Back to Basics with Kitchen Tools: “I Can’t Cook Without It”

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I am a self-confessed addict when it comes to all things cooking and dining. Cookbooks, kitchen gadgets, plates, glasses, casserole dishes, everything with the name Rachael Ray on it, pizza cutters, pans…..

I collect them all and would never consider parting with any. However, if we’re being honest, you don’t need to have multiple collections to be a great cook. In fact, you can crank out some pretty amazing meals with just a few basic kitchen items.

BlueStar Cooking is challenging chefs and passionate foodies to share their favorite “can’t cook without it” tools.  I always love a good challenge, so I sat down to mull over my options.

I approached it like this: My daughters are comparatively new cooks, so I asked myself, “What six things would you arm each of them with – IF you could only choose six?”  I took the liberty (that is just so me) to exclude a great set of pans, measuring cups and spoons, a refrigerator and a stove.

This is so much tougher than you’d think – especially for a gadget/tool junkie like myself – but below is what I’ve come up with.

My Can’t Cook Without It Kitchen Tools

These are the top six things I believe will make you a better cook.

1. A Cast Iron Skillet. Whether it’s cheeseburgers, cornbread, or fried potatoes, cast iron skillets simply cannot be beat. I have a huge, traditional iron skillet as well as a cast iron “grill pan” and swear by them. Cast Iron Skillets come with seasoning directions and care instructions. Some, these days, even come pre-seasoned – to which my grandmother would’ve said, “Well… I reckon!” Cast Iron Skillets are will make you a better cook and will make your hamburgers legendary. I’d wrestle a grizzly bear over my iron skillet and grill pan – I mean, seriously, what would he do with them anyway?
2. An Epic Knife Collection. You don’t have to spend an outrageous fortune but you do need to own a variety of really good knives. My personal “go to” knives are the Wolfgang Puck Bistro Elite 10-piece Colored Nonstick Cutlery Set (outstanding, outstanding, outstanding) and the Abundant Chef Ceramic Knives, I recommend both the Wolfgang knives (or a comparable set) and the ceramic knives because each have their own set of benefits and attributes.  Sharp, well made knives are a great necessity. Although I own a food processor, blenders, and several chopping gadgets, my favorite way to prepare food is with an appropriate knife and my wooden cutting board. It’s relaxing, I am in total control the size, and I kinda dig the noise it makes. Chop, chop, chop….
3. Rachael Ray “Turners.” There is a particular set of Rachael Ray Spatulas that make my culinary world go round.  I’m not sure what it is about them, but they are everything that is right in this world.
4. Digital Meat Thermometer. This is a deal breaker. It’s one of the smartest investments you’ll make because it makes cooking easier AND healthier. Don’t go prodding around in the meat, trying to guess whether or not it “looks done,” buy a meat thermometer and take the guessing out of it.
5. A Great Set of Cookbooks. You could argue that cookbooks aren’t really tools.. but, my list, my rules {insert maniacal, evil laughter}. Okay, power trips and kidding aside, cookbooks are a huge necessity. I have collected cookbooks for ages and frequently buy them for my daughters. Find chefs, cooks, and authors you blow you away and buy every word they have to say. A few of my personal faves are: Rachael Ray, Michael Symon, and every single gluten free cookbook I can get my mitts on. Read my Cookbook Reviews for more of my faves. Write in the margins of your cookbooks – for example, if you’d like to add more black pepper next time or cut back a little on the red pepper – leave notes for yourself and your meals will get better each time you make them.
6. Rachael Ray Bench Scrape and 3-Tier Salt Box. They’re pictured above and I’d be completely lost without either one. (notice how I combined two in one to make it under my self-imposed “six?” I am master of taking advantage of my own rules – never play Monopoly with me). The Rachael Ray Bench Scrape makes transferring chopped food to the plate or skillet a cinch and the Salt Box allows you to keep your Kosher Salt, Sea Salt, and Himalayan Salt always nearby. Trust me, it’s just too cool for its own good.

I am astounded that I narrowed it down to 6. I’m going to quit right now, because if I don’t, I will end up listing each tool and gadget I have and love dearly. Like my pot holders, oven mitts, garbage bowl, candy thermometer, Pyrex measuring cups….

See?

I’d like to thank BlueStar Cooking for this fun challenge. Check out their website – I know you’ll be as blown away as I am. I saw an Indoor Charbroiler (pictured below) that I need in my life, the sooner/the better.   This guy is just gorgeous.  He has moved to the top of my “must haves.”