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.
Like any other job, you need to clearly define your objectives. Are you building a shed or a scaled down version of the Taj Majal? The same principles apply- do you plan on cooking like that often? Are you a connoisseur of pasta or just a plain "meat and potatoes" kind of cook? Believe it or not, there are tools for both extremes. The best thing you can do is buy a cookbook with recipes you like and read it. This will give you an idea of what to stock your kitchen with. Sometimes a single grinder will do multiple jobs where a mortar and pestle are just not practical.
Now that you've thought over what kind of cooking you prefer to eat, let's look at how to get the tools you're going to need. I suggest that you go to your local bookstore and buy a cook book. Every recipe will tell you what tools you will need to properly cook the dish. For the very basics you can find cooking tools in your local department store, the mall, or even in the grocery store. For bigger, more exotic purchases, I recommend the internet. There is a large selection of kitchen ware on the net and the prices are competitive when you compare quality. I wouldn't buy a coffee grinder on the internet, but a new 12 piece knife set with cherry wood handles? Absolutely!
There are however, several must haves in the specialty department. A good, solid peeler/corer is a great addition-especially if it has a rubber handle. You can use a universal peeler for veggies and yes fruit. Wooden spoons are preferred by most cooks because they do not conduct heat like their metal counterparts, or melt like the plastic spoons do. Use glass measuring cups and plastic measuring spoons. Plastic cutting boards are best and having more than a couple will ensure there is no cross contamination. A good set of knives of varying size is a great thing to have, but make sure to use the right size for the job! Have a mortar and pestle or grinder for spices. A cheese grater and cheese cutter are not the same things, so both are recommended.
Fresh is always better when cooking. Fresh spices or even freshly ground dried spices are always better than the prepackaged spices found in the spice aisle. The same can be said for fresh vegetables versus canned or even the frozen variety. Fresh, uncooked veggies and fruit cut at an interesting angle make a great and tasty garnish that everyone will appreciate. If you don't have a coffee grinder, I suggest one of those as well. Freshly ground coffee is much more aromatic and after dinner it adds a nice sense of la-tee-da to things. Two carpenters can build the same house from the same plans and both will be slightly different-don't be afraid to put your own creative twist on things.
Well now you've wowed your guests or family and it's time to clean up. I suggest you have a bottle brush on hand for any of your utensils that might have moving parts or tiny spots you can't get to with a regular dish rag. Make sure that what you are putting into the dishwasher belongs in a dishwasher- please, no rubber handled utensils, big daddy fryers or rotisserie ovens. I highly recommend installing an upright sliding shelf under cabinet space. This helps you stay more organized and will also help with the time factor-sometimes you can spend more time looking for a spatula than you will actually using it.
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! - 32406
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.
Like any other job, you need to clearly define your objectives. Are you building a shed or a scaled down version of the Taj Majal? The same principles apply- do you plan on cooking like that often? Are you a connoisseur of pasta or just a plain "meat and potatoes" kind of cook? Believe it or not, there are tools for both extremes. The best thing you can do is buy a cookbook with recipes you like and read it. This will give you an idea of what to stock your kitchen with. Sometimes a single grinder will do multiple jobs where a mortar and pestle are just not practical.
Now that you've thought over what kind of cooking you prefer to eat, let's look at how to get the tools you're going to need. I suggest that you go to your local bookstore and buy a cook book. Every recipe will tell you what tools you will need to properly cook the dish. For the very basics you can find cooking tools in your local department store, the mall, or even in the grocery store. For bigger, more exotic purchases, I recommend the internet. There is a large selection of kitchen ware on the net and the prices are competitive when you compare quality. I wouldn't buy a coffee grinder on the internet, but a new 12 piece knife set with cherry wood handles? Absolutely!
There are however, several must haves in the specialty department. A good, solid peeler/corer is a great addition-especially if it has a rubber handle. You can use a universal peeler for veggies and yes fruit. Wooden spoons are preferred by most cooks because they do not conduct heat like their metal counterparts, or melt like the plastic spoons do. Use glass measuring cups and plastic measuring spoons. Plastic cutting boards are best and having more than a couple will ensure there is no cross contamination. A good set of knives of varying size is a great thing to have, but make sure to use the right size for the job! Have a mortar and pestle or grinder for spices. A cheese grater and cheese cutter are not the same things, so both are recommended.
Fresh is always better when cooking. Fresh spices or even freshly ground dried spices are always better than the prepackaged spices found in the spice aisle. The same can be said for fresh vegetables versus canned or even the frozen variety. Fresh, uncooked veggies and fruit cut at an interesting angle make a great and tasty garnish that everyone will appreciate. If you don't have a coffee grinder, I suggest one of those as well. Freshly ground coffee is much more aromatic and after dinner it adds a nice sense of la-tee-da to things. Two carpenters can build the same house from the same plans and both will be slightly different-don't be afraid to put your own creative twist on things.
Well now you've wowed your guests or family and it's time to clean up. I suggest you have a bottle brush on hand for any of your utensils that might have moving parts or tiny spots you can't get to with a regular dish rag. Make sure that what you are putting into the dishwasher belongs in a dishwasher- please, no rubber handled utensils, big daddy fryers or rotisserie ovens. I highly recommend installing an upright sliding shelf under cabinet space. This helps you stay more organized and will also help with the time factor-sometimes you can spend more time looking for a spatula than you will actually using it.
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! - 32406
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.
