My Journey into Cooking: Essential Kitchen Tools That Changed the Game
When I moved out I had a big discovery for how much I actually love to cook. My love for eating I know very well, but having my own kitchen to explore my palate was self enlightening. I also started to learn the importance of fresh ingredients, and how food could truly heal me. Cooking for myself allows me to discover my body’s needs after years of giving it the wrong things. The biggest lightbulb moment for me was finding the different tools that have allowed me to see cooking the same way I see painting. I now daydream of someday owning my home where I get to hand pick the tiles and appliances. In the meantime I have to make do with the tools available.
1. Cast Iron Skillet: A Game-Changer in the Kitchen
I saw videos of @menwiththepot cooking some of the most appealing meals in the middle of the woods using a self made fire pit and cast iron skillet, and I knew the woman who would live off grid and be self sustainable would need to have one. I have heard of the many advantages such as durability and wonders for those who eat meat. I have also heard the downsides like how heavy it is and the maintenance necessary to have one. However, after my last non stick pan started flaking its coating, I decided I wanted to try something else. I opted for a large one, since they are oven safe and I imagined myself using it for my occasional baking attempts.
What can I tell you six months into using it? I love it, but it is not for everyone. Everything that I previously mentioned should be considered. A cast iron skillet is heavy and requires a bit more maintenance compared to other options. If you are someone who is patient enough in learning how to use one, you can open up your kitchen to a whole new game. One of my new personal recipes is a homemade pizza using the skillet as the baking dish that gives us a nice thick crust with a nice little crunch.
If a cast iron skillet doesn’t sound like something you’d like in your kitchen, I would consider stainless steel pans. Once properly heated, stainless steel pans will become nonstick and deliver a great sear just like a cast iron.
2. Oil Sprayer: The Secret to Portion Control
There is nothing worse compared to when you are carefully pouring out your oil and it suddenly rushes out and suddenly you have three times the amount you needed. Since we buy a majority of our groceries in bulk, we typically have the giant jug of oil that doesn’t have the convenient pour nozzle. I was introduced to an oil sprayer in my family’s home, but this one never had a consistent flow and holds a small amount. Something I began to notice as a result of the sprayer was my parents began to use less oil. There would be times where I would question the amount of oil added to their food and the sprayer was the method to allow for portion control.
The oil sprayer I began using has a glass container that holds 16 oz of oil and has a spray feature and a pour spout. Some concerns I see online with oil sprayers are clogging, fragility, and ease of use. I’ve had mine for a few months and haven’t noticed any clogging, and don’t it happening any time soon. The spray-ability is comparable to say a can of PAM, not like other designs where it will shoot out the oil instead of misting it. While there is a glass container, it is not thin glass that will break at the slightest tap. Overall, the design of the sprayer is durable without feeling bulky or being an eyesore if left out on the table. It’s just one of those things that now that I have, I can’t imagine my kitchen without it.
3. Knife Sharpener: The Key to Efficient Cooking
When I moved into my first apartment, I opted for a cheap set of knives. I really did get what I paid for because those knives SUCKED. It’s not an exaggeration when I say they would not even cut bread. It was extremely frustrating every night beginning my dinner ritual knowing that it would take me longer than it should simply because I didn’t have a good knife. I knew instead of just replacing these, I could give them a second chance by giving them a good ol’sharpening. I bought this little knife sharpener at my local grocery store and it (kinda) saved the knives!
I eventually bought one good Santoku knife, and honestly haven’t had to use anything else. I still have my set of knives, but they are just a countertop filler more than anything. The knife sharpener has shown me that all I really need is one good knife. I think the consumerism around us makes us believe that we need a drawer of knives, but one sharp knife has always gotten the job done whether it is cutting meat or chopping veggies. Maybe as I unleash the chef inside me, I will start to learn and appreciate what you can accomplish with a cleaver.
4. Metal Cutting Board: A Sanitary Meat Prep Solution
I’m someone who is transitioning into a plastic free home, and one of the first things to go was my plastic cutting board. I replaced it with a nice bamboo cutting board but knew I needed something for cutting meat. The solution to me not spreading bacteria all over my kitchen countertops is a metal cutting board. In my search, I came across these large metal cutting boards but it was too large for my apartment (it will definitely be something I add to my Wish List though). The cutting board’s design is compact and quite heavy duty, unlike other cutting boards I’ve had that warp with time.
The metal cutting board is definitely something to get used to, but the cutting board offers me the sanitary space I need in my kitchen since wood cutting boards may harbor bacteria if used for meat. I know there are people who say that they do and nothing happens but I rather be safe than sorry. The great thing about this cutting board is it is double sided, with a plant based material on the other side. It is great to chop your vegetables on one side, and turn over and cut your meat, making it wonderful to not have another dish to wash.
The Essential Tools for a Sustainable Cooking Journey
Whether it’s a cast iron skillet, an oil sprayer, a sharp knife or knife sharpener, or a metal cutting board, these tools have become essential in my journey toward sustainable and healthy cooking. They not only enhance the cooking experience but also encourage mindful eating. As I continue to explore my love for cooking, I look forward to discovering new tools and skills to add to my culinary toolkit. For beginner cooks, these items offer a solid foundation for a rewarding and healthy cooking adventure.
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