Setting Up a Kitchen On a Budget: Part I

By : Jodie Shield | 2 Comments | On : August 14, 2014 | Category : Adults, Seniors, Teens

 Ten must-have cooking tools!

By: Jodie Shield, RDN

Whether you’re moving into your first apartment or putting your bridal registry together, setting up a kitchen for healthy eating is a must. You’ve worked too hard to get in shape and eating greasy, salty carryout gets old and expensive. To help you get started, I’m writing a series of posts on how to set up your kitchen with all the equipment, utensils, and food ingredients you’ll need to cook a healthy homemade meal in minutes. Forget shopping at pricy specialty stores for cooking gear! You’ll find brand name pots and pans, mixers and all sorts of bakeware at discount stores like TJ Maxx, Tuesday Morning, and my favorite – Amazon. Also, be sure to check out my new app Time To Eat Healthy for quick, easy recipes that use fresh ingredients and require minimal cooking skills.

 10 Must-Have Pieces of Cooking Equipment

1. Large Pot. Pasta is an inexpensive go-to meal and you’ll need a pot large enough to boil water and cook pasta perfectly. It will come in handy for making soups, stews, and chili, too. Shop for a heavy-bottomed pot that holds about 8 quarts of water. Price Range: $12 -$40. 
2. Sauce Pan. Put a lid on it and this pan will come in handy for making rice, grains, vegetables, and sauces. Look for a pan that holds around 3 quarts. Price Range:$25 – $60.
3.  Skillet. This essential item is a solid investment. It cooks everything: eggs, stir-fried veggies, chicken tenders, or even  Sloppy-O-Joes. I recommend a 12-inch skillet; nonstick so you can add less oil and for easier clean up. Price Range: $9 – $50.
4. Colander. A bowl with holes is great for draining water from pasta, rice, potatoes, and vegetables. Plastic or metal – you decide. Price Range: $2 – $30.
5. Knife Set. All kitchens should be stocked with at least 3 “sharp” knives: a paring knife (for peeling fruits and veggies), a serrated knife (for slicing bread), and a chef’s knife (for heavy-duty slicing and dicing). Price Range: $11 – $90.
6. Cutting Board. For food safety, buy two: one for meat and the other for fresh produce. Wooden boards cost more but plastic boards work well, too. Price Range: $12 – $50.
7. Measuring Cup. Very cheap yet invaluable, a large (8 cup) glass measuring cup comes in handy for measuring liquids such as water and broth. It can also do double-duty as an extra mixing bowl. Price Range: $2 – $25.
8. Mixing Bowl. Look for a microwave safe mixing bowl. That way you can use it for combing baking ingredients, tossing salad greens, or defrosting frozen veggies. Some come with lids, which is perfect for storing leftovers. Price Range: $12 – $40. 
9. Baking Sheet. Look for a metal sheet with sides (AKA jellyroll pan) that is about 18-inches. This will come in handy for heating a frozen pizza, baking cookies, and making Cinnamon Raisin Granola. Price Range: $5 – $40.
10. Glass 9 x 13 Pan. This practical all-purpose dish is perfect for anything you need to bake in the oven. I use it to make Lemon Chicken, Two-Way Tetrazzini, and Lasagna Roll-Ups. Coat it with nonstick spray for easier clean up. Price Range: $2 – $30.