You might be surprised at how simple my kitchen actually is. I don’t have a vast array of gadgets, and I don’t have cabinets full of pots and pans. What I do have are really good basic essentials that are each used in multiple ways. I’ve made a handy checklist to show what I find truly essential in my kitchen. I thought it might be handy this time of year as we are cleaning out and getting ready for a new season of cooking, family meals and baking.
All of my favorites are available in my online shop, here >
I use Baking Sheets + Parchment all of the time for everything – baking cookies, roasting chicken breasts, roasting vegetables, garlic bread… if it goes in the oven, it likely goes on a sheet pan at my house. I recommend having 4-6 of these. They are so handy for everything.
If you are new to Parchment Paper – it is life changing. Naturally non-stick and no cleanup. Really just amazing. I use it under everything. It comes in natural (above) and white (below).
Disposable Pastry Bags aren’t just for baking. I used them here for filling Manicotti tubes. One of my favorite tricks is using them to freeze Banana Muffin or Baked Donuts batter.
I use these Plastic Kitchen Containers to keep our pantry organized – nuts, chocolate chips, etc., all get neatly stacked. I also use them for leftovers or for meal prep – chopped fruit, chicken salad or veggies.
Homemade breads are the most perfect gift. I always love keeping a loaf of pumpkin, cinnamon or cranberry bread around our kitchen for snacking, breakfast or dessert – and so will your friends and loved ones. There is something intrinsically comforting and healing about baking, giving and receiving bread. These Wooden Baking Baskets are perfect for making your homemade breads gift-able. And yes, you actually bake right in the basket. I place mine on a baking sheet lined with parchment for easy clean up.
Homemade breads are the most perfect gift. I always love keeping a loaf of pumpkin, cinnamon or cranberry bread around our kitchen for snacking, breakfast or dessert – and so will your friends and loved ones. There is something intrinsically comforting and healing about baking, giving and receiving bread. These Wooden Baking Baskets are perfect for making your homemade breads gift-able.
Baking Homemade Birthday Cakes is my favorite tradition for our family. It is really very simple to do with the right basic tools and techniques. Basic 8″ Cake Pans >
I keep very simple tools in my kitchen – Wooden Spoons are a favorite. They don’t scratch my pans and they are pretty to look at… no crazy colors here.
I can not survive in a kitchen without Tongs. In fact, they are the only utensil I really need – I’ll stir sauce with them, flip anything, toss anything. My favorite kitchen tool, ever. Like a second pair of hands in the kitchen.
Flat Whisk: I use this all of the time – one of those secret little powerhouses. It is perfect for whisking together a roux for Mac and cheese, or smoothing out a sauce. I used it recently when making this vanilla custard for the Banana Cream Tarts I shared – it makes all the difference.
Strainer : Another favorite – I use this for scooping out pasta (think: penne!) and putting it directly into the sauce, automatically straining it. We have a lot of pasta, so this gets used a lot.
Kraft To-Go Boxes : Boxed Lunches, Picnics, Parties, Freezer Meals, Leftovers…
We are no strangers to these boxes. They are used at many restaurants for to-go salads and leftovers. They are so useful at home, too. I love to pack up leftovers for Mike’s lunch the next day. If it is a freezer friendly meal, I’ll wrap the box in plastic wrap and throw it into the freezer. So handy to pull out on soccer nights or if I want a real dinner when Mike’s out of town and Emma wants a box of Mac and Cheese : )
Kraft Cookie Boxes : These boxes can be used for anything – a gift, cookies, cupcakes, etc. A nod nicer than a bakery box, they feel like something special and nostalgic at the same time.
White Paper To-Go : We are big on picnics. These to-go soup containers will take our picnics into the fall season. A walk to a quiet spot at the end of the day with to-go soup, crusty baguette and a blanket is the perfect fall dinner. I love to do this on a random Wednesday night – no dishes, no sitting around a table. When Mike gets home from work we tell him to get his comfies on and we head out – sometimes just to the backyard.
I’ve also been using these Paper Containers for the freezer. The small is great for individual cups of soups (anytime I made soup, I just portion out a few of these to use for my lunch). The medium is also great for soups or tomato sauce, or homemade ice cream. I’ve been using the 1/2 gallon for anytime I need a bigger container for taking a side salad or pasta salad to a party, or maybe a tub of party mix. It has come in handy so many times.
To-Go Coffee Cups : These are a favorite for so many of us – for me it is not having to go through the drive thru : )
Cutting Boards : We are all away of how the charcuterie board has taken hold of entertaining. I use these boards for everything – as a trivet under a hot plate on a buffet (look great all used together!), to serve bread on at the table, or to make an arrangement of a hot dip with bread all around.
Market Tablets : In one of the Barefoot Contessa’s cookbooks, she showed her custom printed grocery shopping lists. I always thought what a great idea that is, but never found a source… so, of course, I made one : ) It is cardstock paper which makes it easy to keep neat in your bag. I feel very organized when I make my list on it – a lovely little routine.
Market Bags : I had no idea how useful these would become to me – we use them for everything. I have one for my work bag (computer, chargers, etc.), for Emma’s soccer gear, ballet gear, swim bag, donations, gloves/hats on the peg in the mudroom… so many things!
Kitchen Collection : Finally, my new collection of Kitchen Soaps, Lotions & Candles. Love these fresh, citrus scented luxuries that make my kitchen smell and look clean.