I’m a girl of simple pleasures. I don’t go on shopping sprees, I never wear jewelry, and my money is best spent on food.
However, there is one thing I feel that I absolutely need—a well-stocked kitchen.
It’s hard for me to cook in someone else’s kitchen because they don’t have my “stuff.” My pans, my gadgets, my knives … they all mean a lot to me and my cooking just isn’t as good without them. I understand this may make me a subpar cook, but I just can’t help it.
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Over the coming days, I'll give you a list of things that call my kitchen home. Consider making each of them a staple in your own kitchen—you’ll thank me!
1. Cast Iron Skillet: This heavy-duty pan is a God-send. It’s great for making burgers or steaks, especially if you do not own a grill. The cast iron is a great heat conductor and cooks things very evenly. You can also transfer these heavy guys to the oven for dishes like
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- Mac and cheese
- Fritattas
- Upside-down skillet apple pie
- Cornbread
and so much more! Plus, these things are cheap and last FOREVER. The more you use the pan, the better (and more non-stick!) it becomes.
IMPORTANT NOTE: NEVER EVER EVER wash your cast iron skillet with soap. I rinse mine out with hot water while the pan is still hot to deglaze it of anything that has stuck to the bottom, then wipe it out with a paper towel. This helps season the pan. Also, DRY THOROUGHLY or it will rust. You can set it in an oven at a low temperature. I like to put mine back on the stove after I’ve rinsed and wiped it and put the heat to low until it’s completely dry.
Stay tuned for my other favorites!
What's a must have in your kitchen?
Love food? Visit me and get more foodie fun and recipes over at For the Love of Food.
