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With the holidays on their way soon, many people will be beefing
up kitchens to handle the increased demand for ‘fit for a king’
meals. Not being a professional Chef shouldn’t stop you from
being able to cook like one. But, you’ll need the right tools to
create those tantalizing dishes. Read on and find out the five
tools that no kitchen cook should be without.
Mixing Bowls
Make sure that you have a good, quality set of mixing bowls on
hand – the bigger the better! Many dishes need to be beaten,
blended or mixed. You’ll be glad you didn’t skimp on the mixing
bowls when you need to perform any of those tasks. Most
professional chefs prefer to use stainless steel mixing bowls.
However, there are many quality plastic sets available, like the
ones made by OXO. But be aware that plastic bowls can become
hard to clean over time, especially if used for heavy duty
sauces, and may need to be replaced.
Pre-Seasoned Cookware
Cast iron skillets, pots and pans have long been a choice of the
pros. But, cast iron cookware can be a little daunting.
Seasoning, pre-seasoning, re-seasoning, cooking the seasonings
in, oils to use, etc. to ensure your skillet is ready, is a
hassle many cooks would rather not deal with. Now you don’t have
to. You can buy cast iron cookware galore – already seasoned –
so that you have no fuss and still get the same great benefits
of those using simple cast iron. Lodge is a well known maker of
pre-seasoned cookware and offers many different types of cast
iron cookware. Be aware –soap nor dishwashers should be used for
your prized possessions.
Specialty Measuring Spoons
If you’ve ever seen one of grandma’s old recipes refer to a
pinch, smidgen or dash and have had to take a guess at the
meaning (and hope you’re right) then you absolutely must grab a
set of pinch, smidgen or dash measuring spoons. No more guessing
or testing your interpretations on your guests (as fun as that
may be). This set also makes a great conversation starter –
especially at family gatherings where elder members may take you
on a trip down memory lane.
First out Pie Spatula
What could possibly ruin the perfect homemade Dutch crumb apple
pie? Having it fall apart while you try to get that first piece
out of the pie dish. Well, here is a secret of the pros – use a
first out pie spatula. You bake the spatula in with the pie.
When the pie comes out of the oven and cools, you make the cuts
and lift that first piece out in perfect appetizing condition!
Kitchen Companion Guide
Ever wonder how long you need to steam asparagus? Not sure how
to stick a thermometer in a turkey? Never butterflied a pork
chop before? For all the weird, rarely used information you may
need, while preparing a feast, you can turn to a kitchen guide.
Look for a kitchen guide which specializes in everything and
anything you may need to know while cooking any meal in any
kitchen. For a complete guide that has gotten rave reviews,
check out the Williams-Sonoma Kitchen Companion: The A to Z
Guide to Everyday Cooking, Equipment and Ingredients.
Many of the above items may not be featured at your local retail
store, so you might want to find a local kitchen specialty store
near you or do your shopping online. But, if you enjoy the art
of cooking and want to be armed with the best tools possible,
you now have a few more to add to your arsenal which will help
you cook like the pros.
About the author:
Mike Lansing is a retired chef who spent most of his time as a
Head Chef in New Orleans after training in France. He spends his
free time cooking for family and friends, as well as serving as
a contributing editor for http://www.CookingSchools101.com which
offers information on Culinary Schools for those wishing to
enter the trade.
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