Kitchen Tools You Need to Become a Better Cook

I can't wait to rejoin the amazing blog group of The Slashing Block! Naturally, I've been cooking a feast and shooting a ton of photos of food while I've been sleeping. Life has opened up a lot since I last wrote for this blog, and I'm currently hosting guests in my house and traveling to see friends and family around the country and the world.
One steady in these experiences? That's right, you got it: cooking. There's nothing more superb than social affair with companions in the kitchen knife, giving everybody a task, and investing energy preparing supper together.

There is a wide range of involvement and comfort levels among my loved ones in the kitchen. I have friends who I would say are unquestionably more talented than I am, friends who aren't really aware of the difference between an onion and a shallot, and friends who are, in a sense, at every level in between. I adore them all, too! My friends who are less experienced in the kitchen (but just as willing to try new things!) always ask for one of two options.

How might I improve as a cook?

What kitchen devices am I passing up?
The answer to the first question is, of course, to take the Culinary Training Course at The Cleaving Block. A condensed quantity of information presented by seasoned professionals could not be a better way to learn! Additionally, if you're looking to hone a certain set of skills, find a class that best suits your goals and jump in. Easy as pie! (In addition, they probably have a class for that.)

It is more serious to grapple with the next question. I suppose it's attainable to prepare fantastic meals using the most straightforward of gadgets, actually; however, I also understand that there are a couple of things I've gone overboard on throughout the long run that have had an enormous influence in my cooking. I've listed my list of kitchen "basics" below, which are the four items I would buy if you wanted to invest some time and (very little!) money into becoming a better cook.

1. Great Blade

Does this sound like a cliched response? It should. Although The Slashing Block also offers a class called Blade Abilities, the more refined your blade, the easier your preparation will be, and the more enjoyable your meals will be. But you don't have to pay for a complete block set. Just acquire one excellent blade and learn how to maintain its edge. Once you have a sharp blade prepped and ready, you'll be surprised at how much easier cooking becomes.

2. Microplane

This may seem illogical. It may attempt to seem offensive. However, the one piece of equipment I use the most to move dishes around my kitchen is the microwave my mother gave me when I was a senior in high school. This tiny yet powerful tool is a superfine grater, which is similar to what you use for ruined cheddar but much more basic. Having this handy tool ready and primed has helped me add flavors to nearly everything I do, from adding fresh lemon zest to salads. greens to adding a hit of ginger to my chicken noodle soup. This device doesn't make you a superior cook to such an extent as it compels you to contemplate the nuance of flavor and how to bring it out by grinding secret fixings into simple recipes.

3. Project Iron Skillet

I'm sure you've heard me talk about my cast iron skillet before. I never gave it a second thought after receiving it at Focus during my senior year of high school. I currently have three in different sizes to meet any demand that may arise. Make this the container you use, assuming you have one in your kitchen. The cast iron's ability to retain heat, pass through the broiler with ease, and transition between scrumptious and sweet uses will aid you in your kitchen endeavors.

4. Jug of Wine

You're probably thinking that this final sentence is a cop-out, something I wrote because I was at a loss for ideas. Think again! Most significantly, I firmly believe that becoming a good cook has a place for unwinding and truly enjoying cooking. Additionally, if a glass of wine helps you accomplish that, you should definitely drink it! (Select one following a taste at The Cleaving Block led by a sommelier!) Try adding some wine to your soups or sautés whenever you're feeling unhurried. Make use of the jug? Make use of it as a pivot.

Is it safe to say that you are feeling free yet? Prepared to take on some extra cooking difficulties with your new devices? What are your kitchen Knives basics? Stock up today at The Hacking Block, and ask the specialists there what they go after each evening.