There’s no doubt that having the right tools for the job makes any task easier, and there’s no better place to illustrate this than in the kitchen, where having the right cooking utensils can be the difference between creating good meals and great meals.
Many cooks think about major appliances such as the stove and refrigerator when planning to equip their kitchens, but to be a success in the kitchen, you need to have a good selection of cooking utensils in addition to the bigger items. And don’t forget, cooking utensils means more than just spoons; there’s a host of small cooking utensils ranging from cutting devices, juicers, graters and more.
Think about what you do in a kitchen and about how different cooking utensils come into play for each task:
• Washing and drying fresh produce – always easy to accomplish with a strainer and salad spinner. A vegetable peeler is also an important addition to your cooking utensils closet.
• Slicing, chopping and dicing all kinds of food and garnishes – a food processor makes short work of vegetables, but mandolins, knives and graters are also helpful cooking utensils to have on hand.
• Measuring – cooking and baking can be a form of art and recipes should be followed as precisely as possible so measuring dishes, cups (both wet and dry measures) and measuring spoons are invaluable cooking utensils.
• Weighing – depending on what you like to cook, you may want to add a food scale to your shopping list of cooking utensils. Such a tool can be excellent for portioning meat and other products that have cooking times affected by weight.
• Temperature – as important as measures are temperatures, which can affect the success of your kitchen endeavors. An oven or meat thermometer is key to having properly cooked meat that is safe to eat, and should be included in your pantry of cooking utensils.
• Mixing – no kitchen would be complete without a cadre of mixing bowls in its cooking utensils cupboard. Having a selection of bowls in assorted sizes is essential to fast, efficient cooking.
• Manipulating, poking, prodding, lifting and stirring – perhaps what most often comes to mind when you think of cooking utensils are implements used to move food: spoons, forks, knives, spatulas, wire whisks, pastry blenders, tongs, salad lifters, slotted spoons, wooden spoons, serving spoons and more.
By imagining the tasks you do every day in the kitchen, you will get a better idea of the cooking utensils you should consider purchasing. Think about every stage of the food preparation process, from storage and cleaning, to cooking and presenting.
Other useful cooking utensils: pastry brush, kitchen shears, rolling pin, salt shaker, pepper mill, cutting board, ramekins, flour sifter, rotary beater, ladles, juicer and a can opener. Cooking utensils come in a range of prices, quality and materials such as wood, metal, rubber and silicone. Regardless of how much you pay, always make sure any cooking utensils that have multiple pieces, fit together securely.
|
|
Kitchen Organizing Tips
Go through your kitchen and discard anything you don't use, along with any food, spices or medicines kept in the kitchen that are beyond their expiration dates. Then take everything out of your cupboards and drawers, and wash the insides with warm soapy water. Rinse, let dry and replace cupboard and drawer liners with fresh, new ones.
Store pots, pans and cooking utensils near the stove, nesting the pots and pans together to conserve space. Make sure each one you choose to keep has a matching lid. Keep your dishes and silverware near your eating area or your dishwasher to shorten meal preparation or cleanup time. Plastic storage containers should be inventoried to ensure each has a matching lid and that they are free from cracks or other damage. Store them near your refrigerator to ease meal cleanup time.
Alphabetize your spices and keep them near the stove on a spice rack or in a nearby cupboard on a revolving rack. Store food items that you use on a daily in a place you can easily grab them when needed. Organize your pantry so that similar canned goods are in the same place and can be found easily when it's time to cook meals. Make sure your children an easily reach items they use on a regular basis, and make sure items such as knives, scissors, and household chemicals are out of reach and secured in a locked cabinet. Utilize airtight food storage containers to lengthen the shelf life of your foods.
If you have small appliances on your kitchen countertop that you don't use on a regular basis, remove them and store there in a nearby cupboard or pantry. A countertop storage cabinet for those appliances that are used on a regular basis keeps them out of site and helps reduce the countertop clutter.
Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets
The kitchen cabinets are located in one of the most dirt prone areas of the home, the kitchen. Grease, food spills and splattered food result from cooking. In addition, dirty or sticky hands from both children and adults can be disastrous for your cabinetry.
Choosing Cleaning Products
Regular cleaning can help reduce the build up on cabinets and makes it easier to remove. The cleaning method you will use depends on the materials in your kitchen doors. Painted surfaces, vinyl or metal can be cleaned with detergent and warm water. Be sure to rinse well with plain water and dry with a lint free cloth.
All purpose cleaners can generally be used on these surfaces. Read the label carefully before using any product on your cabinetry. Information is included for consumers regarding surfaces where a cleaner is safe and those it can damage. To be sure, always test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area before using on the entire cabinet. Rinse and dry to remove any residue.
Sensitivity to chemicals and concern for the environment has some people concerned about using household chemicals. There are environmentally friendly alternatives right in your own kitchen. White vinegar or lemon juice can be mixed with water to clean grease from cabinets. Baking soda or club soda can be used to remove staining. Rinse with water and dry with a lint free cloth after cleaning.
Cleaning Wood Kitchen Cabinets
Spray cleaners that are made for wood furniture can be used on cabinets. Check to be sure the product you purchase is safe for your finish. Follow the directions carefully when using any cleaning product. It’s always a good idea to test a spot before using the cleaner, even if the can states that it’s good for your finish.
Some wood cleaners are flammable. This information will be included on the warning label. Don’t smoke cigarettes when using these products. Keep them away from flame or other heat sources. Pay special attention to this warning if you have a gas stove or other appliance with a pilot light. A spark could be ignited, causing a fire in the kitchen.
Cleaning wood cabinets can sometimes dull the finish. If this happens, you can restore the shine with furniture polish. Furniture wax can also be used to fix a dull finish. Some of these products will require buffing. It’s a good idea to polish wood cabinets regularly to preserve the wood and keep the shine.
Cleaning Hardware on Kitchen Cabinets
The hardware on your cabinets can get the same build up of grease and grime from foods. Remove the hardware before cleaning the cabinets. Clean the cabinets and then clean the hardware. When both have been cleaned, replace the handles on the cabinets and drawers. This will give your whole kitchen a lift.
The cleaner you should use for your hardware depends on the material. Cleaners and polishes are commercially available for every type of metal. Be sure the one you choose is suitable for your hardware. Using the wrong cleaner could damage the handles and cost you money in replacing them. Follow the directions on the label for cleaning.
|
