Stocking a New Kitchen

If you're starting a new kitchen, why not stock the drawers and cabinets with the tool and equipment suggested by the world's leading chefs. We're not suggesting you buy a chinoise, a mandolin, a polenta pan, at least not unless you've already covered the essentials. These are the basics, and you'll probably add to them, but this equipment may be all you'll ever need.
Knives

• An 8-inch chef's knife
  If you spend a little extra on one thing for your kitchen, make it the chef's knife. There's nothing more useful in the kitchen than a well-made, sharp knife. You'll use it forever.
• A 4-inch paring knife
  It's also worth buying a good one. It's an investment in good cooking!
• A serrated knife for slicing bread.

Spoons and Tools

• 2 wooden spoons
• A large metal spoon
• A set of measuring spoons: 1 Tablespoon, 1 teaspoon, ½ teaspoon, ¼ teaspoon
• A metal spatula
• 2 rubber spatulas of different sizes
• A slotted spoon - stainless steel is the spoon of choice
• A potato masher
• A ladle for soups and sauces
• A flat hand grater for cheese, citrus zest, chocolate etc.
• A citrus juicer
  This is not a machine, but a hand held tool used to extract juice.
• A bottle opener
  The basic inexpensive church-key variety work perfectly.
• A can opener
• A meat thermometer
  Your best bet is the large faced thermometer that you push into the meat and leave in while the meat roasts.
• An 8-inch wire whisk
• An egg beater
• A small and a large cutting board made of plastic or wood
• A heavy wooden rolling pin

Bowls, Cups and Strainers

Ceramic or glass bowls are sturdy, easy to care for and never absorb the smell or taste of food they've contained. Metal bowls are also an excellent choice for beginning cooks for their durability and easy care.

• 1-quart mixing bowl
• 3-quart mixing bowl
• 8 small oven-safe ceramic cups
  These are also called ramekins and are used for custards, popovers or to serve spreads.
• A 1-cup and a 2-cup glass measuring cup for measuring liquids
  These are usually made by Pyrex and have a spout for pouring. The measuring marks are written on the side of the cup.
• A set of measuring cups for dry ingredients
  These are usually made of metal. A set includes ¼ cup, 1/3 cup, ½ cup and 1 cup.
• 1 and 2-cup jars with lids
  You can also simply save and recycle used jars.
• 2 wire strainers, a tiny one, three inches in diameter, and a larger seven-inch strainer
• A colander

Baking Needs

• An 8-inch square baking pan
• Two 8-inch round cake pans
• A 9-inch round cake pan
• A 13 x 9 inch baking pan
• 2 loaf pans
• 2 wire baking racks
• 2 cookie sheets
• A 2-inch round cookie cutter
• A 12-cup muffin pan

Stove and Oven Basics

Saucepans with lids and a sturdy roasting pan are among the true essentials in any kitchen. Their price and quality vary widely, but the better pans last longer and cook more evenly.

• A 2-quart saucepan
• A 6-quart saucepan
• A 10 or 12-inch sauté pan with a lid
• An 8-inch frying pan
• A large roasting pan - 12 x 17
  This is a nice size for large roasts since there will be room on the sides to add potatoes or other vegetables during roasting.
• A couple of oven-proof casserole dishes - 8 cup and a 12 cup size

There are innumerable kitchen machines available on the market. Many of them just end up catching dust on your cluttered kitchen counter. The good old-fashioned blender, a simple hand mixer and a food processor are the machines you'd probably use most often, so if you're inclined to register for electric appliances, start with these. WeddingChannel.com wishes you the best of luck as you stock your new kitchen.