No matter how old you are, it’s never too late to learn how to cook. It can improve your health, save you money, and impress your loved ones. Make the most out of your durable quartz countertop and ample space in your Salt Lake City home by trying your hand at cooking. Get a cookbook, load up a video tutorial, and get to slicing. Check out these multipurpose tools for the start of your culinary journey:
Oven-safe Pan
Frying is the bread and butter of amateur cooking. Whether it’s eggs or bacon, it’s usually the first thing beginners learn to cook. Of course, you can’t fry without a pan. The cheapest option is a nonstick skillet, which is handy and can last you three to five years, depending on the maintenance. If you’re fine with spending more, get a stainless steel skillet. It’s virtually indestructible and can take high heat. You can transform it into a nonstick pan by seasoning it with canola oil or something similar.
Another option is cast-iron pans. Just like stainless steel skillets, they are also sturdy and oven-safe. But they get a bad reputation because the cleaning and maintenance required is much more extensive than other pans.
The ovenproof part is important because it instantly broadens the dishes you can do. Once you’re confident about your frying skills, you can try stovetop-to-oven dishes such as steak and French onion soup. You can even bake cookies and pizza on oven-safe pans.
Food Processor
Cooking isn’t just about the use of heat. Proper preparation of the ingredients is also important. This includes chopping vegetables, meat, and herbs. If you’re new to cooking, you’re probably new to knives as well. With a food processor, you can save a lot of time and avoid minor injuries. It can serve as a substitute for arduous tasks such as shredding, slicing, and more. It also widens the possible types of food you can prepare.
You can prepare your very own dips and sauces. You can even grind meat and grate cheeses with it. Some models come with a dough hook so that you don’t have to knead dough by hand. It’s a versatile appliance that can serve you whether you’re a cooking newbie or an experienced chef.
Wondering what the difference between a food processor and a blender is? Blenders are built for liquids, while food processors can handle tough food.
Chef’s Knife
If you’re not prepared to spend more than $100 for a fancy knife set, get a quality chef’s knife. For a beginner, it’s really the only knife you’ll need. You can slice meats, mince vegetables, and even peel fruits with one. Bon Appetit recommends getting a knife that’s eight inches long. If you can, avoid buying online so that you can try out the grip and weight before you pay for it.
It’s never a bad time to try cooking. You can start small with easy recipes such as omelets and stir-fry before moving on to more complex dishes. Remember to maximize the tools and ingredients you have at home. Don’t be afraid to try out different cuisines and techniques.
