What do you consider bare-bones must-haves in the kitchen?

[Cookin4Love]

DD is moving into an apartment by herself. While she was living with us, someone broke into her storage unit and stole everything, so she's going out with nothing. Obviously, we'll help her build up her kitchen again over time, but she's going to have to get the most basic basics for survival until that time. She is, of course, working with a limited budget. I've been working on a list, but I know I'm probably leaving things out. She does have the Kitchen-Aid mixer I gave her when she still lived here; it was in our garage. I also have plenty of dishes and an old set of flatware to share with her. :o :p She does like to cook, but doesn't necessarily cook all the time. In other words, she does need a functional kitchen, but not all the bells and whistles.

Please add to the list. I know there is more than this!

Cookware

1 pot large enough for pasta
1 saucepan (2 quart?)
1 non-stick skillet

Bakeware

1 rimmed cookie sheet
Casserole dish
2 oven mitts or pot holders

Utensils

Spatula/Turner
Wooden spoon
Silicone spatula

Prep

Dish clothes (2)
Dish towels (4)
Chef's knife
Paring knife
Cutting board
Grater (I have an extra microplane)
Mixing bowl(s)
Hand can opener

Food Storage

Foil
Plastic Wrap
Ziploc Bags
Gladware or other plastic storage

Small Electrics

Coffee maker (My mom has a small one to give her)
For her, probably a food processor, but that probably won't happen for awhile

[AndreaU]

As for utensils, what about a peeler, tongs and a pizza cutter? Oh, and an ice cream scoop!!

[cchhbb]

Here's the link to a thread a couple of months ago about this.

http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?t=105013&highlight=kitchen+basics

[heavy hedonist]

a pitcher for drinks, water or juice, which you can get at the Dollar store, and a nine-inch square or round baking pan. good luck to DD, that's really sad for her. i had my life in storage for months at one time.

[stefania4]

Your poor DD!

I'd add to the list -

Trivet
Wire rack
Salt & pepper shakers
Measuring cups/spoons
Corkscrew
A loaf pan if you think she'll use it

[KristiB]

I don't see a strainer/colander

[memartha]

I'll add:

whisk
measuring cups and spoons (unless she's Rachel Ray :p )

[carolv]

a pitcher for drinks, water or juice, which you can get at the Dollar store, and a nine-inch square or round baking pan. good luck to DD, that's really sad for her. i had my life in storage for months at one time.


I second the Dollar Store, you can find lots of goodies for the price of one in a department store.

Wire Wisk
Slotted spoon
Small 8" non stick skillet for eggs and such (for one)

[teacherlady]

I don't know where you live, but if there's an Ikea near you, they have a whole set of "starter kitchen" boxes that might help. Even if you don't live near one, if you go to www.ikea.com you'll be able to order a box that has essential pots and pans, measuring cups, etc.

[Beth]

Cookin' -- I just redid my kitchen and have some things I am not going to be using any more. I've already cleaned out and donated some, so I'm not sure what I still have. I have a couple of boxes I haven't unpacked in the garage. I'd be glad to see if I can't help out with some things. I will PM you shortly.

[Robyn1007]

Cookin' -- I just redid my kitchen and have some things I am not going to be using any more. I've already cleaned out and donated some, so I'm not sure what I still have. I have a couple of boxes I haven't unpacked in the garage. I'd be glad to see if I can't help out with some things. I will PM you shortly.

The generosity of this board constantly amazes me. And, you, Beth are a front runner. I have benefited from the generosity of this board and am glad to count so many of you among friends.

Now, back to this thread. I used to have the same type of kitchen set up where I was buying only the essentials. I agree that the kitchen in a box kind of thing may be helpfull. I'm looking at an ad from Target for their off to college annual campaign. They have two different boxes one for dorms and one for apartments. The apartment set up contains 2qt saucepan with glass lid, 3 qt double handled pot with glass lid, 9.5" fry pan, cookie sheet, 13" pizza pan, kitchen utensils including cork screw, veggie peeler, measuring cups, pizza cutter, can opener, silicone spatula, measuring spoons, mixing bowl, colander, spatula/turner, pasta spoon, regular spoon, slotted spoon, dish brush, can coozies, salt and pepper shakers oven mitt and steak knives. It is advertised at $29.99. Not super quality but will get her buy until she can invest in better items.

