My Kitchen Essentials
- Stephanie
- May 20, 2020
- 4 min read
I've moved 13 times since 2015.
6 of those times being in the last year alone.
I also lost just about everything in an apartment fire in 2017 (but that's another story).
So I've gotten used to losing or getting rid of things, then replacing them.
The advantage is that I know what my true essentials are and how to ball on a budget.
So let's talk kitchen essentials!
The questions I ask myself for each kitchen essential:
Do I need it? - Does this serve a real and distinct purpose? Can I do without?
Is it sustainable? - Will it last? What will happen to it after its life cycle?
Tools
Pots // pans. Seeing different NYC kitchens has taught me that people generally don't own huge sets of pots and pans here- just the ones they need, usually less than 5 total.
Kitchen utensils. My sister bought me a silicone set and I'm obsessed. They clean easy and last well. I'm also a sucker for a good wooden spoon!
Silverware. Plastic cutlery is never okay in my kitchen. I know for some, it might make sense for hosting but in all my adult years, I have never hosted more people than sets of silverware available.
Knives. I bought one from a dollar store once and it rusted after one use. Dependable knives are worth investing in.
Kitchen towels. I've been trying to implement the habit of slinging a kitchen towel over my shoulder when cooking, like Antoni from Queer Eye. Also, one of my biggest pet peeves is kitchen towels that don't get washed regularly.
Cutting boards. Sadly, I've almost always used plastic but I'd like to invest in a nice wooden cutting board. They're more eco-friendly, dependable, and antibacterial.
Grater.
Peeler.
Can opener. Can we talk about how many can openers are as advanced as spaceships nowadays? Give me a good old fashioned twisty one and I'm GTG.
Potholders // oven mitts.
Big ol' bowl. I need one, you probably will too. My mom always had a big blue bowl on hand and my sister and I both bought them for our own places. I use mine for mixing, eating popcorn, or for serving.
Brita.
Pyrex containers for food storage.
This bowl for Cuties, this pitcher for almond milk, this cookie jar for Oreos - all from Ikea. I like having Cuties for a quick-grab snack, having a more polished and space-saving look for milk, and feeding into Khloe Kardashian-inspired cookie arrangements for aesthetics and my sweet tooth.
Glassware. I used to work in craft beer so I accumulated tons of beer drinking glasses. When I moved to NYC, I gave them away to a friend. So I bought a couple of Coca-Cola drinking glasses in Brooklyn and they're some of the cutest pieces I've ever owned. I love the uniformity!
Bowls. We currently own two Rae Dunn "Ramen" bowls. When Calvin and I first started dating, we had a couple of FaceTime dates where we both ate ramen. I gave him one of the bowls and said that the couple who 'ramens' together, stays together. So far, I've been right!
Plates. As a temporary fix for our NYC apartment, I bought us two bowls and four plates from Target. They're all under $1 each but ya get what ya pay for. I intend to donate them when I get better replacements, we just needed something fast.
I save my sauce jars! Rinse it out, toss it in the dishwasher, and reuse it! I use them to store uncooked pastas, leftovers, etc. I've also used jars to regrow lettuce and green onions. I've even used a veganaise jar to take coffee to work once. I thought my best friend, Mady, was a weirdo for saving her jars. She is weird, but for reasons aside from the jars.
Loaf pan. Like everyone else, I make banana bread often enough to own this.
Baking sheet.
Spoon rest. The cutest ones are always at Marshall's/ TJ Maxx/ Home Goods.
Paper towels. Here's the thing though- I will be opting for reusable/ washable kitchen towels in my next home. I hate feeling wasteful with paper towels!
Toaster.
Measuring cup. Sometimes it's convenient to have separate cups but I can absolutely make it work with just one large measuring cup.
Measuring spoons.
Edible Essentials
Gatorade - yellow for when I'm sick, red for when I'm hungover.
Sparkling lime water for stomachaches or soda cravings.
Tapatio - our favorite hot sauce.
Minced garlic. Costco- please sponsor me with jars of your minced garlic. Please. I can't think of a single meal prepared in our kitchen without garlic.
Ketchup. Anyone who knows me knows ketchup courses through my veins.
Balsamic vinaigrette. This is to Calvin what ketchup is for me.
Parsley, lemon pepper, cinnamon, bouillon, chili powder. One of my life goals is to own all spices known to man but for now, as long as I have these staples, I can get by!
Dark chocolate. I can't tell you how many times I'll convince myself I don't need to buy dark chocolate when checking out at Trader Joe's and then instantly regret it when my after-dinner cravings kick in. Always buy the chocolate.
Olive oil.
Heavy whipping cream.
Extra's
These are things I don't own currently and can live without but would totally own if the circumstances lined up!
Crocpot
Teavana Tea Maker
Stand mixer
Cupcake tins
Dutch oven and air fryer. I don't understand the hype, probably because I've never used either, but my friends tell me they are cult-favorites.
Reusable food bags. I hate that I use plastic bags to store, freeze, etc.
Cast iron skillet
Uniform spice jars. As mentioned, I want to own every spice on earth. And who doesn't love those perfect and bright photos of cabinets and drawers of spice jars with the same pretty labels? I also like the idea of refilling the jars in bulk sections rather than purchasing spices in plastic containers every time.
Pizza cutter
Colander - I never really use one. It's a skill to drain water without.
Waffle maker
Blender
Ice tray
Final Words
I don't consider myself a minimalist (yet) but I love making conscious decisions towards a more sustainable, healthier, and organized lifestyle- especially in the kitchen! I hope this post inspires you to take a minute and ask yourself if you really need to purchase a banana slicer, bring home a spoon rest souvenir from traveling, or hang onto a shot glass party-favor.
To each cheph, their own tools!
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