Cooking Supply Basics

Cooking Pots and Pans

Quality cookware is a great kitchen investment. Add more specialty gear as needs arise or you find yourself limited with your current collection. For those with overflowing cupboards, get rid of pans you don't use and get back to the basics! The following four pans alone can help cooks enjoy omelets, sautéed foods, soups, stews, steamed vegetables, and all kinds of baked meals:

• Frying pan
• Saucepan
• Stockpot
• Dutch oven

Cooking Utensils

A collection of well chosen utensils is of great help in the kitchen. Choosing utensils that are multi-purpose rather than ultra-specific offer you more for the money. A large, rubber tipped spoon, for example, can function as a stirring and serving spoon for big meals, as well as a spatula for scraping sides of mixing bowls.

These are a few of the utensils that you should include in your cooking supply basics:

• Metal or plastic spatula
• Large spoons for stirring
• Whisks in various sizes
• Soup ladle

Knives

Cooking supply basics don't have to be average in quality. In fact, if you'd like to get the most out of them, you should plan to spend accordingly. Purchase knives of the finest quality you can afford starting with just a few if you don't have the funds to buy a whole set, then add more as you can. The following knives will provide a great foundation to build your collection:

• Bread knife
• Paring knife
• Chef knife
• Utility knife
• Sharpener

Measuring Tools

Some recipes like soup and stews can be done well without measuring. For other things like baking and specialty cooking, measuring is critical. Get yourself the following measuring tools and you'll be set no matter what you're preparing.

• Measuring cups
• Clear glass or plastic cups for measuring liquid
• Measuring spoons
• A scale

Small Appliances

None of these appliances are absolutely critical for cooking at home. They are, however, great time savers and perfect for solo cooking. For some, they will prove essential.

• Toaster or toaster oven
• Microwave
• Blender or food processor
• Crock pot

Personal Cooking Supply Basics Needs

The supply lists above should be considered cooking supply basics for most kitchens. However it's only a starting place as not every cook has the same needs. A cook with a fondness for deep fried foods and chocolate desserts will use different tools than one who regularly enjoys poached eggs and apple sauce. Similarly, a chef who cooks for an entire family has different cooking supply needs than someone who only makes dinner for one or two. In considering the types of specific tools you need, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I cook for many or just a few?
• Do I prefer slow cooking to quick meals?
• Do I have an interest in a specific ethnic cuisine?
• Do I bake, make candy, or do any specialty cooking?

If you cook for a lot of people, it's likely that you need bigger cooking pots and time saving appliances like a food processor or blender. Those who appreciate slow cooking methods will enjoy crock pots and Dutch ovens. If you enjoy Chinese food regularly, you'll want a wok. Bakers need specific cooking supplies like muffin tins, bread pans, and cookie sheets.

A great guide for choosing your cooking or baking supply needs is to go with quality over quantity. Having a few great pieces will serve you well for years to come! .