I have enjoyed cooking for a while so I have slowly built up my kitchen making sure that I have all of the things that I need to be able to cook whatever I want, whenever I want to. I have compiled a list of things that I think are necessary and helpful and will make it easy to be a successful cook. The compiled list is composed of both cooking ‘utensils’ and foods that are good to have on hand. I would be interested in knowing what you have in your kitchen that helps you to be a better cook. I will keep adding to this list it as I delve into my cabinets:
Utensils
- Knives – I think that everyone who likes to cook should to get some good knives. Wurstof and Henkels are both well-known knives (my mother still has some from when she got married). Cutting with good knives is easier and faster
- Knife Sharpener – to keep your knives sharp
- Wooden Spoon – is great for stiring soups and mixing
- Wisk – for stirring sauces
Foods
- Breadcrumbs – Plain and Panko (Japanese breadcrumbs – for added crunch)
- Onion - can be used in many recipes and adds a lot of flavor
- Frozen Artichoke Hearts – I always have some in the freezer. I prefer the frozen kind to the kind that comes in a can because they have more taste.
- Canned Tomatoes – crushed or diced in liquid
- Chicken Broth - I usually have 16 ounce 2-3 cans
- Sun-dried Tomatoes -in oil. They last forever
- Pasta - 2 types, spaghetti and some other style of noodles
- Lemons – for sauces or for flavoring
Spices (Fresh is obviously best but if you can’t do fresh, here are some dried ones)
- Garlic Powder
- Dill
- Basil
- Oregano
- Salt (I have started collecting fun salts like Himalayan Pink Salt and Tea-smoked Sea Salt)
- Pepper (I have plain black and also red peppercorns that are lighter in taste)
- Parsley
I will add a codiment that I make up and keep in the frig for ease of use like on your croutons. I peel a whole head of garlic and put it in a jar with about a cup of olive oil. I microwave for about a minute, infusing the oil with garlic flaver. I store and use sparingly as it is very strong. If needed you can use just a little with olive oil to diffuse. I do chile( red pepper flakes) the same way.
Hi Carrie,
I like your food ideas in this Necessary tools section. Its very practical that these are foods that can last in the pantry, fridge or freezer yet add great flavor to meals as I don’t get to cook as often as I’s like to!