Released on: March 2, 2008, 10:52 pm

Press Release Author: For more Free Resources www.dishadvice.com

Industry: Food & Beverage

Press Release Summary: Cookware is always a rather contentious subject. I have seen
chefs turn up to even the simplest of cooking jobs carrying more than it would take
to maintain your average oil tanker (though maybe this is not the best use for your
cookware), when all that was really needed was a knife and something to sharpen it
with.


Press Release Body: Cookware is always a rather contentious subject. I have seen
chefs turn up to even the simplest of cooking jobs carrying more than it would take
to maintain your average oil tanker (though maybe this is not the best use for your
cookware), when all that was really needed was a knife and something to sharpen it
with.
So what are the real"cookware essentials", the things that you really can't do
without? Well surprisingly you actually need only a very small amount of things to
get you going. Probably considerably less than you have already.
All the cookware you actually need is a good knife, a means of sharpening it, a
chopping board and a couple of pans. You may prefer a bit more cookware but you can
cook with just that.
Don't get me wrong, I'm as partial to a kitchen full of mixers, blenders, electrical
appliances and assorted useful, and otherwise, gadgets as the next person.
But although good quality cheap cookware ( yes it is possible )like grinders and
blenders give you a lot more scope there are plenty of things that you can cook
without them, but a good knife, or three, is absolutely essential.
The first and most essential piece of cookware you need is a cook's knife, that's as
large as you feel comfortable with, an 8 inch knife with a blade that curves
slightly to allow a rocking motion is a good start, then a smaller knife, about 4
inches, for cutting small vegetables and a carving knife.
If you buy one about 10 inches long it can also double as a bread knife. Although
there is no point buying extra knifes just to line the pockets of the large kitchen
equipment manufacturers. A set can actually be quite good value and give you more
for a similar amount of money. But check carefully what is in the set first.
If you cannot find a set with what you think will be useful to you, don't buy it.
Many sets come with extras like a case or wooden knife block but try to see past the
free gifts. It's much better to have a few good knives in your drawer than a fancy
polished beech wood block with fifteen designer knives, fourteen of which you never
use, and one that is not the right shape for your hand and gives you blisters.
I have a small, not very expensive set of French Sabatier's that are comfortable but
not as posh looking as some of the more fashionable makes like the Japanese global
which I find too light which makes chopping a lot of veg for example much harder
work.
If you learn how to use them properly then steel or grinding stone is a good way to
keep your knives sharp otherwise there are a good choice of proprietary sharpeners
that keep the knife at the right angle while you pull it through the sharpener. Pans
also need to be good quality, nothing over the top, no need to spend a fortune. Just
make sure they are of a good solid construction.
This promotes good even heat distribution and helps to prevent things burning.
Stainless steel is a good option. A good work on the other hand should be made of
thin light steel and cost very little, but always check that it has a good
well-fixed wooden handle. The best place to buy this most useful of pans is (perhaps
unsurprisingly) usually the local Chinese supermarket. A good chopping board is
another necessity though two are better than one as this helps to prevent cross
contamination if you designate one for uncooked meats/fish etc. and another for
things like fruit and salads.
No matter how much you think you will always be careful and wash them between uses
this is the best single way to prevent contamination between foods. Mixers can be
useful if you intend doing a lot of baking. But unless you make bread on a regular
basis (always a good idea), then buying a simple, good quality hand held mixer
rather than a heavy standalone version could save you a couple of hundred dollars in
as well as a lot of space on your worktop.
A blender is always useful for soups and the occasional smoothie, and a grinder will
give you a lot more options in your use of nuts etc. and will also provide a
constant supply of fresh coffee for the more manic cook. A good way to combine the
functions of all three is to buy a food processor.
A good quality machine such as a Moulinex or Robot coupe will save space and allow
you to buy a much better processor than if you bought their items separately. There
is an almost unending list of kitchen equipment that you could buy (if in doubt walk
into your local cookery shop and ask the owner what he thinks you need!), but make
sure you get the essential good quality cookware right and it will make your cooking
easier and more enjoyable.




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