Over Winter Break, I cleaned out the kitchen & did some major reorganization. While trudging through the countless spatulas, herbs, spices - all things I use daily - I started to think about my "kitchen essentials."
I've organized a handful of lists detailing my must have tools, electrics, condiments, herbs, spices, and a few miscellaneous items that I cannot live without. In a few places I listed the product brand that I use, or other known trusted brands. I hope it's not too overwhelming, and I wonder which items we have in common! Pots & Pans:
- 7 Quart Dutch Oven (Le Creuset or Lodge)
- Large Stainless Sauté Pan (All-Clad)
- Large Stock Pot w/ strainer & steamer inserts
- Cast Iron Pan (Lodge)
- Small & Medium Stainless Sauce Pan (All-Clad)
- 3-4 good baking sheets (Chicago Metallic)
- Ceramic & Glass baking dishes (Le Creuset/Anchor)
Electrics:
- Food Processor (Magimix/Cuisinart/Kitchen Aid)
- Stand Mixer (Kitchen Aid)
- Stick Blender (Williams Sonoma/Cuisinart)
- Digital Thermometer
- Candy Thermometer
- Slow Cooker
Tools:
- Chef's Knife 8-10"
- Bread Knife
- Olive Wood Spoons (last longer & don't fray)
- Slotted Spoon
- Tongs (stainless & coated)
- Fish Spatula
- Hand Strainer
- Spatulas (all shapes colors & sizes)
- Whisks (stainless & coated)
- Pepper Mill
- Salt Pig (or other vessel to hold kosher salt)
- Large wood cutting board (so you're never tempted to put it into the dishwasher, because it won't fit!)
- Multiple dishwasher-safe & knife-safe cutting boards
- Microplane (long & wide)
- Mandolin
- Stainless colander
Condiments, Oils & Vinegars:
- Mustard: Dijon, Grainy, Yellow, Beer, Hot & Sweet
- Ketchup (organic & no corn syrup)
- Sriracha & Chili Garlic Sauce
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Grape Seed Oil (for making mayo w/ that stick blender)
- Sesame Oil
- Vinegars: Sherry, Red Wine, Rice Wine, Apple Cider & Balsamic
- Butter
- Crème Fraîche
- Tamari Soy Sauce
- Cholula Hot Sauce
- Tabasco Hot Sauce
Dried Spices:
- Kosher Salt
- Finishing Salt (like coarse black or pink salt, my fav is black truffle salt!)
- Peppercorns
- Chili Flakes
- Dried Whole Chili
- Chili Powder
- Paprika
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Herbs de Provence
- Turmeric
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Saffron (get it on the cheap from TJ's)
- Star Anise
- Rosemary
- Cardamom
- Mustard Powder
- Bay Leaves
- Toasted Sesame Seeds
- Ginger (I actually keep fresh whole ginger in the freezer and just grate it into dishes when I need it)
- Dehydrated Mushrooms
Fresh Herbs: (that I grow)
- Chervil
- Sweet Basi
- Thai Basil
- Cilantro
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Dill
- Mint (spearmint, pineapple & apple mint)
- Lemongrass
- Lemon Verbena
Misc:
- Compost Bin
- Moka Pot
- Parchment Paper
- Potato Ricer
- Pastry Brushes
- Jar Opener
- Large Glass Mixing Bowls
Phew, you made it! Any product names listed do not reflect any paid or otherwise compensated enorsement - these are just things that I use and love. We certainly have an affinity for spatulas, and all of the spices & condiments help me to cook a wide variety of cuisines. It's taken me 8 years to amass this collection, and it proves to be a popular theme for gift-givers - which is great! I love trying new things and expanding my culinary horizons. So - did I forget anything?