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Kitchen EssentialsHave you ever decided to try a new recipe, cook or bake something that you haven't made for a while, then don't have the kitchen essentials that you need?
When I moved, I left everything behind, from furniture to mops. Over time, I have realized that there are various kitchen items I could use. Here are some ideas for kitchen essentials. One of the most important of all kitchen essentials is the kitchen mitt. |
Cookware
 
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So many of you may already have cookware that has been given to you to tide you over. Most kitchens have unhealthy cookware. Teflon is not healthy by any means. Pots and pans that have cuts into them, harbor bacteria that can contaminate other foods cooked in them, causing food poisoning.
Whether you are buying a gift, or needing new cookware for your first home or apartment, or seeking a few things that you might need, be sure you purchase healthy cookware. |
Skillets
 
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If you are going to use a skillet, the iron skillet is the way to go, especially if you want crispy fried chicken, fried fish, or pork chops. Personally, I use mine with a small amount of oil, brown my chicken, then put it in the oven, finish baking it at 350 degrees. I wrap up the left overs in foil, freeze them, then put the frozen pieces, back in the oven, uncovered, on 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. My chicken comes out hot and crispy all over again.
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Baking Pans
Aluminum baking pans for cakes and cookies is always something we need. I have used my deeper baking pan, lined with foil to bake chicken, ribs, pork or beef in. Of course, the foil always tears and the juices run out onto the hot pan which has resulted in those ugly grease stains that never seem to come out. I always wipe the foil with cooking oil to prevent the meat from sticking to the foil.
However, there are silicone baking sheets which, from reviews I have read, don’t last long and develop a greasy feel to them, which is something I hate.
Another option, I am going to try is parchment paper. Parchment paper is used by some bakers for cookies and cakes.
However, there are silicone baking sheets which, from reviews I have read, don’t last long and develop a greasy feel to them, which is something I hate.
Another option, I am going to try is parchment paper. Parchment paper is used by some bakers for cookies and cakes.
Cutting Board
 
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I am big on watching for meat and poultry sales. Of course, there is always extra fat to trim off. One thing I do to save money on steaks, is that I purchase a sirloin roast, and then cut that up into steaks. Face it, I am tired of pulling out a dinner plate to use for cutting up and trimming my meats.
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Chef's Choice 615 Meat Slicer is top of the line for the home as well as professional use.
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Meat Slicer |
Speaking of cutting up meat and using leftovers, sometimes I don’t have enough roast to use for soup. I may have a yen for a cheese steak sandwich or even a roast beef or ham sandwich. I hate prepackaged luncheon meats and those frozen steaks used for cheese steaks. The knife simply does not do the job of slicing my meat thin enough.
Another money saver may be to purchase cheese in a block at the butcher or grocery deli which, at times, is cheaper than the sliced cheese. I use a lot of provolone and mozzarella cheese, so I need to save a dollar whenever I can. A meat slicer is handy for slicing your own cheese.
Another money saver may be to purchase cheese in a block at the butcher or grocery deli which, at times, is cheaper than the sliced cheese. I use a lot of provolone and mozzarella cheese, so I need to save a dollar whenever I can. A meat slicer is handy for slicing your own cheese.
 
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Rotisserie |
Oh, there are times I would love to have some BBQ chicken or ribs. When a grill can’t be used, a rotisserie is the next best thing. I don’t think doing this kind of cooking is done well enough in an oven. I can get chicken that is done on the rotisserie from my local grocer, but why pay double the price of a whole chicken when I can do it at home.
Roasting Pan
When it comes to cooking the holiday dinner, there is nothing like having a roasting pan handy. Some do not like cooking a ham or roast in a slow cooker, so again, your roasting pan comes in handy. The small ones are okay for a single person who only cooks for themselves. In reality, it is best to purchase the large size roasting pan because then you don't have to worry about your ham, turkey, roast, meatloaf being too big for what you have.
You often find roasting pans with a rack that may increase the price. Personally, I think it is a waste of money. The lift handles if any end up in meat drippings and are awkward when lifting something like a turkey. The racks are so close to the bottom of the pan that they really do not do anything in regards to letting the grease drip from your meat, while keeping the meat out of the drippings.
You often find roasting pans with a rack that may increase the price. Personally, I think it is a waste of money. The lift handles if any end up in meat drippings and are awkward when lifting something like a turkey. The racks are so close to the bottom of the pan that they really do not do anything in regards to letting the grease drip from your meat, while keeping the meat out of the drippings.
Top Chef Cutlery
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Cutlery |
There is nothing like trying to cut through a roast, even slice meat, especially uncooked meat, with a knife that simply cannot do its task without a lot of struggling with the knife. I do purchase roasts that I cut down for individual meals and it is a struggle with the kitchen knives that I have. Granted they are sharp, but simply not sharp enough even though they are less than a year old. It is time to get a good set of cutlery.
You don't need to purchase an abundance of knives which will, more than likely, not be used. There are only a few essential kitchen knives that every kitchen should have. The one knife that is used frequently is a chef's knife.
After checking cutlery sets, the cutlery from Master Chef barely ranks 3 stars. The best are shown here such as cutlery set with case from Top Chef.
You don't need to purchase an abundance of knives which will, more than likely, not be used. There are only a few essential kitchen knives that every kitchen should have. The one knife that is used frequently is a chef's knife.
After checking cutlery sets, the cutlery from Master Chef barely ranks 3 stars. The best are shown here such as cutlery set with case from Top Chef.