[Beth]

In case others are so inclined, I'm going to go ahead and publicly list what I have so that others might fill gaps. I can identify at least the following that are available --

Whisk
silicone brush
Cutlery organizer (drawer insert)
timer
Colander
Tupperware containers
Large Plastic bowl
4 or 5 qt Revereware pot -- no lid
Cooking spoon
spatula (mixing type)
spatula (cooking type)
Pyrex batter bowl

couple of cereal size plastic bowls -- may find some other plastic dishes

Knife block (not sure if I have any extra knives -- they may be in another box or gone already)

Cookbook stand (and I have a duplicate cookbook she can put in it and start a new collection with)

And I can wrap a couple of dish towels around them.

I thought I had another set of measuring spoons too -- I'll look some more after we eat dinner. If I do find them, there may be another set of measuring cups with them.

[Cookin4Love]

The generosity of this board constantly amazes me. And, you, Beth are a front runner.

I couldn't have said it better, Robyn. Beth, I PM'ed you about that--and I'm awed and humbled. One of the things I love best about this board is the generosity--of ideas, of advice, of a willingness to go do research, of Google-masters...and of course, the times that things exchange hands, too.

Thanks for all of the ideas--some, I can't believe I didn't think of. Measuring cups? Colander? Hello!!!!

I'll definitely be visiting the dollar store, IKEA, Target, etc. With the back-to-school emphasis on outfitting dorms, it's a good time to take care of some of this. She's also hitting Craig's list for furniture because, of course, all of that was stolen, too. They did leave the bottom to her blender and the lid to her iced tea maker. :rolleyes: The things they stole couldn't possible have had much value to them beyond a couple of quick fixes of drugs, but meant the world to her. Of course, she can't replace yearbooks, photos, mementos...they took all of those, too. And doubly cruel--they apparently went through all the boxes and CHOSE what to leave behind. Why, oh why, would you steal someone's most personal treasures? :mad:

But I digress. I would much rather focus on the kind of people that are here--caring, compassionate, and full of good ideas!

[yasicat]

I have a spare JA Henckel's knife block/set that I'm not using anymore since I got married, and possibly some spare plastic mixing bowls with covers if I can find them!

[Hammster]

I didn't read 100% of all posts, so forgive me if these have been mentioned, but I think 2 things that are essential to a single person's cookwares are a toaster oven and a crock pot. The toaster oven does double duty as a toaster and a small oven. The crock pot can cook things that a single can then portion out and then refrigerate or freeze.

[Robyn1007]

I forgot about the toaster oven which I do really like having (and am single). I have a cheapie and it's okay. Someday I'll upgrade.

I have a crockpot that I've used maybe twice in the last year. That's mainly because of my schedule since I'm away from my home for around 12 hours a day (soon to be closer to 9 :) ). It may be great for her but may not be so find out if that's the kind of cooking she'll do.

[stefania4]

The things they stole couldn't possibly have had much value to them beyond a couple of quick fixes of drugs, but meant the world to her. Of course, she can't replace yearbooks, photos, mementos...they took all of those, too.

Keep an eye on E-bay. There's a surprisingly high resale on yearbooks.

[Robyn1007]

Keep an eye on E-bay. There's a surprisingly high resale on yearbooks.


:confused: :confused: :eek:

[Beth]

That's kinda creepy.

[Hammster]

I have a crockpot that I've used maybe twice in the last year. That's mainly because of my schedule since I'm away from my home for around 12 hours a day (soon to be closer to 9 :) ). It may be great for her but may not be so find out if that's the kind of cooking she'll do.


Robyn, Have you tried making something in the crockpot on a day off? Then portion and freeze or refrigerate? Then you would have quick meals for when you get home from those 12 hour days and even those 9 hour days.

[Cookin4Love]

I didn't read 100% of all posts, so forgive me if these have been mentioned, but I think 2 things that are essential to a single person's cookwares are a toaster oven and a crock pot. The toaster oven does double duty as a toaster and a small oven. The crock pot can cook things that a single can then portion out and then refrigerate or freeze.


