Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I quit buying sets of "pots and pans" as I realize I rarely use them all. I only use 2 sizes of sauce pans and 1 large skillet. I have a separate pan for eggs though. Lastly for everything else, I use a enameled cast iron dutch oven.
I only use bamboo or wood utensils. Metal scratches and anything else makes me think it's melting in my food so no thanks. lol
I have one chef's knife that I keep sharpened. I don't use any other sized knives so I don't buy sets of those either. I do have steak knives in the utensil drawers of course.
And I have a veggie cutting board and a meat cutting board. I am pretty pared down in what I use every day. Funny thing is that I have every gadget known to mankind but I am too lazy to get them out and wash them. So I tend to just use the above mentioned items.
Like you, I have found that a Dutch oven has become my everything pan. I honestly do use it every day. If I was limited to one item to use with the range, that would probably be it.
If we're talking about just cooking and not serving, this is all I need:
Large tongs
4" Spackle knife
Large metal spoon
2 qt. metal mixing bowl
Cutting board
Chef's knife
Boning knife
11" cast iron skillet
8 qt. pot w/lid
18X24" grill
That's my basic set up for car camping, and I've cooked quite a few meals with that set up.
* steak & bread knives
* a cutting board
* a mixing bowl or two
* a large wooden spoon, a spatula and a ladle
* a measuring cup
* a grater
* a large rectangular glass baking/roasting dish
* a frying pan/skillet
* a large colander
* a dish towel
* a saucepan and a pot
long fork so I don't get splashed with hot oil and to hold meat while cutting
lots of aprons-I must be the only sloppy cook out there
pot holders or gloves
toaster oven so I don't have to use the big oven for small dishes
microwave
my instant hot water faucet saves so much time-great for teas and head start for boiling water on stove
my garlic press is essential at this point with arthritic hands
veggie peelers
assorted casserole dishes with lids-yes I still use my pyrex
for my family these are essentials but would be luxuries to others
kitchen aid stand mixer
large food processor
small little food processor for nuts, etc
waffle iron
immersion blender
blender- mine is 39 year old and still going strong but harvest gold paint is peeling!
pie pans
assorted sizes of cutting boards
cookie sheets and rimmed sheet pans
potato masher
electric can opener
I found a new item this week, that I am adding to my own essentials. My mother had her lettuce stored in one. It had been 10 days, and it still looked perfect. The reviews are very good:
I wish I had one this past summer when berries were in season.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
