Cookware & Kitchen Essentials For Setting Up Your First Kitchen
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Welcome to the Wonderful World of Modern Cooking!
I've been cooking for as long as I can remember...
I have always enjoyed cooking, planning daily meals for my family, and shopping for the groceries, so I thought I would share some of my personal thoughts with you about how I tackle the process!
There's nothing better than a good, hot meal at the end of a long day's work...for those who work outside the home, a little pre-planning and early morning preparation will make that an easy to attain reality.
Join me as I discuss basic tools for the kitchen, as well as a few of my favorite recipes!
You will see just how easy it is to completely overcome any unwarranted fear of cooking! It's so much fun, simple, and so heart-warming to bask in the glow of family appreciation for your culinary talents.
Squid Chef (c) All Rights Reserved
I have always enjoyed cooking, planning daily meals for my family, and shopping for the groceries, so I thought I would share some of my personal thoughts with you about how I tackle the process!
There's nothing better than a good, hot meal at the end of a long day's work...for those who work outside the home, a little pre-planning and early morning preparation will make that an easy to attain reality.
Join me as I discuss basic tools for the kitchen, as well as a few of my favorite recipes!
You will see just how easy it is to completely overcome any unwarranted fear of cooking! It's so much fun, simple, and so heart-warming to bask in the glow of family appreciation for your culinary talents.
Squid Chef (c) All Rights Reserved
When It's Time to Cook
When you get hungry, and decide it's time to cook something, you will discover that the ability to prepare that meal requires some forethought!You need to not only be equipped with the proper tools, but also the knowledge of how to use them...
Of course, that's after you've gone shopping to buy the proper culinary tools!
In order to buy the proper cookware, you'll need to know what each type of pot is used for, so let's get acquainted with the different types of cookware that are necessary for daily meal preparation.
Table of Contents
- When It's Time to Cook
- Country Cooking Has Come a Long Way Since My Early Days of Culinary Training
- Boppa's Farm Was Filled With Chickens!
- The Demands of Country Living Taught Me to Make Good Use of Every Little Scrap
- Cooking Terms & What They Mean, As Recorded In The 1950's
- From Frying Pans to Pressure Cookers, Let's Learn About Cookware
- Cast Iron
- How-To Season Your Cast Iron Skillet
- Here's a Picture of One of My Favorite Little Black Beauties
- KCStargazer Has Created a MASTERPIECE About The Cast Iron Skillet!
- Use Your Skillet For All of Your Favorite Frying
- Self-Proclaimed World's Greatest Chef...
- Your Next Mainstay in the Kitchen is a Large Dutch Oven, or Stockpot
- Dutch Ovens Come in All Sizes, Shapes & Colors
- Soups, Spaghetti and More
- From Stock Pot to Crock Pot
- Cast Iron is Perfect For Slow Cooking
- When It Comes to Sauce Pans
- Sauce Pans
- Sauce Pans
- Let's Discuss Bakeware
- Cookie Sheets Are Not Created Equal!
- Chocolate Chip
- More Cookie Sheets
- A Cookie Sheet's Life is Incomplete
- Cookie Cutter Companions
- Cookie Cutters
- More Cookie Cutters
- More, More, More!
- Look What I Found
- I LOVE Trains!
- There's Still More Space For a Few More Cookie Cutters!
- Pastry Sheets Make Clean-Up a Snap
- From Cookies... to Cupcakes!
- Cupcake Accessories
- More Cupcake Pans
- Now That Dessert is Under Control, Let's Talk Casserole
- Glass or Aluminum?
- Will You Need One Cup, or Two?
- Measuring Cups
- You'll Need a Set of Measuring Spoons
- Just a Few More
- Use a Scoop to Measure Larger Increments, Like Flour, Sugar or Corn Meal
- Use a Smaller Scoop For Coffee or Tea
- A Matched Set
- You'll Need Some Accessories...
- When It's Time to Mix, You'll Need a Bowl or Two
- You Will Need Some LARGE Bowls to Prepare Holiday and Party Recipes
- Slicing, Dicing and Chopping Requires a Good, Sharp Knife
- Kitchen Help Abounds at Squidoo
- A Good Pair of Kitchen Shears is a Daily Necessity for Opening Packages and Envelopes
- Now That You Have the Essentials...
- From Connie's Kitchen
- Stop by My Football Lens for a Recipe for Cheesy Bacon Breadsticks
- My Hello Kitty Lens Has a Recipe for Yummy Kitten Chow
- Here's More Help For You To Cook Up a Great Lens of Your Own, Whatever the Topic!
