Up until about three years ago, I hated cooking. I would show up on Sunday afternoon at the grocery store, throw some random things in the cart, and walk out hoping for the best. A lot has changed in the last few years, and I’ve learned quite a bit on what is needed to cook. Below is what you actually need in the kitchen (spoiler alert: It’s not a knife block).
Stovetop
Dutch Oven: I got my dutch oven a year and a half ago, and it’s totally changed my cooking game. I use it for soups, chili, crisping and then baking chicken… I could go on and on. I’ll have this for life and it’s blown my expectations on what I can make with this. I wish I had registered for this way back when I got married instead of a stupid Kitchen-aide stand mixer.
Four Quart Stock Pot: If it’s not obvious, I don’t use a full cookware set anymore in my kitchen. I have the nonstick pan, the 6 3/4 quart dutch oven, and this stock pot. I truly believe these are all you need. We make oatmeal, rice, simple syrup for C’s cocktails, and more in this pot.
Nonstick Pan: Something I’ve learned is to know that when you buy a nonstick pan it will not last you forever. It will last a while… but not forever. I currently have the IG famous Our Place Always Pan. It’s fine, but nothing special. It’s starting to lose it’s non-stickness, but that’s literally the way every nonstick pan I’ve ever come across has been. Let me know if you’ve found one that can last more than two years.
Accessories
Cutting Boards – Small, Medium, Large: I upgraded our cutting boards a few years ago to this brand. They’re fantastic and I tell everyone to get these.
Chef’s Knife: Can we all agree to stop buying knife blocks? I have an 8 inch chef’s knife I use for literally everything. Splurge on the one knife because that’s all you need. Maybe add a pairing knife later on if you really need it.
High Speed Blender: Another thing I should have added to our wedding registry was a high speed blender. Last year I got a Vitamix and, not to be dramatic, but it’s changed my life (as well as my husband’s and children’s lives). We were surviving off of a little Ninja blender that was barely hanging on. The possibilities of what to make for dinner (sauces, soups, cashew cream!) really expanded once I got one of these.
