Kitchen stuffs

From time to time, I think "oooh . . . I should write a blog post on kitchen stuff I can't function without." I honestly don't remember if I've written this one before or not. Sorry if I have. If not, let's proceed, shall we?

Kitchen stuff I can't live/function without:

1) cast iron frying pan. I actually have several, but my favorite is a 10 inch number that Phenom bought for me when we were courting. It is black and slick and we have a deep and meaningful relationship.

2) scales. Again, a gift from Phenom. I use a digital scale for baking mostly, but there are lots of other uses. Just make sure you have one that has a tare function.

3) wooden spoons. I have a bucket of wooden spoons and whatnots next to the stove. Cheap, durable, and doesn't conduct heat.

4) multiple cutting surfaces. I have a large, bamboo cutting board that is always across one side of my sink. But I also like to have several cutting boards so I can avoid cross contamination. The cutting board I use for raw meat is dishwasher safe.

5) pyrex custard cups. I believe in getting everything ready before I set fire to the food. Custard cups are terribly handy for this function . . . as well as creating "salad bars" or "quesadilla bars" or "sundae bars."

6) food processor. I didn't have one for years. Then, I bought one on impulse because it was seriously on sale at Williams Sonoma. The first time I made salsa in it, I fretted that perhaps machine made salsa wouldn't convey the same love hand chopped would. Apparently, I spend way too much time gazing upon my own navel. I love it now.

7) Full sized bakery sheet pans. (13X18) I have two I bought at a restaurant supply place. They are great for putting under stuff that might spill over . . . and I make brownies in them.

8) condiments. I have 8 types of vinegar. I have 5 different mustards. I have 8 types of sugar. I think 4 kinds of salt. I have an obscene number of spices. I like having a lot of variety, and adding little twists to salad dressings, etc.

9) a big Cleaver. I bought it to chop BBQ . . . but I use it for cutting brownies and big chopping jobs. I like that I can use the side of the blade to scoop up ingredients after chopping them.

10) Parchment Paper. I bake on it . . . I use it to line my sheet pans when roasting peppers . . . I love the stuff.