In writing this blog, I’ve received questions about what I use all the time in my kitchen. So, I thought I’d share with you my must haves for cooking simple and yummy food. This is the first of many posts to help you make your own versions of my recipes. Future topics listed at the bottom of this post. If I didn’t mention something you’d like to read more about, send me a comment and I’ll be sure to add it to the list.

Essential stove top items 

• 3 non stick frying pans: 8″, 10″ and something larger
• 1 large deep dish saute pan with cover
• Cast iron skillet (with or without ridges) – mine has ridges, but does make it harder to clean
• Dutch oven (essentially a big cast iron pot) – you’ve seen my red dutch oven in the albondigas soup and chicken fricassee recipes
• 3 sizes of pots with lids
• 1 extra large soup stock size pot with lid
• Splatter cover

Essential counter top items

• Blender – a nice one that can whip up an amazing smoothie, etc. – I have a Vitamix, but a Ninja or Blendtec is just fine – or one of those really great hand blenders
• Crockpot – any size that works for your family
• Rice cooker – you’ll thank me later
• Pressure cooker – electric is my personal favorite because it’s easy for a novice to use and takes away the guess work… “is this at high pressure yet?” The capacity difference from the stove top versions shouldn’t be an issue for the average 3-5 person family.
• Food saver – I use mine only a few times per month, but it makes sure you don’t get freezer burn when you buy meats and stuff (my “not so scientific terminology”) in bulk

Next issues: Spices, cooking utensils, serving, oven pans, taking the leftovers to work for lunch, baking, preserving