Seven Essentials in Cookware

Seven things that are absolute essentials in every healthy kitchen.  Let's assume that you've already got your measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, pots and pans, a colander, whisk, a cheese grater and other normal kitchenware that you can get in a basic set anywhere.  These are seven essentials that will improve your skills in the kitchen and make it easier for your healthy culinary masterpieces to land on the table in about thirty minutes.


1.   Well-Seasoned 12" Cast Iron Skillet
      Keep it right on your stove top-- you'll use it at least twice a day.  It's as heavy as it can be but it will last a lifetime and it adds iron to your diet-- great if you tend to be slightly anemic. 

2.  Metal Spatula
     If you've been using non-stick pans coated with chemicals like Teflon, you've probably been using silicone spatulas.  At least, I hope you haven't been scraping those harsh chemicals into your food...Anyway, now that you have thrown out your non-stick skillets you can dig up that old metal spatula again. 

3.  Chef's Knife
     These babies are huge and it may seem like overkill for a few veggies, but it will increase your chopping speed and minimize your cleanup duty-- one knife does it all.

4.  Knife Sharpener
     They won't stay sharp forever and believe it or not, you are more likely to cut yourself badly with a dull knife than with a sharp one. 

5.  Large Cutting Board
     Something that will last a long time, such as bamboo or teak. Be sure to treat it with mineral oil to avoid cracks and to keep it looking beautiful for years to come.

6.  Mini Food Chopper/Processor or Blender
     Especially great for creating sauces, dressings and dips for two to four people.  Cleanup is much easier than dragging out a 12 cup food processor. 

7.  Oven Thermometer
     Good Cook makes a thermometer that is cheap and pretty accurate.  You can find one at almost any grocery store carrying the Good Cook brand.  These are especially essential if you live in an apartment and have no idea how accurate your oven is.  I had one that was off by 75 degrees!  This is more than enough to ruin a batch of cookies or burn banana bread.

I wanted to add a few other tools that aren't necessarily essentials, but are certainly nice to have. 

8.  Rice Cooker
     Such a no-brainer, I don't know why it took me so long to get one.

9.  A Hand Mixer
     If you've ever attempted to beat egg whites until they form stiff peaks without one, you know what I'm talking about.

10. Mandolin Slicer
      I didn't believe in their raw power at first, but these are awesome for the thinnest slices imaginable.  Not good for much else.

11. A 10 or 12 Cup Food Processor
      Make larger portions of your favorite sauces and dips, make creamy soups, bread dough, shred an entire head of lettuce or grate a block of cheese in minutes.  If you've got the money, make the investment-- if your mother bought one years ago and never uses it, steal it from her.

12.  A Good Cookbook
       I recommend Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything or How to Cook Everything Vegetarian  He's great at not only giving you tips on how to cook, but also how to make the recipes belong to you.

These are just a few things that will help you start making your dining room table a healthier place.  Healthy food that is actually fulfilling and satisfying is not far.