I know when I was just starting to live on my own I had no idea what I needed to get by in the kitchen. It’s been almost four years so I have compiled a list of necessities to get you through any day to day cooking/baking/food constructions.
- Cutting Board: silicon or wooden work but it is essential. You will destroy counters, pans, plates, etc. Silicon/rubber cutting boards are easier to clean and maintain.
- Colander: drain the water! Also can be useful for cleaning fruits and veggies. Can be combined with mixing bowl to create make-shift salad spinner.
- Mixing Bowl: you know for mixing and combining
- Chef’s knife: I would recommend 4 – 6 inch blade. Not so big that you feel unsafe wielding it but big enough to not have to put all your strength into dicing an onion.
- Saucepan (2 quarts) with lid: for boiling and simmering. You do need a lid. Don’t make my mistakes
You can live forever on fresh salsa and chips - 10 inch frying pan: ideally it will also be oven safe. I don’t know what I would do without my copper pan
- Sheet pan: sizable enough to make at least 12 cookies.
- Wooden Spoon: for stirring and mixing. Also won’t scratch Teflon and can stop water from boiling over.
- Slotted Spatula/turner: for flipping
- Tongs: catch all tool for cooking and serving (don’t underestimate)
Pretend adult here 