At Le Creuset, we may be celebrated for our legendary cookware, but we also know that you need more than just pots and pans to make joy in the kitchen. In addition to building your cookware collection, to create a great meal you also need a variety of tools, accessories and a system to be setup for success. Once you have the right setup and gear, you will be ready to tackle any recipe – plus, mealtime will be more pleasurable and less stressful.
Choose Your Knives
Most chefs would say that the most essential kitchen tool is a sharp, multi-use knife. With quality cutlery in hand, dicing and slicing ingredients can be a pleasure instead of a chore. There are as many styles of knives as there are pans, but an all-purpose chef’s knife is a versatile first choice. Once you have your favorite knife, add a serrated blade for cutting crusty breads and tomatoes, as well as a paring knife for smaller jobs. Keep the knives sharp with a knife sharpener, and since cutlery is used almost every time you’re in the kitchen keep the blades easily accessible with a knife block close to your workstation.
Stock Up on Utensils
Every kitchen needs a vibrant and versatile assortment of cooking utensils, all organised in a handy and colorful utensil crock. Spoons, spatulas and brushes are indispensable for stirring, scooping and basting. Heat-resistant silicone spatulas are must-have tools for scraping the last bits of batter from mixing bowls, as well as safely stirring ingredients in a casserole. Wood utensils are a classic choice as they are naturally durable and easy to clean as well as safe for use on all cooking surfaces. When you need a sturdier option, stainless steel whisks and turners have the strength to whip up thick meringues or flip thick cuts of meat.
Gather Prep Essentials
An important step in every recipe is a way to quantify and blend ingredients. Our Stainless Steel Set of 3 Mixing Bowls are ideal for mixing, prep, and food storage. For more casual cooking and baking, our Stoneware Batter Bowl is microwave-safe and can also be used in the fridge when chilling ingredients. A well-stocked kitchen also needs an assortment of serving bowls for a variety of kitchen tasks from tossing salads to marinating meats. Our colorful collection are elegant enough to do double duty as serveware for any occasion.
Do Your “Mise en Place”
The French phrase ‘mise en place’ (or ‘everything in its place’) is often used by chefs, but this fundamental principle of restaurant kitchens is something that the home cook can do too. It simply means all your ingredients are prepped and organised before you start cooking. Our Mini Cocottes or Stackable Ramekins are perfect for spices, herbs, condiments, diced veggies and fruits. If you’re pressed for time, look to the convenience of a grocery store to help you get ahead and stay efficient, both things that are important at home.
Organise Your Kitchen
A colorful, organised kitchen is an inviting place to cook and makes preparing meals easy, efficient and pleasurable. Each person and kitchen is unique, so think through how you personally use your kitchen every day. Try to identify a triangle where you can easily access the stove, sink and refrigerator. You could hang your pots on a wall so that they easy to grab when needed. Keep the most frequently utilised tools and a garbage can by your workstation to save steps as well. Keep essential ingredients in reach while cooking – for example olive oil and salt and pepper – and some tasting spoons to check for seasoning as he goes.
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