Kitchen essentials…

So many people who cook have their own opinions about what tools are invaluable in the kitchen. I don’t think it’s about gadgets, but really good quality basic pieces. I have found that living with less and learning to be creative with more is smart, practical, and resourceful. What works for one, may not work for another. Here’s what works for me:

Knives: 8” chef’s knife, serrated bread knife, a thin boning knife, 4-6 inch paring knife, good set serrated steak knives, washable kitchen scissors

Pots: I really don’t believe in non-stick. You can’t really use them at high temps as it will compromise the teflon finish. I think stainless steel (inside and out) is best. You need at least: 8” frying pan, 10-12” saute pan (with straight sides and a lid), small sauce pan, large sauce pan, dutch oven. Shop locally for what you want, what fits you best and is the right weight (if you can’t lift it, it’s not right for you). Buy the best you can afford. Shop online for the best prices as there are many suppliers out there.

Storage: Good set of stackable plastic, long-lasting containers that you can use in the dish washer, freezer, refrigerator, and microwave.

Cutting boards: have one that’s small and one that’s larger. Good to have one with a groove for catching juices. Must be able to put one in the dishwasher. I like a small plastic one, and a larger wooden one for carving meat.

Mixing bowls: 4 sizes, plastic or metal, from small to large, set of 4 Pyrex “pudding cups”

Utensils: wooden spoons (large and small), whisk, rolling pin, silicon spatulas, thin and flexible spatula, masher, grater, sieve, strainer, good sharp vegetable peeler, spreader, meat tenderizer/pounder, slotted spoon, garlic mincer, lemon reamer, ice cream scooper (the kind with a lever), sets of measuring spoons and cups, 2 and 4 cup Pyrex measuring cups, a roll of parchment paper, regular and heavy foil, good quality plastic wrap (don’t skimp on this), stainless steel scrubbies (they are effective on pots, gentile on china, and dishwasher friendly).

Salt and Pepper Grinders: It’s essential to have a pepper mill with an adjustable grinder. Also, you need a good salt grinder for sea salt. It’s also good to have a lidded pot of salt for measuring.

Appliances: small food processor (2-4 cups), strong blender with many speeds, hand mixer

Additional: 2 heavy-duty sheet pans with silicon mats, roasting pan, smaller baking pans, large cooling rack and smaller cooling rack (good for hot pots), silicon oven-mits. Grapefruit spoons are wonderful for scraping seeds and pulp from the inside of produce, adjunct refrigerator (if you’re lucky to have one).

I believe this list is fairly comprehensive. To my loyal readers, chime in and add anything to the list you see fit. Most items are multi-purpose. Be creative. You will find that you really need less than you expect, for a fully functional kitchen. I have thoughts on the edible pantry, which will come later, so stay tuned.

Image courtesy of Pinterest (from http://www.weheartit.com)

 

Kitchens for DecoFoodies…

Tags

copper pots, courtney hill, food

Can we talk? Kitchen design is a very intimate thing, if you’re a cook. Whether your budget is $100,000 or $10,000 for your remodel, DETAILS MATTER. You know your style, whether it’s sparse, slick and modern, or rustic with copper pots and baskets hanging from the ceiling, or somewhere in between. All us cooks know what we want in a kitchen (and dream about it). We obsess over details, like the location of the drain for the sink, the appearance of the front of the refrigerator, the distance from the stove to the sink, hardware, the style of the bar stools. All of these things matter (to us). To put the sink or stove on the island, big question. We discuss and draw and configure, lay out the pieces on graphs paper as if it’s a wardrobe. So, we DecoFoodies obsess over design details, but then also the practical applications of location of appliances and (OMG) storage space (or lack thereof).

So, as much as we obsess over the details of food and kitchen design, I’m here to tell you (without a 12-step program), that it’s ok. Keep dreaming of your kitchen, because one day you will pull the trigger and you will be so happy. No matter how much grief it causes you, it’s all still worth it, even if it does go out of budget and takes twice as long. Write me if I need to talk you off a ledge or encourage you to spend a little extra on the sink of your dreams.

Photo courtesy of Courtney Hill Interiors, Houston, Texas

The heart of DecoFoodie…

Tags

art of life, lovely place

I often wonder why it is that the home and food are so important to me. I think it’s that they both “feed” and nurture us (at least they do for me).

To me, design gives a house more than just a pretty picture to others. It should be a reflection of who the users are. I say users, because not all of us own our places of living. I love to travel, but I love to be home, in my bathrobe, at peace. I feel secure and comfortable where I am. There’s no view or spectacular landscape. My place feels and smells like me. It’s familiar and a respite for me when life is icky. It’s a wonderful space to entertain a few friends. I am flattered when someone feels comfortable enough to take their shoes off and put their feet on the coffee table, or plump the pillows on the sofa to fit their own bodies, as if they are in their own home. I think we all like a sense of place and belonging.

Food nurtures our souls and hearts, not just our bodies. Granted, some take it to extremes, but the passion and effort many make to eat well for health and enjoyment is amazing. On the average we spend 13% of our income and 10% of our time eating and drinking. That’s quite a lot of effort made to fuel ourselves. Of course, I certainly eat to thrive, but I also love to cook and dine. For me, it’s part of the art of life and enjoyment of living. The process of cooking, taking something and turning it into art and sustainment is so fulfilling.

They say we “eat with our eyes first”. A lovely place to eat where you feel comfortable, eating good things, and in the company of loved ones, surely must be one of the best things we can enjoy.

Mangia!

Photo courtesy of Outstanding in the Field, which, if you haven’t enjoyed one of their events, well, you just haven’t lived. Learn more HERE.

Pinterest

Tags

facebook, smart phone, twitter

I have fallen (become obsessed, really) with Pinterest.  If you don’t know what it is, it’s another social media site, which enables you to share photos that interest you.  Since we are all visual here, you will appreciate it’s ability to stimulate the ocular senses.  Nearly anything you want to see is displayed, so don’t by shy about what you search for.  You can also share your own images with the world by uploading them to the site.  Share your joy and follow “friends” through other social media sites you might be engaged in.  There are smart phone and tablet apps available, so you can carry your new-found addiction to Pinterest anywhere.

You can check it out HERE.  You can “follow me”  and “repin” what I post: decofoodie

Happy Pinning!

P.S. Please don’t hate me because this is wonderful…  Lines at the grocery store were never so fun!