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The kitchen is the hub of the home. We cook healthy meals for our families there, everyone seems to congregate there and knowing how to set up a working kitchen is essential. If you want to save time and money, then the right tools are necessary.
The design of your kitchen may or may not be able to be changed in order to be efficient. If you can, have a kitchen that will save you steps. A U-shaped kitchen is good and the galley kitchen is good also. Imagine a triangle between the stove, the sink and the refrigerator. There should be between 9 feet and 27 feet total for that triangle. There should not be anything in your walking area to have to walk around. This is the ideal, of course.
People want to help whoever is in the kitchen. It is nice to have room for more than just one person. Plenty of counter space is necessary to work efficiently and quickly. An island is good to have in a large kitchen. A galley kitchen or an island can keep visitors out of the work area but still let them visit and watch and smell the wonderful aromas that you are creating.
Every cook needs the right tools, just like anyone else who is creating something. One of the best things a cook can have is a good set of knives. High carbon steel knives are the best. They can be sharpened and will last a very long time. Store your knives properly. A magnet attached to the kitchen wall is a good storage place for knives. If you put them in a drawer or a wooden knife holder, the knives will get dull. Dull knives can be dangerous. It is important to remember to never put your knives in a dishwasher.
Four knives is all you really need. One for boning, one for paring, one for slicing and one large 10 inch chef’s knife. Learn to sharpen your knives with a sharpening steel. Keep them sharp and you won’t have as much work. There are lots of knives to choose from on the market, so invest in a top brand. Learn to use a knife correctly to prevent cuts. Bend your knuckles under when slicing and always cut away from you.
Pots and pans are another necessity in a kitchen. Invest in top quality pans, or you will just be buying more real soon. Pick up one piece at a time if need be. If you buy non-stick cook ware, do not use non-stick cooking sprays on them. Also, do not use high heat under them unless you have a liquid in the pan. Cast iron pans have always been a favorite. These pans need to be seasoned correctly in order to never stick. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any new pans you buy. Aluminum pans are okay to cook in, but never store food in them. There are many medical alerts about aluminum pans, but professional chefs assure me that it is okay to use them for cooking only. Keep your pans very clean. Aluminum pans can be cured just as cast iron pans are. Never use soap in them, or they will stick. Heat the pan first, then add cold oil and this will prevent sticking of foods. Always read the care instructions of any pans you buy and they will last you a long time. Do not use pans where the non stick surface is flaking off.
You can find great cast iron pans at fleas markets etc. In order to prepare these used pans correctly for cooking you need to wash them with soap (this one time) and then cure them with peanut oil and they will be wonderful. A nice collection would be a frying pan, a stock pot, a ‘cornbread stick’ pan, saucepans and a griddle.
Available on the market are cast iron enameled casseroles. Glass pots and pans are popular. Specialty shops have all sorts of neat kitchen gadgets and pots and pans. Depending on the kind of food you like to cook, there is almost anything you can imagine available. If you like Chinese food there is the wok (plain steel woks are best), bamboo steamers etc. If you cook pasta, you can make your own with a pasta making machine. There are coffee grinders, pastry boards (marble is best) and much more.
Appliances in the kitchen save time. Almost everyone has a microwave. A food processor and a blender are standard equipment in most every kitchen. A bread machine is great to save time. You can shop in thrift stores for old china dishes, wine glasses and stoneware. Buy wine glasses that have thin rims. Mix and match your china dishes. Wooden bowls are great to use for salads. Rub the inside of the bowl with a garlic clove and that will add to the taste of your salad. Large serving platters are great to have. Serving beverages in pretty pitchers is special.
Pretty bottles are nice to put your homemade herbal oils in. Put your herbal vinegar in these too for an extra nice touch. You can find bottles at fleas markets, of almost any shape, size and color. Some have ceramic tops that are attached and some you will have to buy corks for.
Figure out what you want and how you cook and then make your list of needed or wanted tools. Even if you buy one piece at a time, you will end up with a kitchen fit for any cook.
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