Cooking is an invaluable life skill that everyone should know about. Not only does it allow you to prepare delicious and healthy meals for yourself and your loved ones, but it can also be a fun and relaxing activity. In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of cooking tools and provide some creative tips and tricks to help you get the most out of them.
Cookware
In terms of cookware, start with the basics: a good-quality frying pan, saucepan and roasting tin. Then build up from there as you start to experiment with different recipes. If you’re not sure what material to choose, stainless steel is a good all-rounder as it’s durable and easy to clean. If you’re looking for something a little more specialized, consider investing in a cast iron pan. They’re great for cooking at high temperatures and can be used on the hob, in the oven or even on a barbecue.
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Knives
Knives are one of the most important possessions in the kitchen. They come in all shapes and sizes, but how you hold them is very important for precision and safety. The pinch grip is good for cutting small pieces or slicing delicate foods, while the claw grip is good for chopping tough vegetables. Experiment with different grips and find the one that works best for you.
A good starter knife is a chef’s knife, which can be used for a variety of tasks. Another good option is a paring knife, which is perfect for peeling and slicing fruit and vegetables. Here’s what you can use to sharpen your kitchen knives:
- A honing rod is a long, thin rod that helps to realign the blade of your knife.
- A sharpening stone is a flat stone that you can use to grind down the blade of your knife.
- A sharpening steel is a cylindrical steel rod that you can use to hone the edge of your knife.
Spatulas
The most common type of spatula is the rubber spatula, which is great for stirring and scraping. However, there are other types of spatulas that can be used for different purposes. For example, a metal spatula can be used for flipping pancakes or burgers. A silicone spatula can be used for stirring delicate foods like eggs or cake batter.
Metal spatulas shouldn’t be used on non-stick surfaces because they can scratch the coating – use a plastic or silicone version instead. When choosing a spatula, make sure the handle is comfortable to hold and that the blade is flexible.
Bakeware
The most common materials for bakeware are metal, glass, and ceramic. Metal is a good choice for baking because it conducts heat well and is durable. Glass also conducts heat well and it’s easy to clean. Ceramic is also easy to clean, and it’s a good choice if you’re looking for something that’s non-stick. Before you buy your bakeware, consider its purpose. For instance:
- If you’re baking a cake, you’ll need a cake pan
- If you’re making cookies, you’ll need a cookie sheet
- If you’re making muffins, you’ll need a muffin tin.
Food Processors vs Blenders vs Mixers
A food processor is a kitchen device used to perform repetitive jobs in the preparation of food. It’ll usually be an electric-powered device, although some processors are manual. A blender is a device used to create smooth, textured, and volumetric mixtures from two or more substances. They typically consist of a jug with a cylindrical blade assembly that sits at the bottom. The blades rotate at high speeds and chop up anything that falls into them.
A mixer is a kitchen appliance used for combining different ingredients, such as flour and water or milk and eggs. Mixers come in both hand-held and stand versions. Once again, decide what you need the device for, and choose the one that’s most appropriate.
Cutting Boards
Another essential thing to have in any kitchen is the cutting board. Wooden boards are classic for a reason: they’re durable and easy to clean. However, they can be quite heavy and require regular oiling to prevent them from drying out.
Plastic boards are lightweight and easy to care for, but they can dull knives more quickly than other materials. Bamboo boards are eco-friendly and gentle on knives, but they’re not as durable as other options.
Hopefully, as a beginner, you’ve been helped by this whistlestop tour of cooking tools. By doing some research and choosing wisely, you’ll be well kitted out for your future activities. You’ll then be able to prepare your food quickly and efficiently, having a sense of fun and fulfillment as a result.