Tools of a Good Chef
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Rodger Haroar asked:
A well stocked kitchen does mean just an abundance of canned food in the pantry. It means the kitchen, and the person working in it, has the best tools on hand to cook like a pro. In the same way that even the most skilled carpenter needs more than a hammer and screwdriver to create exquisite cabinetry, every chef needs the proper tools to create delectable dishes.
The first thing he needs is a set of knives. A quality knife is sharp and well-balanced, with a comfortable grip. You’ll need a variety of sizes; each has its own unique use and purpose, from the small paring knife to the large chef’s knife.
Pans are next - a set of pans of various sizes. Your pans should be heavy enough to sit securely on the burner; you’ll find that pans made with a copper or aluminum bottoms are best for quickly and evenly transmitting heat and reacting rapidly to changes in heat levels. Make sure you get one with a heat resistant handle so you don’t get burned.
Whether you’re a serious cook or you simply dabble in cooking, you shouldn’t be without a food processor. I use a 14 cup processor regularly. The food processor is a great asset in my kitchen; it slices, chops, grates, and mixes. Of course, you need a mini-food processor to handle foods that are simply too small for a standard size food processor. You’ll be amazed how the tiny processor handles a few cloves of garlic, mincing them in seconds. If you need to chop onions, herbs, or a few tablespoons of nuts, this is perfect for you. A well-equipped kitchen really needs both sizes of food processors.
You already know that you need a large and small food processor to handle different types of jobs; in the same way, you also need a large and a small mixer. You won’t need to worry about strain on the motor with the powerful stand mixer — it can handle a double batch of cookies with no problem. Stirring tough bread dough is a cinch with its powerful motor. It may come in handy in other ways, too — many models offer attachments for everything from grinding meat to making homemade ice cream.
A small hand-held mixer is just as essential as the stand mixer. Whether you’re looking to make lump-free sauces and gravy, beat a few eggs for French toast, or create a small batch of whipped cream to top your tempting dessert, the hand mixer can assist. Whenever you’re making a small batch, use the hand mixer and a small mixing bowl to guarantee the ingredients can be properly beaten.
A cook’s blending needs go beyond the capabilities of two food processors and two mixers. You’ll also need an “official” blender. If you want to liquefy something and yet keep the contents off the walls and counter, you can use a blender and give it a whirl. To chop ice, use blenders instead of food processors; this will add more life to your food processor blade. If you need to come up with a reason to get a blender, all you have to remember is: margaritas!
Those are the primary tools you’ll need to ensure your kitchen is ready. Apart from these basic tools, there are lots of miscellaneous small tools that should be in your kitchen toolbox. For example you’ll need an instant read thermometer, silicone spatulas, digital timers, etc. A good chef appreciates the never ending quest for new kitchen gadgetry.
Lydia
A well stocked kitchen does mean just an abundance of canned food in the pantry. It means the kitchen, and the person working in it, has the best tools on hand to cook like a pro. In the same way that even the most skilled carpenter needs more than a hammer and screwdriver to create exquisite cabinetry, every chef needs the proper tools to create delectable dishes.
The first thing he needs is a set of knives. A quality knife is sharp and well-balanced, with a comfortable grip. You’ll need a variety of sizes; each has its own unique use and purpose, from the small paring knife to the large chef’s knife.
Pans are next - a set of pans of various sizes. Your pans should be heavy enough to sit securely on the burner; you’ll find that pans made with a copper or aluminum bottoms are best for quickly and evenly transmitting heat and reacting rapidly to changes in heat levels. Make sure you get one with a heat resistant handle so you don’t get burned.
Whether you’re a serious cook or you simply dabble in cooking, you shouldn’t be without a food processor. I use a 14 cup processor regularly. The food processor is a great asset in my kitchen; it slices, chops, grates, and mixes. Of course, you need a mini-food processor to handle foods that are simply too small for a standard size food processor. You’ll be amazed how the tiny processor handles a few cloves of garlic, mincing them in seconds. If you need to chop onions, herbs, or a few tablespoons of nuts, this is perfect for you. A well-equipped kitchen really needs both sizes of food processors.
You already know that you need a large and small food processor to handle different types of jobs; in the same way, you also need a large and a small mixer. You won’t need to worry about strain on the motor with the powerful stand mixer — it can handle a double batch of cookies with no problem. Stirring tough bread dough is a cinch with its powerful motor. It may come in handy in other ways, too — many models offer attachments for everything from grinding meat to making homemade ice cream.
A small hand-held mixer is just as essential as the stand mixer. Whether you’re looking to make lump-free sauces and gravy, beat a few eggs for French toast, or create a small batch of whipped cream to top your tempting dessert, the hand mixer can assist. Whenever you’re making a small batch, use the hand mixer and a small mixing bowl to guarantee the ingredients can be properly beaten.
A cook’s blending needs go beyond the capabilities of two food processors and two mixers. You’ll also need an “official” blender. If you want to liquefy something and yet keep the contents off the walls and counter, you can use a blender and give it a whirl. To chop ice, use blenders instead of food processors; this will add more life to your food processor blade. If you need to come up with a reason to get a blender, all you have to remember is: margaritas!
Those are the primary tools you’ll need to ensure your kitchen is ready. Apart from these basic tools, there are lots of miscellaneous small tools that should be in your kitchen toolbox. For example you’ll need an instant read thermometer, silicone spatulas, digital timers, etc. A good chef appreciates the never ending quest for new kitchen gadgetry.
Lydia
