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Main Page Site Index Getting Pregnant Pregnancy Parenting Pregnancy and Parenting Journals Fertility Nutrition Pregnant Moms Morning Sickness Women's Health Child Health	Around the House - In The Kitchen - Beginner Kitchen Needs Beginner Kitchen Needs I'll never forget my first apartment...to say I was a minimalist, would be putting it lightly. My first kitchen tools consisted of: 1 pot, an iron frying pan, 1 paring knife, and a pancake turner. As a young college student who lived off a diet of pizza and burgers, it's all I did need. Now, I love kitchen gadgets, from my George Foreman grill to my hand held mixing wand, I have a plethora of "stuff". However, the basic kitchen just needs the following tools to be well prepared for cooking adventures. As you become a more proficient cook, you will probably find, as I did, that you enjoy having ramekins at the ready, but initially here are my recommendations: Paring knife: For peeling and coring vegetables and fruits. 10 inch Chef's knife: You will find this one of the most useful knives you will ever own. Most of your slicing and chopping will be done with this knife. 10 inch Nonstick Frying Pan: This pan will be used for sauteing, making egg dishes, frying small quantities of food and more. 3 qt Sauce Pot (with cover): For cooking sauces, rice, vegetables and soups. Basket steamer: These are metal, and open up like a blooming flower. It should fit inside your 3 quart saucepot. You will use if for steaming vegetables and fish. 8 qt StockPot (with cover): This will be used for boiling pasta, making soups, boiling potatoes. It's a versitile pot, that you will frequently use. Roasting Pan: Used for anything you cook in the oven. Liquid and dry measuring cups: Yes, there is a difference. :) Liquid cups have spouts for easy pouring, dry cups are level, so you can measure accurately. Strainer: Used for draining pasta. Meat thermometer: Use to insure you meat is cooked to a safe internal temp. Blender: Used for purees, drinks, sauces, and great for making homemade baby foods. Kitchen Gizmos: You will find a wall full of these when you go to the store. The basic kitchen only needs rubber spatulas, wooden spoons, a grater, and a vegetable peeler.