Do you enjoy cooking and creating in the kitchen? Do you see yourself as somewhat of a home chef, always up to trying new recipes and combinations? Of course, to be successful with your meals, it is helpful to have the right kind of kitchen tools, gadgets, appliances and setup.
For the last number of years I have been literally hooked on cooking programmes and have learned quite a bit. In fact the joke in our house is that my specialist subject could be UK chefs and cooking! For many years the market was dominated by male chefs however I love to see so many amazing women making a name for themselves in this high pressure environment. I think chefs Monica Galetti and Angela Hartnett are particularly wonderful. If you are interested in learning more about these and many other wonderful chefs Square Meal is a great place to start.
I’m digressing slightly however back to sharing my own knowledge, here are three ways you can update your kitchen so that it’s fit for a budding chef. The most important thing I think is to remember that you don’t need particularly fancy gadgets, think simple but effective.
Make Sure You’ve Got the Essential Small Appliances
Pic Credit: Pixabay
Small appliances are one of the best tools to have in the kitchen. They often help with food preparation, making it faster and easier for you. But with that said, it can be pretty overwhelming to look at the variety of options available in this category. Which ones are the most important to have?
If you were to make a list of the most essential small appliances worth investing in, these are the items that should be on that list:
- Food processor
- Mixer (stand and/or hand mixer)
- Electric kettle
- Bread maker
- Air fryer
Each of these will prove to be very helpful and you’ll wonder how you ever got by without them. To stock up on these items, you can check out shops such as this cook shop Hitchin.
What About Your Prep Space?
Besides having small appliances to help you cook and create, you also need adequate space. Take a look at your current kitchen layout. Do you have enough counter space to spread out and prepare meals with ease? If not, it may be time to look at reconfiguring the kitchen. For some, the answer may be as simple as adding a permanent or mobile island that gives you extra counter space. All those small appliances mentioned above shouldn’t be stored on valuable counter space; instead, they need another storage spot. Ideally, you can put them in a cupboard or a pantry.
A Spice Rack That Would Make a Chef Proud
One of the most useful tools a chef has is their selection of spices. Herbs and spices are what give dishes flavour and personality, and without them, everything will seem bland. Giving your spice collection some love will pay off in a big way. And it’s not just about the variety you have, since you want to be sure they are stored in a way that is easy to access and keeps them as fresh as possible.
Some of the most essential species and herbs to have on hand should include:
- Black peppercorns
- Turmeric
- Cumin
- Cardamom
- Garlic
- Red pepper flakes
- Bay leaves
- Oregano
- Smoked paprika
- Mustard seed
- Cinnamon
- Whole nutmeg
- Anise
- Rosemary
- Fennel
If you have each of these, you’ll be able to create just about any dish. Just be sure to stay aware of when your spices expire so they can be replaced as needed.
By using these tips and advice, you’ll be able to transform your kitchen into a space that is worthy of the home chef you are.
Note: This is a collaborative post
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