| Cookware is always a rather contentious subject. I | | | | as some of the more fashionable makes like the |
| have seen chefs turn up to even the simplest of | | | | Japanese global which I find too light which makes |
| cooking jobs carrying more than it would take to | | | | chopping a lot of veg for example much harder work. |
| maintain your average oil tanker (though maybe this is | | | | If you learn how to use them properly then steel or |
| not the best use for your cookware), when all that | | | | grinding stone is a good way to keep your knives |
| was really needed was a knife and something to | | | | sharp otherwise there are a good choice of |
| sharpen it with. | | | | proprietary sharpeners that keep the knife at the right |
| So what are the real"cookware essentials", the things | | | | angle while you pull it through the sharpener. Pans also |
| that you really can't do without? Well surprisingly you | | | | need to be good quality, nothing over the top, no need |
| actually need only a very small amount of things to get | | | | to spend a fortune. Just make sure they are of a |
| you going. Probably considerably less than you have | | | | good solid construction. |
| already. | | | | This promotes good even heat distribution and helps to |
| All the cookware you actually need is a good knife, a | | | | prevent things burning. Stainless steel is a good option. |
| means of sharpening it, a chopping board and a couple | | | | A good work on the other hand should be made of |
| of pans. You may prefer a bit more cookware but | | | | thin light steel and cost very little, but always check |
| you can cook with just that. | | | | that it has a good well-fixed wooden handle. The best |
| Don't get me wrong, I'm as partial to a kitchen full of | | | | place to buy this most useful of pans is (perhaps |
| mixers, blenders, electrical appliances and assorted | | | | unsurprisingly) usually the local Chinese supermarket. A |
| useful, and otherwise, gadgets as the next person. | | | | good chopping board is another necessity though two |
| But although good quality cheap cookware ( yes it is | | | | are better than one as this helps to prevent cross |
| possible )like grinders and blenders give you a lot more | | | | contamination if you designate one for uncooked |
| scope there are plenty of things that you can cook | | | | meats/fish etc. and another for things like fruit and |
| without them, but a good knife, or three, is absolutely | | | | salads. |
| essential. | | | | No matter how much you think you will always be |
| The first and most essential piece of cookware you | | | | careful and wash them between uses this is the best |
| need is a cook's knife, that's as large as you feel | | | | single way to prevent contamination between foods. |
| comfortable with, an 8 inch knife with a blade that | | | | Mixers can be useful if you intend doing a lot of baking. |
| curves slightly to allow a rocking motion is a good start, | | | | But unless you make bread on a regular basis (always |
| then a smaller knife, about 4 inches, for cutting small | | | | a good idea), then buying a simple, good quality hand |
| vegetables and a carving knife. | | | | held mixer rather than a heavy standalone version |
| If you buy one about 10 inches long it can also double | | | | could save you a couple of hundred dollars in as well |
| as a bread knife. Although there is no point buying | | | | as a lot of space on your worktop. |
| extra knifes just to line the pockets of the large | | | | A blender is always useful for soups and the |
| kitchen equipment manufacturers. A set can actually | | | | occasional smoothie, and a grinder will give you a lot |
| be quite good value and give you more for a similar | | | | more options in your use of nuts etc. and will also |
| amount of money. But check carefully what is in the | | | | provide a constant supply of fresh coffee for the |
| set first. | | | | more manic cook. A good way to combine the |
| If you cannot find a set with what you think will be | | | | functions of all three is to buy a food processor. |
| useful to you, don't buy it. Many sets come with extras | | | | A good quality machine such as a Moulinex or Robot |
| like a case or wooden knife block but try to see past | | | | coupe will save space and allow you to buy a much |
| the free gifts. It's much better to have a few good | | | | better processor than if you bought their items |
| knives in your drawer than a fancy polished beech | | | | separately. There is an almost unending list of kitchen |
| wood block with fifteen designer knives, fourteen of | | | | equipment that you could buy (if in doubt walk into your |
| which you never use, and one that is not the right | | | | local cookery shop and ask the owner what he thinks |
| shape for your hand and gives you blisters. | | | | you need!), but make sure you get the essential good |
| I have a small, not very expensive set of French | | | | quality cookware right and it will make your cooking |
| Sabatier's that are comfortable but not as posh looking | | | | easier and more enjoyable. |