Cooking at Home

"One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating." ~Luciano Pavarotti and William Wright, Pavarotti, My Own Story

After a busy day at work or play, it is nice to take a break, relax and stay in. There are so many advantages to staying home and cooking your own meals:
It is usually healthier, it’s easier on the budget and often faster than eating out or ordering in. Cooking together is also a fabulous way to bond and reconnect after a day apart from family members.

To be comfortable cooking at home, you need the tools to make your job easier, faster and more pleasant. Whether or not you currently have a functional kitchen, now is the time to look at stocking your kitchen with high quality items that you can use everyday and will not have to replace for many years to come. Every cook deserves to start with functional basics: an excellent set of knives, a good set of cookware (pots and pans), a decent cutting board, and a few pieces of bakeware.

When selecting knives that are going to stand up to the test of time, you will want to find a set that is made from high carbon, forged German steel that is stain and corrosion resistant. Look for features that add to comfort and knives that are well balanced for ease of use. Quality knives can be honed at home on a regular basis to keep them sharp and will occasionally (every 2 to 5 years) have to be professionally sharpened. Ironically, if used properly, sharp knives are safer than dull ones. If you choose the right set of knives, it can last you a lifetime!

A second worthwhile investment is a fabulous set of cookware. With an excellent set of cookware, you will experience more cooking success. High quality pots and pans are more forgiving as there is less burning, sticking and uneven cooking. Look for pots and pans that have thicker bottoms for even heat distribution and where heat is conducted fully to the sides of the pans. As well, look for pieces that can be used in the oven for greater versatility and that have handles designed for comfort and do not get hot on the stovetop. Excellent quality cookware will be a larger investment at the outset but can last a lifetime, thus saving you money in the long run.

A cutting board is one of the most used items in your kitchen. You will want a cutting board that will not dull your knives (avoid glass and acrylic) and is dishwasher safe such as high-density polypropylene or bamboo. They will resist staining and unwanted bacteria. Look for special features such as non-slip edges and grooves to catch juices. Look for a cutting board that accommodates all your prep work needs.

Finally, you will want a few pieces of great bakeware. High quality stoneware is an amazing natural product that will enhance your baking skills. It draws moisture away from the surface and heats efficiently for even baking (like a pizza oven). Stoneware is burn resistant and its a breeze to clean up even the stickiest, baked on foods. Look for stoneware made from lead-free, virtually non-porous clay that can be used in the oven, microwave and freezer. Stoneware can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet all your baking needs.

This is by no means a complete list of items you will want in your kitchen, but is an great start to having a kitchen stocked the way you deserve. Additional essential tools you will need are: a good set of measuring cups and spoons, stainless steel and/or glass mixing bowls, cooling rack, spatula/scraper, flipper, hot mitts and recipes that you like and are fast and easy. Other tools you may appreciate are: food chopper, prep bowls, mandoline, serving platters and dishes.

We should look for someone to eat and drink with before looking for something to eat and drink... ~Epicurusr
Whether you are a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, having the proper tools and equipment will make the job of cooking more fun, fast and easy. And the best part comes, of course, with the eating and sharing with your partner, friends and/or family!

"Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all." ~Harriet van Horne

Michele Wilson McCune
BSc Foods and Nutrition,BEd