Kitchen Essentials

How well stocked is your kitchen? There's nothing more frustrating than getting half way through a recipe and realizing you don't have the tools/equipment to finish the recipe. To prevent future voids, we've assembled a list of must-have kitchen equipment. I realize you may not be able to afford everything on the list, however keep this list in mind when people ask you what you gifts you need for those “special” occasions (yes, I love getting kitchen items on my “special” occasions).

Pots and Pans

Your food spends a lot of time here, so quality cookware is essential. Look for heavy stainless steel, anodized aluminum or enamel-coated cast iron models that allow even heat distribution and prevent burning. Popular brands include Calphalon®,All-Clad®, Cuisinart®, Farberware® and Le Creuset®. Here are the essentials:

Utensils

Keep essential utensils close at hand. A cylindrical utensil holder or small porcelain pitcher can house frequently used spatulas, spoons and more on the countertop. The drawer and cabinet nearest the stove are other prime locations for these items:

2 sets of Measuring Spoons
2 sets of Measuring Cups
Cutting Board
Spatulas (hard rubber if you have nonstick cookware)
Soup Ladle
Kitchen Tongs
Standing Grater (4-sided)
Colander
Vegetable Peeler
Vegetable Brush
Potato Ricer or Masher
Long-Handled Fork
Wire Whisk (Hard Rubber Whisks are Available)
Baster
Can Opener
Meat Thermometer
Oven Thermometer
Timer
Corkscrew
Zester
Slotted Spoons
Wooden Spoons
High-Heat Flexible Rubber Spatulas
Citrus Juicer
Strainers
Funnel
Nutcracker
Pepper Grinder
Salad Spinner
Coffee Pot
Tea Kettle
Wooden Skewers
Ice Cream Scoop
Collapsible Vegetable Steamer
Meat Pounder

Dishware

We're going to assume that you have a plate to eat on. Here are a few other items that come in extra handy during food preparation:

Nesting Mixing Bowls (4 or more bowls)
Microwave-Safe Casserole with Lid
Rectangular Glass Baking Dishes, multiple sizes
Airtight containers for dry goods storage

Cutlery

It's a shame that knives have been labeled "unlucky" wedding gifts. Good knives are gold in the kitchen. Look for high-carbon steel and a handle that fits nicely in your hand. Popular brands include Henckels®, Wusthof® and Chicago Cutlery®. A variety of knife storage options are available, from in-drawer trays to counter blocks and magnetic wall-holders. Here are the basics:

Paring Knife
Chef's Knife
Carving Knife
Serrated Bread Knife
Serrated Tomato Knife
Sharpening Steel (from manufacturer of your brand)

Boning Knife
Kitchen Shears (great for trimming fat from meat)

Electronics

These toys and tools require a plug, so make room by the receptacles.

Heavy-Duty Blender
Food Processor
Immersion Blender
Toaster Oven
Kitchen Scale
Hand Mixer
Microwave Oven
Coffee Maker

Baking Equipment

You probably have the brownie pan ready to go. To be prepared for every birthday and holiday, make sure you have the following on hand:

Round Cake Pans (at least two)
Springform Pan (9")
Rectangular Baking Pan (13" x 9")
Square Baking Pan (9" x 9")
Loaf Pans (at least two)
Flat Baking Sheet
Baking Sheet with Rim
Glass Pie Plate
Muffin Tins (at least two)
Flour Sifter
Rolling Pin
Cooling Racks
Pastry Brush
Pastry Bag with Decorating Tips