distinguish between cooking equipment that is necessary to your specific needs and that which you can buy as you go further down the road to culinary success.
Cast-iron ought to be avoided if you are a inexperienced cook and you should instead get two, weighted, aluminum, large skillets (10 inch and 12 inch respectively). Additional tools on your list should consist of: pots and pans which have different functions; for example, a 16-quart pot and lid, three varied sizes of sauce pans with lids (one 3 cup size, one 1/2 quart size, and one 4 quart size) at a minimum one metal roasting pan that measures 9 x 13 (and a few more of varying sizes), a square metal 8 or 9-inch baking pan, and an insert for steaming.
A non-stick, 9 x 13 baking pan produces the best brownies and single layer cakes and a baking/cookie sheet with no sides is also an important item to have in your kitchen's selection of tools. This 9 x 13 pan will also create such classics as macaroni and cheese and scalloped potatoes. One key hint concerning non-stick bake-ware is that it should last for a longer time if it is cleaned by hand in hot soapy water.
As a way to protect the finish on your non-stick bake-ware you have to always use plastic or wooden utensils and never those made of metal. Brushes are useful for spreading butter and marinades evenly on surfaces and some other items a beginner cook should have availableinclude: measuring cups, a whisk, and both large and small wooden spoons. Whether you buy plastic or opt for wood, cutting bards are necessary cooking tools for all chefs. A good set of knives is a critical aid to food preparation and no cooking should be without one. If your budget allows for the purchase of only one knife, buy an 8-inch chef's knife, which can be utilized for the majority of chopping and slicing tasks. Additional knives, for instance a long one with a serrated edge, and a number of small paring knives with blades that are three to four inches are also needed. Knives don't stay sharp on their own and will require a blade sharpener.
Some kitchen tools to consider that might fall into the miscellaneous category include: colander, timer, metal racks, box grater, melon baller, rolling pin, ricer, vegetable peeler, along with a can opener. Several kitchen tools that are vital to food preparation are an electric mixer, food processor, and blender. By starting off with just a few essentials, you can build your cooking skills around the items you have. As you learn more about cooking and become more advanced in your abilities, you will have to have more sophisticated cooking equipment in order to produce your desired results.
