Simplify Your Kitchen and Make it Work for You!

Over the years, as a Short Order Cook, A Caterer, and now an Everyday Cook working in a compact kitchen, I have picked up a few tips and ideas as to how to really enjoy your time in the kitchen. In my opinion, that starts with having what you need and using what you have, as well as knowing where everything is - especially when you need it now!

So here are lots of things to think about and evaluate.  None of us is going to do everything, and I am pretty sure that my kitchen will never, ever make it to a magazine!  As you can see by the pictures at the end here, I do use some of the counter top for those things that I use the most.  The issue for all of us who do a lot of cooking is:  does it work for me?  

Start with the Dishes and Appliances! 

*Stop storing too many of anything!  Mugs, Flatware, Dinner Plates.

*Please don’t buy Non-Stick Cookware - you are throwing your money  away on a product that can become toxic.  You do not need it to cook.

*Avoid “One Use” glassware - if you must have separate Rocks, Wine, Sherry, etc.  glasses, limit yourself to 8 maximum.  If you are hosting more folks than that, you probably will use something more standardized and easier to wash and store.

*Get rid of unused Cookware - be honest with yourself.  Ask yourself the last time that you actually used something. Items in this category often are what I call, "what's hot" items.  I know the One Pot will change humanity forever but how many will be taking up space in cabinets untouched in a year?  Items like Ice cream makers, mussel pots, slow cookers, etc. also fall into this category.
*Evaluate how many spatulas, whisks, etc. that you need to have.  And remember, it is essential that you buy good products to begin with so you aren’t replacing cheap, subpar equipment regularly.  

*Get rid of the pop up toaster - unless you are turning out tons of toast a day.  There are a number of small, easily storable products that you can use to toast bread*** - OR - you can use your oven! Retake the counter space! Also, mice regularly go into toasters over night to get at crumbs, and sometimes they leave something behind. Just something to think about. 

*If you are still using a Microwave Oven, my first question is, “What are you eating?” Because if you are popping boxes from your freezer or cabinet into a microwave, or if you are eating microwave popcorn, you are indeed living dangerously! 
Keep a small lidded pot on your stove - use it to melt butter. Buy an electric hot pot for boiling water. Move the microwave out! You'll find something to do with all of that space!

*A Bread Maker?  Really?  Why? This is one of those fad things that has always baffled me.

If you make rice regularly, then by all means keep your rice cooker.  We were gifted with a very high end Japanese rice cooker years ago.  I love it.  For rice, for oatmeal - it has a number of functions.  That said, if it went belly up I know that I would not replace it, given its size and expense.  I’d go back to a pot, lid and clean towel, I’m sure. 

*A panini maker is totally unnecessary. Put your sandwich in a pan and put a heavier pan on top of it.  

*Control the Tupperware volume - storage is good, but too many storage items are an avalanche waiting to happen!

Organize.  Declutter. Plan Ahead

*Do not buy large jars of spices; spices lose their “spice” relatively quickly

*On TV cooking shows, you see olive and other oils beautifully displayed right over the stove - generally on a lovely stainless steel shelf under the exhaust fan.  Unless you go through your oils at a really brisk pace, this is a really bad idea.  The heat and smoke will kill those oils quickly. Almost all oils should be stored in a cool, dark cabinet.  If you must keep your olive oil out on a counter, it should be stored in dark containers to keep out the light.

*Have a designated space for everything - in the middle of cooking, you want to know exactly where to go for what you need.

*Group similar items together - Have your go-to things all in one place.

*When you cook, take the time to "mis en place" - get out and measure all of your ingredients ahead of time. 

*Get rid of the Knife Block - they are pretty much germ colonies and a drawer with wide spaces and dividers works much better for you and your knives.

It all comes down to what works for you, and when things aren’t working, you know it. Most of us have more than we need, want, or use in our kitchens.  But maybe some of those things would be used happily by others. So, it is not always about throwing away - it is about giving away, donating, and re-homing. 

Start with looking at one cabinet or a few drawers and see what you really use and need. Be tough about it. Let us know how you made out - we are all learning from each other.

Our Beloved Collection of Artisanal Wooden Utensils is always at the ready

Salts, Peppers, Butter, and Utensils - all at a quick grab

***We use a tool called a "Tostapane" - we fell in love with them in Italy.  Placed over a burner they heat up and you toast on the hot metal.  They are flat and hang to store.  Also, if you are a fan of cast iron, the flat crepe like pan can be heated up in a few minutes and toasts beautifully. We make our home made pizzas on it too.

EAT REAL FOOD