Tools & Supplies
If you’ve shopped for kitchen tools/gadgets, you know the sky is the limit as to the amount of gadgets available and the amount of money you can spend. I’ll share some of the research I’ve done and the tools I use every day. Also listed are my preferences for some supplies/ingredients.
Tools
Pots & Pans
I’ve used expensive pots and pans and I’ve used not so expensive (sometimes CHEAP) pots and pans. My favorite pots are an inexpensive set of Revere Ware pots. Cast iron pots are favorites and I do use them on my glass top stove, though it isn’t recommended. If I loved my stove, I might not do it.
Pressure Cookers
Couldn’t cook without one and often there are two on the stove. Kuhn Rikons are my favorite though I do like my Presto 6 quart 100th Anniversary cooker. What matters most to me in a pressure cooker:
- Two handles. When moving them, especially under pressure, it’s nice to have two handles to steady the pot.
- Quick release valve. Some recipes work much better when the pressure is relieved quickly.
- Stainless. I have an older aluminum cooker but I love the stainless much better!
Mixer
Nothing mixes bread like the Bosch Universal Plus mixer. I’d probably give up making whole wheat bread without this mixer. For mixing everything else, the old Hobart made Kitchen Aid is my mixer of choice.
Wheat Grinder
I use the Family Grain Mill, which is electric but came with a hand crank (which I’ve never used). I’m quite pleased with my grain mill and if ever I have to buy a new one, I’ll probably buy the same one.
Keeping a well stocked pantry is important! First, I’m more comfortable knowing I have a supply of food so that whatever comes our way, running out of food will not be the first problem we face. Second, running back and forth to the grocery store is a waste of time. Keeping the ingredients I use often saves time!
My cupboards are full — too much so! There’s plenty of “stuff” I have that I don’t necessarily need but there are many things I have and most of them, I have extra as backup.
Take into account your on needs/wants, your storage capacity, finances, distance to stores, etc. before deciding what you must stock in your own pantry.
Supplies Always on Hand:
Whole Grain:
Hard red wheat berries, spelt berries, rye berries, steel cut oats.
Baking Supplies:
Baking powder, baking soda, yeast, instant yeast, dough enhancer, vital wheat gluten, cocoa powder, all purpose white flour
Spices:
Basil, black pepper (whole peppercorns and coarse ground), caraway seeds, cumin, ground red pepper, onion powder, oregano,
Sweeteners:
Granulated sugar, light brown sugar, dark brown sugar, molasses, sorghum, honey
