TOOLS OF THE TRADE
                     
                                                      

Ever since the beginning of mankind tools have been used in the art of cooking.  Of course, the very first tools were one’s hands and maybe a stick but none the less, they were tools.  Kitchen tools and equipment have changed drastically over the years and with so many on the market, it is hard to know what is necessary and what just might be a new gadget to clutter up your drawers. Whatever the case, cooking equipment will allow you to take your cooking talent and help extend it to reach its fullest potential. All kitchens need the basic tools of the trade to function well.

You can do either one of two things; take this list and go get all or start cooking and by trial and error you will then begin to see what you require.  I suggest trying to fill out your tools of the trade list and then start cooking. At least get the bare minimum without breaking the bank.

Basics.  Just like a well-stocked pantry a chef needs a well-stocked tool drawer and cabinet.  You do not need to spend an arm and leg on your items and you do not need great quantities. However, I do believe in good quality, as over the years they pay for themselves over and over. Don’t scrimp on these! So watch for the sales, use coupons or hunt garage sales. 

Hand tools:

·        Herb and spice tools

• Pepper Mill and Salt shaker
• Garlic press

·        General

·        Large Spoon

·        Slotted spoon

·        Wooden spoon

·        Spatula

·        Silicone spatula

·        Tongs

·        Bench Scraper

·        Baster

·        Laddle

·        Whisk

·        Large 2 tong fork

·        Vegetable peeler

Measuring Tools

• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups

Knives

• Pairing
• Bread
• Carving
• Utility 10 inch chef’s knife
• Kitchen shears

Stove Top Pots and Pans

·        3 sizes of sauce pans with lids

·        2 sizes of fry pans with lids

·        Pasta/soup kettle with lid – 10 qt 

 Oven Pans:

• Large roasting  pan
• Small roasting pan

Baking Pans:

      ·        Cake pans

·        Cookie sheet

·        Spring form pan

·        Loaf pan

·        Muffin

Casseroles and glass dishes

·        Pie dish

·        Au gratin

·        9 x9 inch glass

·        Ramekins

Odd and Ends:

1.      Colanders

2.      Small mess strainer

3.      Funnel

4.      Mixing Bowls

5.      Cutting board

6.      Can opener

7.      Bottle opener

8.      Rolling pin

9.      Silk pad

10.   Oven terminator

11.   Knife sharpener

12.   Grater 

Machines (oh how nice they make things)

·        Hand mixer

·        Food processor

·        Blender

·        Hand emulsioner

As always be your own Creative Dump Cook and change this recipe to what YOU have on hand