There was another thread on essential BBQ tools, and that got me thinking.
What items would you really not wish to do without in your kitchen? Obvious items aside, like stove, sink etc ... I'm referring to things that as you've progressed as a cook, you've realized you absolutely need.
My list is fairly short:
Good probe thermometer. I hate guessing.
Large, stable cutting board. Anything undersized or that moves around is annoying and dangerous.
Sharp knives. I mean SHARP. Dull knives are, again, annoying and dangerous.
Cookware: my needs are pretty simple here. 2 skillets in the 12" range, one cast iron and one stainless.
One large (8 quart) heavy bottomed pot.
One heavy sauce pan. We have a le crueset 2 quart with a lid.
Medium sized Dutch oven. We have a 3.5 quart enameled cast iron Martha Stewart one.
Half sheet pans. Lots. And wire racks to fit the half sheet pans.
A good stand mixer. For years I thought this was a luxury item I didn't need. I didn't know how wrong I was. We have the Kitchenaid ultra power tilt head model.
A good food processor. Again, thought this was an item I didn't need. Again I was dead wrong. We have the Cuisinart Classic Pro 7 cup.
A good whisk. Larger is better. An all stainless one from a restaurant supply store will last forever and make life easier.
Tongs. Again, large ones from a restaurant supply store.
Wooden spoons. Lots. And at least one with a flat, spatula shape. Great for deglazing pans.
That's about it. Post your kitchen must haves.
