One of the most rewarding compliments anyone can receive is, "I didn't know you could cook so well." No matter the occasion or where the compliment comes from, it is always appreciated. The skills required to cook that perfect meal can be acquired through practice and a practical approach to the task at hand.
How important is it to own the right kitchen tools? Have you ever tried to build a book shelf with a butter knife? It could be done, but at what cost in time and skinned knuckles? It's far easier to have the tools you need right from the start. You will save time and a little skin by having what you need to get the job done.
The first thing you should do is; think about what kind of food you normally eat. Like any other job, if the task is one you enjoy, the work will be enjoyable. When the task is more enjoyable then the outcome will be more favorable. If you are a staunch vegetarian, maybe a BBQ set isn't for you, however nice grilled carrots might sound. Really brainstorm over the type of cooking you are predisposed towards. Don't put yourself through a meat grinder, but do a little soul searching.
If establishing what type of food you are going to cook on a regular basis is the first step, the second step would be to locate where to purchase the needed tools. There are a lot of deals to be had on the internet on specialized kitchen tools. I don't think your local, big box retailer will carry that grinder, but cutting boards and wooden spatulas are generally easier to come by there. Pasta makers, revolutionary bread makers and the next big wiz-bang can be found cheaper on the internet. Provided you don't need something in 10 minutes, shopping on the net gives you more options.
There are some basics you might want to already have on hand: I suggest a large glass measuring cup and metal measuring spoons. A solid knife set and a couple of plastic cutting boards are definitely a must. Rubber-tipped spatulas for scraping from the bowls and measuring cup and wooden spoons for pan cooking. Wooden spoons are very much recommended because they will not heat up as fast as metal spoons or melt like plastic ones. An apple peeler/corer is recommended for peeling vegetables and fruits. For fresh spices I you will need a grinder or mortar and pestle. Some food processors come with different attachments ranging from dough mixer to juicer and even a meat grinder attachment for sausage making. Unless you plan on cooking for the Waltons, there might not be a need for one of those monsters. A small processor will do and they can be found all over the internet.
Aside from what's on the box there are literally millions of things you can do with just a simple paring knife. Fresh radishes become crowns for garnishment and added roughage. With just a few twists of a peeler and you have a nice apple ribbon on the side of your homemade apple pancakes. The two main things are to think healthy and think fresh. Fresh black pepper from the pepper grinder is preferred for cooking. The same can be said for ginger root and especially garlic. A good food processor can help with a lot of this and really cut down on time spent mincing and dicing. Fresh will always be better.
Remember that cleaning up and taking care of your new tools is important too. Use a small hand scrubber or bottle brush to get into the nooks and crannies. Make sure what you are putting into the dishwasher is dishwasher safe. There has been a lot of good kitchenware ruined because of dishwashers. So make sure you know if the item you are putting into the dishwasher can handle the heat of the dry cycle and never put any electrical appliance into it. Also, a good idea for storage is to install an upright sliding shelf in some under-counter space. It will save you time and the dangers of having a "catch all" drawer full of sharp objects.
The main cooking tool is you though. Remember, your cooking skill is just that-a skill. It's acquired through practice and patience. Good luck and go cook something! - 30241
How important is it to own the right kitchen tools? Have you ever tried to build a book shelf with a butter knife? It could be done, but at what cost in time and skinned knuckles? It's far easier to have the tools you need right from the start. You will save time and a little skin by having what you need to get the job done.
The first thing you should do is; think about what kind of food you normally eat. Like any other job, if the task is one you enjoy, the work will be enjoyable. When the task is more enjoyable then the outcome will be more favorable. If you are a staunch vegetarian, maybe a BBQ set isn't for you, however nice grilled carrots might sound. Really brainstorm over the type of cooking you are predisposed towards. Don't put yourself through a meat grinder, but do a little soul searching.
If establishing what type of food you are going to cook on a regular basis is the first step, the second step would be to locate where to purchase the needed tools. There are a lot of deals to be had on the internet on specialized kitchen tools. I don't think your local, big box retailer will carry that grinder, but cutting boards and wooden spatulas are generally easier to come by there. Pasta makers, revolutionary bread makers and the next big wiz-bang can be found cheaper on the internet. Provided you don't need something in 10 minutes, shopping on the net gives you more options.
There are some basics you might want to already have on hand: I suggest a large glass measuring cup and metal measuring spoons. A solid knife set and a couple of plastic cutting boards are definitely a must. Rubber-tipped spatulas for scraping from the bowls and measuring cup and wooden spoons for pan cooking. Wooden spoons are very much recommended because they will not heat up as fast as metal spoons or melt like plastic ones. An apple peeler/corer is recommended for peeling vegetables and fruits. For fresh spices I you will need a grinder or mortar and pestle. Some food processors come with different attachments ranging from dough mixer to juicer and even a meat grinder attachment for sausage making. Unless you plan on cooking for the Waltons, there might not be a need for one of those monsters. A small processor will do and they can be found all over the internet.
Aside from what's on the box there are literally millions of things you can do with just a simple paring knife. Fresh radishes become crowns for garnishment and added roughage. With just a few twists of a peeler and you have a nice apple ribbon on the side of your homemade apple pancakes. The two main things are to think healthy and think fresh. Fresh black pepper from the pepper grinder is preferred for cooking. The same can be said for ginger root and especially garlic. A good food processor can help with a lot of this and really cut down on time spent mincing and dicing. Fresh will always be better.
Remember that cleaning up and taking care of your new tools is important too. Use a small hand scrubber or bottle brush to get into the nooks and crannies. Make sure what you are putting into the dishwasher is dishwasher safe. There has been a lot of good kitchenware ruined because of dishwashers. So make sure you know if the item you are putting into the dishwasher can handle the heat of the dry cycle and never put any electrical appliance into it. Also, a good idea for storage is to install an upright sliding shelf in some under-counter space. It will save you time and the dangers of having a "catch all" drawer full of sharp objects.
The main cooking tool is you though. Remember, your cooking skill is just that-a skill. It's acquired through practice and patience. Good luck and go cook something! - 30241
About the Author:
Zeeman Haus enjoys writing articles online on a variety of subjects. You can check out his latest website on Slicer Meat which discusses various meat slicers on the market and which one might be an option for you and your family.
