Stuff you NEED

NEED:  When you have to have something/someone in order to live or meet immediate requirements. Often confused with WANT: when you seek out a something or someone for recreation rather then immediate requirements.


I've decided to compile a list of everything I think a good kitchen needs.  Split into two groups. Absolute basic needs for a simple chef like moi (also the cheaper of the two) and the second list EXPERTCHEFWHYYOUEVENONMYBLOG?! or 'Intermediate'.

Most of the stuff can be found in any large supermarket like Sainsbury's (there I go again) I will actually be reading from argos. my favourite store ever. the catalogue is free from any store and the website is www.argos.co.uk they have everything from kitchen to bathroom, bedroom, toys, garden, furniture. EVERYTHING!

ok...

Basic Kitchen - non negotiable!:

• Two saucepans one big one medium. (£7.99 for 3)
• a mixing bowl (
• a sharp knife for chopping/peeling (whole set of knives £3.99)
• Cutting board (buy wood not glass, you WILL scratch it!) - £7.99 for 3).
• Hand wash. (If you have to ask, you have probably already given yourself or someone else food poisoning.) - like one pound from ANYWHERE.
• a plate for grated ingredients.
• Wooden spoon. - trust.( £2.99 for set of 3.)
• Two large baking trays for the oven.  (Measure the width of your oven before you buy!) (£1.99 for 2)

• Spatula - for flipping or moving hot items from tray to plate. (metal with wooden handles preferred) Cant buy separate at Argos but should be no more then one pound elsewhere.
• Measuring jug (£4.99)
• Colander for draining spaghetti and washing vegetables (3.99)
• Cheese grater ( like £3 if that from Sainsbury's)
• Oven mits - adorable and practical.  ( apron sets from £9.99 including gloves)

All of this should come too....actually let me check.... £39.93 not included the plate which you should have or the apron set which is really only if you dont want to get burned/ ruin your outfit. So yes nearly £40 and estimated $60 it looks like alot but It is all basic stuff, I didn't even include a peeler because you can use a knife! or a frying pan because you can technically use a saucepan, I have!

Besides you dont have to get it all at once, I buy by recipe anyway to save money.

But if your hardcore...

Intermediate:
Basic list plus:

• Utensils: spatula, tongs, serving spoon, whisk and potatoe masher.
• Frying pan x2 one for bacon the other for eggs.
• Dutch oven/ casserole dish (same thing)
• Milk pan (small saucepan for beans, sauces and...milk.)
• Tupperware for keeping leftovers
• Baking tray with muffin holders (for baking) x2
• Pastry brush x2 one for pastry the other for meat, mark each one to tell the difference.
• Rolling pin
• Electric whisk- for the weak armed like me .
• Two more mixing bowls small and BIG.
• Glass roasters x 2 medium size.
• Cooling rack
• Electric scales
• Vegetable peeler
• Kettle
• Cake tin - for baking.

I did not include prices this time as I feel it really only applies to those of use who are confined to the basics list at the moment. I mean if you skipped to list two you probably dont care about the pricing anyway. And its not horrificly expensive, just more for those who want to be extra prepared.

Ok well same as always if you have any questions about what to buy or feel like I've forgotten something or hell, If you know anywhere cheaper please share with a comment! x