On Kitchen Essentials

As a mother of two children and limited in time and money for preparing meals, I quickly learned the importance of using time and money-saving gadgets and appliances in my kitchen. Ask yourself, “What is the minimum requirement for each dish you regularly make because you like it. It’s a lot harder to get rid of extra things in your kitchen (we stop seeing them, then clutter builds) than simply not buying them in the first place.

Don’t Keep What You Don’t Use

The trick to not overspending on them was to only buy what I actually would use often to make my life easier, involve less standing, lessen dirty dishes, or lessen the preparation time.

Only Buy What Will Save You Time and Money

I also quickly learned that what works for others or even the chefs may or may not work for me. For example, my daughter had put an expensive set of knives on her wedding list instead of a processor, to begin with. I found that a processor used to quickly chop up my onions or other vegetables was absolutely priceless. I knew that I simply wouldn’t prepare any vegetables with my meals if I had to spend a long time chopping and preparing them.

The Starter List

So, what is the basic list of kitchen gadgets and appliances I would recommend any cook start off with who is on a limited budget? I would start with the following:

Gadgets:

• Medium Saucepan
• Large Saucepan
• Oven Proof Frying Pan
• Large Knife
• Paring Knife
• Serrated Knife
• Grater
• Peeler
• Roasting Tray
• Baking Tray
• Casserole Dish
• Spatula
• Strainer
• Ladle
• Measuring Cups for liquid and for dry ingredients
• Measuring Spoons
• Cheese Grater
• Cutting Board

Appliances:

• Hand Mixer
• Crock-Pot
• Coffee Maker
• Toaster
• Blender

As my budget expanded I added the following to save time in the kitchen:

• Juicer
• Bread Machine
• Ninja Food Processor Package
• Kitchen Aid Standalone Mixer

I found out the hard way that I would never, ever use such appliances as electric frying pans, rice cookers, or electric woks that were given to me. There was a reason they were just given to me.