I agree; I think I may replace my toaster oven and give her the one I'm using now. It sounds like a good excuse, doesn't it? ;) I'd really like to get one with a stainless steel finish since it sits out on the counter all the time and the cream finish sticks out like a sore thumb.

I'll have to find out if she ever used her crock pot. Robyn, I think you're right in that you either use one or you don't. On a side note, I just ordered Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker for One or Two today--the Crockpot I have is huge, and there are only two of us.

And Stefania--seriously? Any idea what the draw would be? I can't imagine wanting anyone else's old yearbooks. I barely look at mine. I'll head over and see what they've got. Very strange!

Again, lots of good ideas. Thank you.

[Robyn1007]

Robyn, Have you tried making something in the crockpot on a day off? Then portion and freeze or refrigerate? Then you would have quick meals for when you get home from those 12 hour days and even those 9 hour days.

Ah, see on those days I want to really cook, not just throw things in the crockpot. And, yes, I freeze/refrigerate my weekend cooking for during the week. I may start coming home during lunch when I get moved much closer to my office during the winter when crockpot type meals sound good and my weekends disappear to skiing. :)

[Hammster]

Ah, see on those days I want to really cook, not just throw things in the crockpot. And, yes, I freeze/refrigerate my weekend cooking for during the week. I may start coming home during lunch when I get moved much closer to my office during the winter when crockpot type meals sound good and my weekends disappear to skiing. :)

Yeah, I was thinking in addition to any real cooking you would do. I think Cookin hit it on the head. Either one uses a crock pot or one doesn't. I guess I'm in the former camp.
Good idea about winter use for the crockpot however. :D I know I don't use mine as much in the summer. But once in a while it comes out. It probably comes out once a week during winter though.

[Robyn1007]

Yeah, I was thinking in addition to any real cooking you would do. I think Cookin hit it on the head. Either one uses a crock pot or one doesn't. I guess I'm in the former camp.
Good idea about winter use for the crockpot however. :D I know I don't use mine as much in the summer. But once in a while it comes out. It probably comes out once a week during winter though.

Yep, my winters are pretty harried if you consider I got 33 ski days in 6 months last season AND work full time you can imagine there isn't much time at home. I'm looking forward to being able to come home at lunch occasionally and at least not spending as much of my life on the road.

Cookin, I think you've got a great reason to buy a new toaster oven! :D I just remembered that I've got a waffle iron that I can donate to the cause. I don't like waffles and this was a gift that's only been used a couple of times.

[CompassRose]

DD is moving into an apartment by herself. While she was living with us, someone broke into her storage unit and stole everything, so she's going out with nothing.
Oh gods! I know I said that I had too much stuff and didn't need it... but argh! the thought!


Please add to the list. I know there is more than this!

Cookware

1 pot large enough for pasta
1 saucepan (2 quart?)
1 non-stick skillet

Bakeware

1 rimmed cookie sheet
Casserole dish
2 oven mitts or pot holders

Utensils

Spatula/Turner
Wooden spoon
Silicone spatula

Prep

Dish clothes (2)
Dish towels (4)
Chef's knife
Paring knife
Cutting board
Grater (I have an extra microplane)
Mixing bowl(s)
Hand can opener

Food Storage

Foil
Plastic Wrap
Ziploc Bags
Gladware or other plastic storage

Small Electrics

Coffee maker (My mom has a small one to give her)
For her, probably a food processor, but that probably won't happen for awhile
Garlic press (although one can make do with the flat of a knife)
For me, hand blender
Kettle (although the 2qt pot will do; mysteriously, my house-sit doesn't have a kettle)
Strainer (for that pasta!)

Other than that, you know, that pretty much is the basics. I'm getting on with one large Le Crueset -- I don't know, dutch oven or something, and one 8" Le Crueset skillet (which, other than sucking for omelettes, is pretty nice); my own small paring knife (I brought my chef's knife, but haven't unwrapped it); a 2 cup and 1 cup measuring cup, strainer, and the housesit Tassimo thing (I try not to think about the environmental unfriendliness of the little pod doohickeys). The lack of garlic press is a bit weird, but not unlivable. There is a strainer, and a few bowls, but cooking does not appear to be a priority for Mine Hosts.

