Setting Up a Kitchen On a Budget: Part II

By : Jodie Shield | 0 Comments | On : August 26, 2014 | Category : Adults, Seniors, Teens

Ten Must-Have Cooking Utensils!

 By: Jodie Shield, RDN

Whether you’re moving into your first apartment or putting your bridal registry together, setting up your kitchen for healthy eating is a must. You’ve worked 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.

Ten Must-Have Cooking Utensils

1. Spatula. So many choices, but I recommend the type called a turner.  It’s essential if you’re cooking in a skillet because it does everything – it stirs, it scrapes, it flips and it serves. Invest in a good silicone turner especially if you have nonstick pans. Price Range: $1 – $10.
2.  Wooden Spoons. Buy a set as they are used extensively in baking (check out my whole wheat blueberry muffins and banana bread). Plus, they won’t scratch the bottoms of nonstick pans. Since they do tend to absorb flavors of pungent foods like onions and garlic, you’ll want to replace them often. Price Range: $1 – $3.
3.  Measuring Spoons. Take the guesswork out of “a pinch of this and a handful of that.” Look for a set of measuring spoons that includes a: tablespoon, teaspoon, ½ teaspoon, and ¼ teaspoon. Plastic or metal work equally well. Price Range: $1 – $5.
4.  Can Opener. Imperative for opening cans of soup, beans, tuna, and canned tomatoes for making my super easy homemade pasta sauce. I prefer the hand-held types with no-slip grips and a bottle opener on the other end. Price Range: $1 – $20.
5.  Kitchen shears are a must! They come in handy for opening everything from bags of frozen veggies to snipping fresh herbs. Price Range: $4 -$50.
6. Tongs. This commonly used kitchen utensil provides a way to move, rotate and turn food with delicate precision. I use mine when making oven roasted asparagus and baked sweet potato fries. Buy silicone tipped tongs if you have nonstick pots and pans. Price Range: $1 – $18.
7.  Pizza Cutter. This wheel with sharp edges not only slices pizza, but it’s perfect for cutting quesadillas and flatbread. Look for one that comes apart so you can thoroughly clean the blade. Price Range: $1 – $30.
8.  Pot Holder. Dishtowels and washcloths are not padded enough to prevent your fingers from burning. Plus, they’re bulky and may lead to painful spills and burns. Look for pot holders or oven mitts that are insulated and fit well. Newer pot holders are often treated with silicone, which makes them resistant to water and stains. Price Range: $3 – $30.
9.  Vegetable Peeler. This inexpensive tool does amazing things like peel potatoes, carrots, apples, and any type of fruit or veggie with a tough outer skin. I use mine when I make Baked Eggplant with Parmesan. Price Range: $2 – $60.
10.  Grater. Who cuts cheese? Grating it is easy and costs way less than buying preshredded cheese. This tool is perfect for grating garlic and ginger, too. Price Range: $3 – $20.