- Meal Planning and Grocery Shopping
- Homemaking 101
- Guest Book
- This Lens Was Built With Tender Loving Care By A Giant Squid
...okay, so not quite THAT young! " )
I learned to cook when I was very young, which happened to be in the late 50's and early 60's... so please indulge me as I share some memories of my earliest cooking lessons while I share with you my appreciation for a high-powered kitchen.So come with me...let's get acquainted with the wonderful delights of a modern kitchen!
Country Cooking Has Come a Long Way Since My Early Days of Culinary Training
Boppa's Farm Was Filled With Chickens!
My great-grandfather raised a garden, grand-children, pigs, cows and corn...as well as a host of chickens!I learned about gardening at a very young age, as well as the rigors of harvesting, cleaning and preparing the food, and many long hours of home canning.
It was a lot of work, and I spent many hours tending to those chores... I would much rather have been playing; but the discipline has given me a deep appreciation for modern conveniences, and their ability to simplify the tasks of everyday housekeeping!
Trust me, it's much nicer to gather your eggs from the supermarket than from a smelly old chicken coop!
The Demands of Country Living Taught Me to Make Good Use of Every Little Scrap
For instance, I remember an old rusty bucket that was hanging on a tree just beyond the back porch.
After every meal, we would gather the table scraps and Boppa would carry them outside and dump them into that bucket. When it was full, he would take it down and take the food out to be fed to the pigs.
That's what's known as "slopping the hogs."
Potato peelings, egg shells, coffee grounds, leftover chicken bones... it all went into that rusty old bucket to be taken out to feed the pigs.
After every meal, we would gather the table scraps and Boppa would carry them outside and dump them into that bucket. When it was full, he would take it down and take the food out to be fed to the pigs.
That's what's known as "slopping the hogs."
Potato peelings, egg shells, coffee grounds, leftover chicken bones... it all went into that rusty old bucket to be taken out to feed the pigs.
From Frying Pans to Pressure Cookers, Let's Learn About Cookware
One of my mainstays in the kitchen is a well-seasoned iron skillet. Cast iron conducts heat evenly, and when properly cared for...will become your culinary best friend!
Cast Iron
How-To Season Your Cast Iron Skillet
An unseasoned skillet is a true culinary nightmare!
Food sticks to the surface, requiring some pretty intense effort to scrub it out!
It will become such an aggravation, you'll just want to toss that skillet out and buy a new one! Here's how you can prevent the irritation, the loss, and the lack of a useful vessel at your house!
Learn the secret to seasoning your cast iron; BEFORE you use it for the very first time!
Here's how it's done:
* Preheat your oven to 250 degrees
* Wash your new skillet in warm, sudsy water and dry thoroughly.
(new cast iron will be a light gray in color)
* Pour a small amount of cooking oil into the skillet and use a paper towel to spread the oil over the entire surface. (inside, outside, the handle, and the bottom)
* Place the skillet into the pre-heated oven for 10 - 12 hours
* Check the skillet every 2-3 hours to add an additional coat of cooking oil
Use very light coats of oil...too much oil will "puddle" and become crusty (that will cause your food to stick when you begin to use your new skillet!)
USE CAUTION!
Use a hot pad, and careful handling...even though the temperature is low, the cast iron will become extremely hot!
As the oil is absorbed into the skillet, it will begin to blacken, and the surface will begin to become smooth.
* After 10 - 12 hours, remove the skillet from the oven and allow it to cool throughly.
* To maintain your skillet:
Now that your skillet is seasoned, there's no more need for SOAP! Simply use hot water to clean your skillet to preserve the finish. After each cleaning, apply another light coat of cooking oil to maintain the smooth cooking surface.
(After I coat the skillet with vegetable oil, I heat it for just a few minutes...the heat causes the iron to completely absorb the oil)
SAFETY FIRST: Never leave a hot stove unattended!
It won't take long to discover what a little workhorse this skillet can be, and you are certain to want more than one!
Food sticks to the surface, requiring some pretty intense effort to scrub it out!
It will become such an aggravation, you'll just want to toss that skillet out and buy a new one! Here's how you can prevent the irritation, the loss, and the lack of a useful vessel at your house!
Learn the secret to seasoning your cast iron; BEFORE you use it for the very first time!
Here's how it's done:
* Preheat your oven to 250 degrees
* Wash your new skillet in warm, sudsy water and dry thoroughly.
(new cast iron will be a light gray in color)
* Pour a small amount of cooking oil into the skillet and use a paper towel to spread the oil over the entire surface. (inside, outside, the handle, and the bottom)
* Place the skillet into the pre-heated oven for 10 - 12 hours
* Check the skillet every 2-3 hours to add an additional coat of cooking oil
Use very light coats of oil...too much oil will "puddle" and become crusty (that will cause your food to stick when you begin to use your new skillet!)
USE CAUTION!
Use a hot pad, and careful handling...even though the temperature is low, the cast iron will become extremely hot!