[ClaraB]

I don't think anyone else has mentioned this one yet, but what about a microwave? I'd be lost without mine.

[CompassRose]

Nope, you can live without a microwave... did it for years, and then after A. took mine and I moved to my apartment, did it again.

Of course, having Pyrex oven-safe food storage containers helped a lot; I threw them in the oven to reheat things instead of nuking stuff.

[Robyn1007]

Nope, you can live without a microwave... did it for years, and then after A. took mine and I moved to my apartment, did it again.

Of course, having Pyrex oven-safe food storage containers helped a lot; I threw them in the oven to reheat things instead of nuking stuff.

I agree and am seriously considering getting rid of mine. It takes up so much space and there is very little I can do with it that I can't do just as well on the stove or in the oven. I haven't decided yet though.

[Hammster]

I think for bare-bones, a microwave isn't necessary for the various reasons already listed.

[badunnin]

Nope, you can live without a microwave... did it for years, and then after A. took mine and I moved to my apartment, did it again.

Of course, having Pyrex oven-safe food storage containers helped a lot; I threw them in the oven to reheat things instead of nuking stuff.

It's funny you say this. I have a nice, new, stainless microwave in the basement and the hook-up installed above the stove. The reason I haven't installed it is because I am missing a part, to be delivered next week. Currently, I've been without since April, and I'm not sure I miss it. Sometimes, yes. But not often. I have 4 tiles that I brought back from China with me, and if I don't install it, I can put them in my backsplash. If I do install, there's no room for them. Decisions decisions. I might miss microwave popcorn while I'm grading in the winter though.

[Kay Henderson]

I have set up small kitchens in vacation rentals, RVs, and boats. I have found the boxed sets of pots & pans, and baking pans (available at such places as Target) to be a helpful place to start as there is often a price break. The IKEA "starter kitchen" also sounds very good.

How involved does DD want to be? Could you print out these suggestions, a budget, and let HER go at it?

Good luck!

Kay

[teacherlady]

I didn't read 100% of all posts, so forgive me if these have been mentioned, but I think 2 things that are essential to a single person's cookwares are a toaster oven and a crock pot. The toaster oven does double duty as a toaster and a small oven. The crock pot can cook things that a single can then portion out and then refrigerate or freeze.

I have a toaster oven I used three times I'm going to send. This is sort of like a national shower! Boo-hiss on you creeps. Eat dirt!

Edit -- the creeps are the people who stole the stuff, not the posters on this BB, obviously!

[Hammster]

I have a toaster oven I used three times I'm going to send. This is sort of like a national shower! Boo-hiss on you creeps. Eat dirt!

Edit -- the creeps are the people who stole the stuff, not the posters on this BB, obviously!


LOL, and yes, boo hiss to those creeps.
Although I think of it more as a community coming together to help someone in need. We've seen similar kindness here in San Diego. A Little League's entire storge shed of equipment stolen and the community rallies together to replace the equipment. Stories like that. This BB is a great community. :D

[ClaraB]

I think for bare-bones, a microwave isn't necessary for the various reasons already listed.
Guess it must be a matter of habit, then, because I certainly use my microwave far more than my crockpot. Heating food in the microwave is more energy and time efficient than turning on the stove or oven, and there's no way I could thaw meat or other frozen foods quickly without it, but it's up to cookin4love's daughter to decide how much she needs one.

[Robyn1007]

Guess it must be a matter of habit, then, because I certainly use my microwave far more than my crockpot. Heating food in the microwave is more energy and time efficient than turning on the stove or oven, and there's no way I could thaw meat or other frozen foods quickly without it, but it's up to cookin4love's daughter to decide how much she needs one.

I think part of me enjoys the act of coming home, putting leftovers in the oven or on the stove to start warming while I change, water plants and do other little things. I also like the extra caramelization and crisping that happens with some dishes when reheated on the stove or in the oven, just a slight change in flavors to make the dish a little different. There are for sure a few things that are better warmed in the microwave. On the other hand, if I were choosing between a microwave and a crockpot the microwave would come first it's just that the crockpot is more easily stored away when not in use. And you are correct, everybody's cooking styles are different and it really depends on Cookin's daughters preference.