Kitchen Essentials

There are some things that should be in every kitchen. I decided to make a list of pans, utensils and foods/spices that are the basics of a functioning kitchen. Whether you're going off to college or getting your first apartment, this should be helpful to anyone wanting to know what things are more important to spend money on now, and what things can wait til later.

Pans:

A good cast iron skillet.

You can get by with this one pan alone. They are worth every penny you spend on them. Cast Iron Skillets last for 50 years after purchase. (So if you find an old Iron skillet...its well worth cleaning it up and using it!) You can use Iron Skillets to fry and cook on the stove, or bake ANYTHING in the oven. From chicken and cornbread to cookies and cakes. Cast Iron Skillets distribute heat evenly and cook everything perfectly. They are naturally non-stick, so a well seasoned Iron Skillet won't need any oil on it at all to cook eggs, bake cookies or anything else you use it for. Plus it adds iron to the food you cook in it.

There are some things you have to keep in mind when using Iron Skillets. They have to be washed by hand with vinegar and salt, and then oiled. You can't use soap on them. (and this really isn't bad, they are non-stick remember?) You should also only use wooden or plastic cooking utensils in them to keep from scratching them. (This is something you should do with all your pans anyway though) For more information on Iron skillets check out this site: http://whatscookingamerica.net/Information/CastIronPans.htm

And here are some good recipe suggestions.

Some Other useful pans:

Soup/sauce pan (steel is ok for these, but again anything cast iron will be better)

Baking sheet (But you can double a cast iron skillet for this)

Casserole Pan


Utensils:

Wooden Cooking spoons, spatula and a pasta rake/fork. You can usually find wooden cooking tools packaged in groups and they are relatively cheap. I actually just use some cooking chopsticks for pretty much everything. But most people in western countries aren't comfortable with them.

2 good butcher knifes. One small and one large. This is something else I would say is a good investment. These are good for cutting raw meat and raw vegetables like carrots and potatoes and even garlic and herbs. I use my butcher knife for almost everything.

Cutting board. Wooden or plastic it doesn't really matter. I would suggest getting 2, one for meat and the other for vegetables and doughs. This will cut back on raw meat contaminating your foods.

A pairing knife for skinning vegetables and other smallish cutting tasks.

Large flat and long metal spatula. These are really useful for cooking eggs, hamburgers and pretty much anything else that is flat shaped.

A wire whisk.

large, medium, small metal or plastic mixing bowls.

Some Tupperware. :)

Dishes:

2-4 Glass, Ceramic or Plastic Plates - make sure they are microwave proof.
8 Glass or Ceramic Cups (this is important because glass and ceramic can hold both hot and cold drinks)
Metal or Thick Plastic Spoons and Forks. (I actually just get by with chopsticks)
Some steak knives. You can use a spoon as a butter knife for toast.

Refrigerated foods:

Eggs / Flax Seeds (The best egg replacement)
Milk/soy milk
Butter/margarine

Cheese, soy cheese, tofu, yogurt. (all of these have protein and calcium, can be put in sandwiches or made into spreads and dips)

Fruits (Apples, bananas, and lemons keep for a pretty long time and can be used in deserts, stir fry, salad, tea, and cooking)

Green leafy vegetables (if you keep fresh spinach, lettuce, celery, artichoke, Cilantro, Kale, etc in the fridge, you'll find ways to use them and eat them more often. Its win-win. Just make sure to mix it up so you don't get bored.)

Starch Vegetables: these include potatoes, yams, corn, carrots, squashes, and pumpkins. Starch vegetables are part of the grain group of the food pyramid, so don't let these be your only source of vegetable. You need the other kinds too!

Always keep some Tomatoes, Onions and Peppers around. Maybe some olives too if you're a fan.

Dry Storage foods:

Whole Grain Flour
Sugar
Rice
Beans, Lentils, Peas (There are hundreds of kinds of beans so try out different ones)
Yeast
Dried Pasta
Baking Soda, Baking Powder
Corn Starch/Rice Flour
Oil

Spices and Herbs:

Salt, Pepper, Garlic, Oregano, Paprika, Soy Sauce, Vinegar (Balsamic or Rice is great), Ginger and Parsley

So in ending I would say if you had those basic things your kitchen would be well stocked for most cooking needs.