In a previous blog, we talked about the “Three Good Knives ” that every beginning cook should acquire. Now let’s turn our attention to the various utensils (otherwise known as tools and gadgets) that you need to buy.
There are hundreds of these on the market, most of which you can do without. Over time, like all cooks, you will undoubtedly acquire many, many useless gadgets and utensils that take up space in the cupboard, and rarely if ever get used.
There are, however, seven “essential utensils” (don’t say that too fast) that you need to buy. When you have these, you will have everything you need to startcooking.
The photo below shows you all seven. We’ll discuss them starting with the glass measuring cup at the top of the photo, and move anti-clockwise.
1. One 16ounce (or 2 cup) glass measuring-cup. This is for measuring liquids, and can also be used as a container for mixing ingredients (such as Jello, scrambled eggs, instant pudding mix, salad dressing, and so on .)
2. One set of dry measuring-cups. These are usually made of tin or plastic and there are 4 cups to the set – 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, ½ cup and 1 cup. You will need these for measuring things like rice, popcorn, flour, sugar, etc.
3. One set of measuring spoons. There are four spoons to the set – ¼ teaspoon, ½ teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, 1 Tablespoon. These spoons are used to measure salt, pepper, spices, etc.
4. One heat-resistant silicone spatula. This multi-purpose tool can be used to mix everything hot or cold. They come in really great colors!
5. One pancake-type spatula. A great tool! It’s used to flip burgers, eggs, pancakes, chicken breasts, and such things. It’s also good for serving food.
6. Tongs. Think of them as asbestos fingers. They are used not only to prepare foods, but also for serving. I also like to use the long tongs to reach for something high in the cupboard when I don’t feel like getting out the step stool, or for reaching up for the window shade when it flips to the very top of the window.
7. A can opener. Of course!
That’s it!
So, everyone, chime in. Does anyone want to nominate one or two additional “essential utensils?”
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Jon Sacker said:
My initial reaction is that the essential 7 depends on where you are. In the UK the measuring cups are not essential, but a set of scales are. British recipes use weights not volume.
Others I might nominate are:
grater – either a cheap 4 side grater, or if you have more money the fabulous ones from microplane
a garlic press