As the oil is absorbed into the skillet, it will begin to blacken, and the surface will begin to become smooth.
* After 10 - 12 hours, remove the skillet from the oven and allow it to cool throughly.
* To maintain your skillet:
Now that your skillet is seasoned, there's no more need for SOAP! Simply use hot water to clean your skillet to preserve the finish. After each cleaning, apply another light coat of cooking oil to maintain the smooth cooking surface.
(After I coat the skillet with vegetable oil, I heat it for just a few minutes...the heat causes the iron to completely absorb the oil)
SAFETY FIRST: Never leave a hot stove unattended!
It won't take long to discover what a little workhorse this skillet can be, and you are certain to want more than one!
Here's a Picture of One of My Favorite Little Black Beauties
KCStargazer Has Created a MASTERPIECE About The Cast Iron Skillet!
Use Your Skillet For All of Your Favorite Frying
Meat, potatoes, eggs over easy...
Grilled cheese, saute vegetables, french fries, french toast...the possibilities are endless!
Mmmmm; are you getting hungry yet?
Grilled cheese, saute vegetables, french fries, french toast...the possibilities are endless!
Mmmmm; are you getting hungry yet?
Your Next Mainstay in the Kitchen is a Large Dutch Oven, or Stockpot
For best results...season the cast iron pots in the same manner as your cast iron skillet!
Dutch Ovens Come in All Sizes, Shapes & Colors
Soups, Spaghetti and More
Dutch ovens will be the pot you will call on when it's time to boil water for pasta, boil potatoes for potato salad or mashed potatoes...
Boil chicken breasts or beef cubes for soup or stew...
You can also use your dutch oven to heat chow mein, home-made vegetable soup or chili...
Boil chicken breasts or beef cubes for soup or stew...
You can also use your dutch oven to heat chow mein, home-made vegetable soup or chili...
From Stock Pot to Crock Pot
Hot and bubbly... homemade goulash
Cast Iron is Perfect For Slow Cooking
When it's time for old fashioned "soup beans" and cornbread...
it's time for a cast iron dutch oven...
Soup beans are aka... pinto beans!
it's time for a cast iron dutch oven...
Soup beans are aka... pinto beans!
When It Comes to Sauce Pans
Variety is the spice of life! I love them in a rainbow of colors, as well as a large selection of sizes!
Small pots for heating a can of soup, larger pots for simmering vegetables, or a tiny little pot for making a smooth cream sauce, pudding or gravy...
When it comes to sauce pans, the more the merrier!
Small pots for heating a can of soup, larger pots for simmering vegetables, or a tiny little pot for making a smooth cream sauce, pudding or gravy...
When it comes to sauce pans, the more the merrier!
Sauce Pans
Sauce Pans
Let's Discuss Bakeware
Cookie Sheets Are Not Created Equal!
I choose non-stick surfaces for heating breads and pastries, but when I'm ready to bake cookies, my preference is stainless steel.
It's a great heat conductor, and provides even distribution of heat...
Did I hear someone say, Chocolate Chip?
It's a great heat conductor, and provides even distribution of heat...
Did I hear someone say, Chocolate Chip?
Chocolate Chip
More Cookie Sheets
A Cookie Sheet's Life is Incomplete
Until it is coupled with your favorite cookie cutter!
There's nothing more delightful than warm cookies, fresh from the oven! If you don't have time for homemade, take a short-cut...
Simply purchase several rolls of pre-made cookie dough in your favorite flavor, press out the dough and cut with cookie cutters.
You'll enjoy the simplicity of pre-made batter, and will be the family hero when you present them with fresh cookies...still hot from the oven!
Shaped cookie cutters that match the season make the process even more fun...especially if you have little ones at your house!
There's nothing more delightful than warm cookies, fresh from the oven! If you don't have time for homemade, take a short-cut...
Simply purchase several rolls of pre-made cookie dough in your favorite flavor, press out the dough and cut with cookie cutters.
You'll enjoy the simplicity of pre-made batter, and will be the family hero when you present them with fresh cookies...still hot from the oven!
Shaped cookie cutters that match the season make the process even more fun...especially if you have little ones at your house!
Cookie Cutter Companions
Cookie Cutters
More Cookie Cutters
More, More, More!
Look What I Found
I LOVE Trains!
I MUST HAVE SOME OF THOSE COOKIE CUTTERS!
The love of trains are part of my childhood memories that have spilled over into my present!
I still love the sights and sound of a huge, puffing train engine passing through the neighborhood!
I still love the sights and sound of a huge, puffing train engine passing through the neighborhood!
There's Still More Space For a Few More Cookie Cutters!
Pastry Sheets Make Clean-Up a Snap
From Cookies... to Cupcakes!
Cupcake Accessories
More Cupcake Pans
Now That Dessert is Under Control, Let's Talk Casserole
Glass or Aluminum?
