Kitchen essentials for your first apartment

Stocking the kitchen of your first apartment can be daunting; There are so many things to consider. Unless you’re a sophisticated chef, you probably just need a few basics to get started. And, since this is your first apartment, you may be short on space. Here is a list of what you should consider buying.

TOP STOVE

• saucepans-a 1-quart and 3-quart pot should suffice for most tasks, from making pasta to cooking a pot of chili.
• SkilletGo for a 12″ pan. It will serve you well in the long run, and you can always buy additional sizes as your cooking experience grows. I prefer a nonstick surface. It means you can cook with little or no oil and makes cleanup super easy. Calphalon makes some really nice high sided pans. They’re a little more expensive than most, but their nonstick surface is well worth the investment. You can often find them on sale, so shop around for the best price (or look them up on Ebay, that’s how I built my collection!)

KNIVES

Invest in good quality knives and they will last you a lifetime. Here are some good basics to get you started:

• kitchen knife-for small tasks like cutting fruit.
• serrated knife-for slicing bread and tomatoes.
• 5″ utility knife-for cutting larger, tougher items like meat.
• chef’s knife-for chopping large amounts of celery, onions, carrots, etc.

BAKING

Even if you don’t see yourself baking cakes and pies, you’ll still need a few basic items.

• mixing bowls-buy a set of at least three in different sizes. You will definitely use them.
• cookie sheets-You can also buy two of these. Who wants to only make a dozen cookies at a time anyway? You can store them in the oven, so they don’t take up valuable cabinet space.
• Non-stick baking mat-Place one of these handy silicone sheets on your cookie sheet the next time you’re baking. You’ll never have a stuck cookie again. They also wipe clean with a damp cloth.
• measuring cups-Buy a plastic or metal (or space-saving collapsible silicone) set for dry goods and a good 2-cup Pyrex measuring cup for liquids.
• measuring spoons-a plastic or metal game work well.
• timer-Even if your oven comes with a timer, you never know if it will still work. Invest in one that you can place on your countertop. Now they come in some cute designs too.
• kitchen gloves-Two are better than one. I like the gloves better than the squares. Less chance of a hot pan slipping out of your hands.
• wooden spoon-many cooks rely on wooden spoons for mixing. Just don’t use it with something that might stain, like ketchup.
• slotted spoon-a good slotted spoon is useful for draining things and removing foods like pasta and vegetables from boiling water.
• cutting board-a good cutting board is essential. I’m a germaphobe so I prefer a plastic one that can go straight into the dishwasher after use. You can use a wooden one, but be sure to clean it well after each use. Especially when cutting meat on it.

USEFUL DEVICES

• can opener-Forget the electric ones. Get one that you can toss in a drawer.
• collapsible colander these are wonderful because they fold flat to store in a drawer, but have foldable legs to use while draining pasta in the sink.
• heat resistant spatula A silicone spatula is wonderful for everything from scraping a bowl to scrambled eggs.
• cheese grid-The box type is easier to use, but if you don’t have the space, a flat one will do.
• corkscrew-invest in a good one. The cheap ones will break right at the cork.
• bottle opener-I like the magnetic ones. Stick it on the side of your refrigerator and it will always be there when you need it.
• jar opener-This simple little square of silicone or rubber will save you when the lid on that pickle jar just refuses to budge.

SMALL ACCESSORIES

• microwave-Some cooks will say you don’t need one, but honestly, I can’t imagine life without it. If you’re in your first apartment, you’re probably busy at school or work and need to be able to cook or reheat something quickly. Get one big enough to hold a dinner plate.
• Toaster-Honestly, I’ve never had one, but many people use them. They are useful not only for making toast, but also for quick basic cooking.
• clay jar-it’s not your usual staple, but it’s a super easy way to have a wonderful home cooked meal with minimal effort. Just add the ingredients when you leave in the morning and come home to a fabulous meal (with leftovers!)
• hand blender-A first apartment is probably small and will not have space for a traditional stand mixer. A good electric hand mixer will last for years and is great for many things.

One last suggestion for your first kitchen would be a great cookbook. Ask someone whose kitchen you like. They will surely have a favorite to share.