Need & Want.

Today I'm going to visit on a subject that effects everyone.
Most people think that in order to make great food, you are required to have a kitchen full of gadgets to accomplish this.
In the kitchen, and in everyplace in life, things can be divided into two categories; Needs and Wants.
But people have found a way around this. I NEED a mixer to make a cake.... I'll buy a KitchenAid!!

That's all well and good, if you use it at least once a week.... but lets face it, half of the base line ($200) stand mixers spend more time gathering dust than being used.
I see that as a gross waste in funds that could be appropriated to other real needs.

So lets break some kitchen needs down:

Item:
Mixer: Basic: Oster hand mixer ($20) Splurge: KitchenAid Stand Mixer ($200-400)

Chef Knife: Basic: Faberware 4" vegi ($6) Splurge: Ginsu 8" Damsucus ($90)

Pots/Pans: Basic: Paula Deen set 12 ($112) Splurge: EmerelWare set 10 ($299)

Glass Dish: Basic: Pyrex set 11 ($21) Splurge: CorningWare set 7 ($59)



By comparison, you can see where you could over spend very easily.

The goal should be to find a good mix of basics and a few splurges that will make your life easier in the kitchen.

Things you will need in an everyday kitchen:
-measuring cups & spoons
-a large mixing bowl
-a spatula, mixing spoon, whisk and pair of tongs
-a cookie sheet
-set of pots & pans
-a cutting board
-a glass 13x9 baking dish
-set of dishes and flatware


It's that simple! You can make amazing food with these basic kitchen tools. Make sure you take care of what you buy, add simple additions once and a while, and soon you find a well thought out collection that reflects your personal cooking style!