My personal preference is always glass!
Because it's a great heat conductor, I always reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees when using a glass casserole dish...
Because it's a great heat conductor, I always reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees when using a glass casserole dish...
Will You Need One Cup, or Two?
Cooking is an art that allows flexibility... a pinch of this; a dash of that...
But baking is a science that requires precise measuring in order to achieve successful breads, cakes and pastries.
I keep several different sizes of measuring cups on hand...smaller cups for everyday cooking; and larger cups for preparing holiday treats for family, friends and guests!
But baking is a science that requires precise measuring in order to achieve successful breads, cakes and pastries.
I keep several different sizes of measuring cups on hand...smaller cups for everyday cooking; and larger cups for preparing holiday treats for family, friends and guests!
Measuring Cups
You'll Need a Set of Measuring Spoons
Just a Few More
Use a Scoop to Measure Larger Increments, Like Flour, Sugar or Corn Meal
Use a Smaller Scoop For Coffee or Tea
A Matched Set
You'll Need Some Accessories...
When It's Time to Mix, You'll Need a Bowl or Two
You Will Need Some LARGE Bowls to Prepare Holiday and Party Recipes
Slicing, Dicing and Chopping Requires a Good, Sharp Knife
They come in all shapes and sizes, but the basics will include a good paring knife, a good chef's knife and a set of steak knives.
Careful! The key word is "SHARP"
Careful! The key word is "SHARP"
Kitchen Help Abounds at Squidoo
Here's More Kitchen Mastery From KCStargazer
A Good Pair of Kitchen Shears is a Daily Necessity for Opening Packages and Envelopes
Be sure to grab the kitchen shears.....NOT Mom's Sewing Scissors! There is a BIG Difference, and She Will Be Happy to Enlighten You!
Now That You Have the Essentials...
Let's Do Some Cooking
So, what's on the menu for tonight? How about some homemade chicken chow mein?Stop by my How-To lens to learn how to make it yourself! It's super easy with full color pictures and step-by-step instructions...
Of course, you'll always have the running commentary from yours truly...
It's just an integral part of my joy of living...
I hope you enjoy your new kitchen, some good home cooking!
I love to have company, and look forward to seeing you again soon!
From Connie's Kitchen
Stop by My Football Lens for a Recipe for Cheesy Bacon Breadsticks
My Hello Kitty Lens Has a Recipe for Yummy Kitten Chow
The Kids Will Love It!
Here's More Help For You To Cook Up a Great Lens of Your Own, Whatever the Topic!
Meal Planning and Grocery Shopping
A fully-equipped kitchen is one of the foundational elements to preparing a wonderful, home-cooked meal!
What's next? A taste tempting menu and the ingredients to prepare those culinary masterpieces!
Planning ahead is an essential part of bringing all these parts and pieces together to create a meal that is fit for a king.
Since both of these topics are quite weighty matters, I'll be addressing them in seperate lenses.
No, they aren't quite finished yet...you know how wordy I can be; so topics of such import require some earnest writing and prep time!
Thanks for visiting, and I'll see you again soon.
What's next? A taste tempting menu and the ingredients to prepare those culinary masterpieces!
Planning ahead is an essential part of bringing all these parts and pieces together to create a meal that is fit for a king.
Since both of these topics are quite weighty matters, I'll be addressing them in seperate lenses.
No, they aren't quite finished yet...you know how wordy I can be; so topics of such import require some earnest writing and prep time!
Thanks for visiting, and I'll see you again soon.
Homemaking 101
Guest Book
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poddys
Dec 10, 2010 @ 2:44 am | delete
- You have some wonderful resources here. It's important to know that cheap items are not worth buying more often than not. Buy decent items like saucapans, cookie sheets etc, they will last for years, not just a short time.
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waterlesscookwareguy
Sep 2, 2010 @ 10:32 am | delete
- Lots of good resources. We just got a pretty cool cookware set at waterless cookware . You may want to add it to your list.
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SudokuNut
Oct 30, 2008 @ 1:12 am | delete
- I really need to get some cast iron cookware. For some reason it just feels more like 'real cooking' when you cook with cast iron. Or maybe that's just me being weird. :)
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mulberry
Mar 6, 2008 @ 7:24 pm | delete
- I love cooking. Saw a pressure cooker on here.. I have one I inheirited and have used it a few times. Seemed so "old fashioned" but I love that thing. Great lens, if you have an interest a lens on pressure cookers and recipes would be FAB!
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Gatsby
Aug 27, 2007 @ 9:44 pm | delete
- Good cooking tips! *****
DogWhisperWithRena
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DogWhisperWoman
Aug 27, 2007 @ 2:37 pm | delete
- ***** Handy info thanks!
DogWhisperWoman
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