By Penny Warnock
08th Oct 2019
08th Oct 2019
Save your money and reinvent yourself as a culinary extraordinaire with these fundamental kitchen essentials.
Even though I’ve had a lifelong love affair with all things culinary, my delivery driver and browser history will tell you that I’m no stranger to a takeaway. I’m particularly guilty of it as this time of year – the rainy commute and gloomy evenings after a long day in the office don’t leave much room for culinary inspiration.
Considering most rented places only come with the bare essentials, if even that, it can be hard to identify exactly what it is you’re missing. Grating your nails along with a clove of garlic on a cheese grater seems like a necessary undertaking, that is until you invest in a garlic crusher and suddenly life is care-free and your knuckles are no longer baring reoccurring scars.
Realising now how hard it can be to determine what is essential to your kitchen, we’ve selected the kitchen essentials we think everybody should have. Whether you’re a well-seasoned cook or a can-barely-cook-pasta type of person, we’ve got the best bits for you to be cooking up a storm so big with winter, Met Éireann will have to name it.
Related: Want to #shopIrish but don’t know where to look? Start with these independent interiors shops
Protect yourself
Safety and spill protection first. If you have a love for Irish-made products like we do, make sure to invest in something from one of the many makers. Keeping in mind the environment in your day-to-day, try to buy things that will last forever. Available in two shades of grey, the only downfall of this apron from The Tweed Project is that you won’t want to take it off.
Apron,€180, The Tweed Project
Needless to say, you will most definitely need an oven glove. Save your precious paws from the heat with Orla Kiely’s classic trademark take on mittens.
Multi Stem Double Oven Glove, €31, Amara
Related: Irish makers you need to know about (because they’re at the top of the design world)
Essential Utensils
In case you didn’t know, every chef must have a decent set of knives. Why should you be any different? Channel your inner Nigella with this five-piece set from The Kitchen Whisk, perfect to get you started.
5-Piece Stainless Steel Knife Set & Knife Block,€79.95, The Kitchen Whisk
It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: a decent chopping board is easily one of the most essential items on this list. Any chef will tell you that plastic or wood are the best options and to beware of marble chopping boards. They may look great but will inevitably dull your brand new knives.
Eventually, you’re going to need a range of utensils. A collection you can build on as you build your recipe repertoire. Start yourself off with this set of four utensils from Joseph Joseph. They feature flexible silicone tool heads are heat-resistant up to 270°C/520°F and won’t stain or melt. Handy for storage, the set is accompanied by adhesive tape on the reverse making it super easy to install on a clean, flat surface.
Joseph Joseph DoorStore Utensils, €34.99, The Kitchen Whisk
The non-stick pan
An unmissable note to your kitchens symphony, a non-stick pan will stand to you through scrambled eggs to more elite recipes like omelettes or pancakes (wild, I know). Keep knives, abrasive cleaning pads and aerosol cooking spray far far away. With no need to preheat, this is possibly the handiest pan to have around for quick and easy cooking. Starring removable handles and stackable design, the Tefal set is oven and dishwasher-friendly and compatible with all hobs. With a two-year guarantee, this compilation is an investment for any gourmand.
TEFAL Ingenio 4-Piece Cookware Set – Black, €129.99, Currys
Seasoning
What would a meal be without the seasoning? Even more exciting, gorgeous salt and pepper shakers! We love this set from Article.
Kendra Salt & Pepper Shaker Set, €22.00, Article
Kitchen Linen
And when it’s all done, wipe it clean.
Cooking is messy, it is inevitable and necessary to the process. Find a reason to love mess with these colourful tea towels from Trouva. Bold and printed tea towels are a fabulous way to add a dash of colour to your kitchen.
Bjork Tea Towel, €17.49, Trouva, Orla Kiely, Set of 2 Cotton Cantaloupe Melon and Olive Tea Towel,€19.99, Trouva
With this list you should be ripe for master chef, although you may need to pick up more bits and pieces along the way; this is a good start. Ready, steady, cook!
Read more: Prep for winter like an interiors pro with these simple accessories
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Featured image: Zara Home
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