Cooking Class with Chef Ivan Flowers - Lesson 49 Tools

A new year usually means new resolutions. I know many people, myself included, have resolved to eat healthier. I believe one of the easiest ways to do this is to cook at home. When you are cooking at home you have total control over everything that goes into your food. You control the salt, sugar, fat, etc.

Now, in order to embrace cooking and be able to make almost anything you would like, you need the proper tools. So what follows is a list of must-have tools that will allow you to cook almost anything your heart desires. Don’t worry if you don’t have it all right this minute, simply save this list and start slowly buying any missing equipment. Before you know it, your kitchen will be properly equipped to handle any recipe.

First, I will talk about knives. The reason most people cut themselves in kitchens is because they are using dull knives. A dull knife makes you work to chop, mince, etc. A sharp knife does the work for you. A good knife will have a comfortable weight and balance. When you are buying knives, hold them, touch them and see how they feel. You wouldn’t buy a car without a test drive and you shouldn’t buy knives without trying them out. When purchasing knives know you are going to spend a little money, this is not the time to look for the cheapest set. If you invest in a set of good knives they will last many years if cared for properly.

So, what knives are must haves? You need a 10-inch Chef’s knife; a paring knife; a deboning knife; a serrated knife; and a Santoku. Get your knives professionally sharpened when needed and store them in protective covers if in a drawer or keep them in a block.

Next on the must have list is pans. Again, buy good pans. If you buy cheap pans you will simply be replacing them every year. Additionally, a good pan will distribute heat evenly and that means easier cooking. You will need: a 12- to 14-inch cast iron; a 12-inch sauté (make sure you get one that is oven safe); a 10- to 12-inch non-stick sauté; a four to six quart sauce pan; a large Dutch oven; and a 20 quart stock pot.

Okay, now I want to talk about motorized kitchen equipment. No, not all those contraptions you see on late night television, you don’t need those things. I will give you just a few items that you will need. First item is a blender. I love a Vitamix. I know, it is costly, but it lasts for years and it has superior power. If you don’t want to spend that much, then buy a good blender with a powerful motor.

Along with the blender, I think every kitchen should have a small hand held immersion blender. These are great for blending hot soups and sauces right in the pot.

Next is a food processor. You will use it for everything from chopping veggies to creating doughs.

You will also want a stand mixer or an electric beater. I like a stand mixer because you can add attachments like: sausage press, pasta maker, etc. So it is like getting many tools in one. If you aren’t looking for that much variety, then an electric beater is perfectly fine.

Okay, now comes the list of a variety of tools that you will need. Like I stated, you don’t have to go out and buy everything today. You will need: microplane, colander, chinois (very fine mesh strainer that is great for removing fine particles from sauces and stocks), potato masher, ricer (I prefer this to a masher because it does a more uniform job), rubber spatulas, metal spatulas, plastic spatula (for non-stick pan), Peltex ( French fish spatula that makes flipping fish a breeze), wooden spoons, slotted spoons, ladle, box grater, veggie peeler, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets, roasting pan, roasting rack, cooling rack, Silpats (they are completely non-stick, easy to clean, reusable and protects your baking sheets), meat thermometer, oil thermometer, small and large casserole dishes, large mixing bowls, whisks, pastry brushes, tongs, large carving fork, cutting boards, large spoons, pot holders, muffin tin and a rolling pin.

That’s it! Get these items and you are well on your way to a year of cooking many fabulous meals. Have fun this year in the kitchen and remember, as with any technique or recipe, the most important component is the cook’s heart. The heart is what helps you create delicious meals you’ll never forget.