| If you are just learning to cook, or are moving | | | | soups and stews. High quality cookware is typically |
| into your first place, you probably don't have | | | | stainless steel, with variations of core thickness |
| much in the way of cookware and kitchen tools. | | | | and layers of stainless. These variations are what |
| And you may not even know what basic tools | | | | the manufacturers use to differentiate their |
| you need. Here is what I recommend to begin | | | | product from other similar pieces of cookware. |
| your journey from beginning cook to gourmet | | | | Study the differences and consider how they |
| chef. | | | | match the way you cook and what type of |
| Cutting Board: This is a very basic tool, but | | | | cooking you do. Some work better for slow |
| provides a number of essential functions. We all | | | | cooking, like stews, while others are better suited |
| know that using a cutting board saves our | | | | to quick cooking methods, like boiling water for |
| counter tops, but when used properly, it also can | | | | pasta. |
| reduce knife injuries. Butcher block has been the | | | | Saute pan. This may be the cooking pan you use |
| traditional favorite; however, concerns about | | | | the most. Versatility makes them essential in the |
| bacteria getting into the wood grain have | | | | kitchen. Use a saute pan for stir fries, frying |
| encouraged switching to other materials. Plastic | | | | chicken, making grilled cheese or hamburgers, |
| cutting boards are inexpensive, easy to clean and | | | | sauteing a fish filet, or flipping an omelet. You |
| can molded with antibacterial agents in the plastic. | | | | should get one without a wooden handle and |
| Other popular materials for cutting boards are | | | | check that they are oven proof. Then they can |
| glass, bamboo and corian. Start with at least two | | | | do double duty on your stove top or in your |
| large cutting boards - one for vegetables and fruit | | | | oven. If your budget allows, consider getting a |
| and a separate one for meat products. Using two | | | | smaller size for omelets and vegetables and a |
| cutting boards like this will reduce the risk of cross | | | | larger size for stir fries and multiple pieces of |
| contamination from raw meat. | | | | meat. To properly use a saute pan, you will need |
| Good Quality Knives: You really can't cook or chop | | | | to avoid overcrowding the food, so do consider |
| anything properly without a good knife. | | | | those larger sizes if your budget allows. |
| Inexpensive knives will last only a short time and | | | | Roasting Pan. These are perfect for preparing |
| can never be as sharp as fine cutlery. Not only | | | | things in the oven. From a beef roast to a |
| does a good, sharp knife help you prepare food | | | | roasted chicken to roasted vegetables, a roasted |
| efficiently but it also makes cutting and chopping | | | | pan can help you cook your favorite dishes in the |
| safer. A dull knife can slip and cut your finger | | | | oven. |
| very easily. These are investment pieces, and | | | | Some people put off purchasing a good quality |
| they can be expensive, so do your research | | | | roasting pan and get by with the aluminum |
| before purchasing. Minimally, your kitchen should | | | | throwaways from the grocery store. While it will |
| have a eight or ten inch chefs knife and a paring | | | | get the job done for your Thanksgiving turkey, it |
| knife. Neither should have a serrated edge. As | | | | isn't a long term solution for someone who really |
| your cooking skills grow, you will add to your knife | | | | enjoys cooking. |
| collection. | | | | Like most things in life, quality does cost more. |
| Large Pot With a Good Fitting Top: You need a | | | | Start by purchasing a few high quality kitchen |
| pot for pretty much anything - from boiling water | | | | tools and add to your collection as your cooking |
| for pasta, to cooking vegetables, and making | | | | skills grow. |