- Kitchen Utensils by Stradberry
Small spaces do not have to limit your cooking at all.
In New York City, apartment living has taken on its own art form. Maximizing space has inspired reality TV shows that seek to remodel a studio apartment into a luxurious, and spacious, abode. In Japan, an young architect refashioned his 300 sq. foot apartment into a Transformer. A Tiny Apartment Transforms into 24 Rooms
As I am currently going through a move myself, into a smaller space at that, I find the challenge to maximize the area I have quite interesting. As my kitchen is small (you can reach everything by making a 360), I had to make a list of the most essential kitchen utensils I would need without skimping on practicality and necessity. Here’s my list:
1. Block Knife Set – I can not tell you enough how important it is to have good knives. It makes life so much easier. You can find a good set at any store that sells kitchen utensils, but be prepared to spend at least 50 dollars for a good basic set. You can sometimes find them on sale. The blocks usually include a set of steak knives, a paring knife, two or three carving knives, a bread knife, cheese knife, and a few extras. The biggest investment you should make in the kitchen is the knives. So treat yourself well, treat the knives well, and they will last you a long time.
2. Big Pot, Small Pot – One big enough to boil pasta (3-5 quarts), the other small enough that you can boil an egg or make a side of vegetables. Teflon is a good choice, as it doesn’t scratch and it is easy to clean. The big pot should also be big enough to make those one-pot stews that can last a few days. One of the greatest meals is that which comes out of one pot.
3. Big Pan, Small Pan – One big enough to sautee, the other small enough to make an omelet. Again, Teflon is a good choice especially when it involves oil and grease. Many sauces can be made in a big pan, as well as cooking meats. Small pans are a great resource. Sometimes, you just want to make something for yourself.
4. Microwave – Thank you technology. Microwaves not only bring leftovers back to life, but can melt butter in seconds and defrost anything frozen. They can pop popcorn and even make smores. One of the most versatile additions to a kitchen, I’m surprised its not a standard built-in unit in every apartment.
5. Cutting Board – If you cook, you need something to chop on. Cutting boards give you freedom to use as much force as possible without worrying about damaging a dish or counter-top. They are also useful in transporting food from table to counter to stove to oven to anywhere in between. Chop and swipe it in. So easy. A hard cutting board is ideal, but I’ve also invested in cutting sheets. They can be cleaned and laid flat or rolled up so it can fit in any cabinet space.
6. Silverware (Big Spoons, Small Spoons, Big Forks, Small Forks, Knives) - No, you do not need silverware to serve 12 people. But I’ve seen too many kitchens that only have one fork, maybe two spoons, and a wild assortment of butter knives. Can we please make life easy and get service for four? And keep them organized? It isn’t that hard.
7. Colander – Straining pasta, washing rice, draining vegetables and fruit, transporting food, use as a wastebasket for scraps. You name it, colanders can do it. It is a necessary item to have even if you aren’t a hard-core cook. Again, this is all about making your life easier.
8. Baking Sheet – You need something to put in the oven if your making a steak, broiling hamburgers, or roasting vegetables. Get a big one. I’ve split a big one before: one side roasting potatoes, the other roasting chicken. It can be done. Check the dimensions of your oven first. Some baking sheets or either too wide or too long. Save yourself the trouble and measure before buying one.
9. Ladle/Spatula/Slotted Ladle – You need something to flip, drain, and stir. You can even do away with the regular ladle and just have the spatula and the slotted ladle. But why not have two. One for sauces and soups, the other for vegetables or anything else in water. Though big spoons from your silverware drawer can substitute if you are in dire need, the spatula is one of those utensils that, when you don’t have it, everything turns into a mess. Get one.
10. Dishtowel. Cleaning up spills, drying dishes, drying your hands, holding hot pots and pans. Washable. Instead of wasting tons of money on paper towels (while killing the environment, yes), invest in some dishtowels. They come in stacks of who-knows-how-many, and they are indispensable. Ever wonder why chefs have a dishtowel tied to their apron? Because they wouldn’t know what to do without it.
And that’s the basic kitchen for you. With a little creativity and planning, wonders can be made in it just as easily as a five-star hotel restaurant. And without all the fuss.
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