The kitchen world is filled with exciting gadgets designed to make the task of cooking so much easier. However, it doesn’t mean you need to buy every single kitchen tool out there. In fact, it’s the most basic tools that help cook delicious meals. To help you know what precise kitchen essentials you need to start with, JCPenney has tools perfect for novice cooks as well as chefs. With these items, you’ll be able to begin your cooking journey successfully.
Knives
Over 90 per cent of your food prep will be done using knives, so invest in a nice one and take care of it. We highly recommend getting a knife block set as it includes several types of knives that serve different purposes. For example, serrated knives let you slice through bread with ease, while paring knives are great for smaller, more delicate cutting tasks. The block set will also include shears and a sharpener.
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Our tip: Every kitchen should have three knives: a Chef’s knife for the bulk of your cutting, a paring knife for slicing or mincing small items, and a serrated knife for slicing bread.
Cutting Board
Look for a good, grippy cutting board with grooved edges to capture juice from the meat and vegetables. You can also consider a wooden cutting board as it can double as a sleek serving platter. So, you can use one side of the board to chop vegetables and the other to serve cheese, bread, and other hors d’oeuvres.
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Spoons
Wooden spoons, one of the most-loved kitchen tools, are ideal for prepping and serving. They are not abrasive on cooking surfaces and can be used for different kinds of cooking. You can also add silicone spoons to your kitchen. These can be rested on the pot’s edge and won’t end up with melted burn marks.
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Nested Mixing Bowls
Mixing bowls always come in handy, whether it is to organize all your ingredients or store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer. What’s more, they nest neatly together for easy storage. But glass bowls can also double as serving dishes!
Measuring Cups
If you’re big on following recipes, measuring cups will be crucial for you. They are also great for everyday cooking, as the cups ensure you don’t go skimp or overboard on the ingredients.
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Our tip: It is helpful to have two sets of measuring spoons, one for dry and the other for liquid ingredients. This way, you don’t have to keep washing and drying the spoons before using the next dry ingredient and after using liquid ingredients.
Non-Stick Frying Pan
Fry up some eggs, achieve the perfect sear on scallops, sauté vegetables, or prepare a quick meal on a stainless-steel frying pan or an aluminum one. You can consider buying a pan set, so there will be two sizes around for cooking two dishes simultaneously.
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Stock Pot
When simmering soups or stock, slow-cooking sauces, braising meat, and boiling vegetables, nothing gets the job done better than a non-stick stock pot. They’re great for cooking lobster as well and can serve as deep fryers, too!
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Baking Dish
Pull together an easy weeknight lasagna or a side dish of potatoes gratin with a ceramic baking dish. It’s the perfect cookware for an oven-to-table dinner party or a holiday meal with friends and family. You can also opt for a set of baking dishes to accomplish two dishes in one go.
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Sheet Pans
Just like baking dishes, sheet pans are particularly essential kitchen tools. You will need one of these for baking cookies and roasting vegetables. Choose sheet pans with a non-stick surface so that all of your baked goods come off with ease.
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Blender
If you don’t already own a blender, you’re really missing out on a critical kitchen element. Okay, it is not the “most used” tool, but an excellent means to get prep done. It helps blend single-serving smoothies, milkshakes, and get extra creamy and smooth vinaigrette or dressings.
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Our tip: These blenders have jars with lids, so they are super convenient for those constantly on the move.
Let your kitchen be the perfect place to dish out all your culinary creations. We would love to hear all about your kitchen favorites. Snap some pictures of your best kitchen tools and tag #AllAtJCP. Then follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to see if you get featured.
