Cooking up the good life

In my quest for a functional kitchen, I have discovered one of the most important requirements.  Pots with flat bottoms.  I guess I haven’t thought a whole lot about this, which must mean that my pots and pans at home are pretty flat.  The pots here in our kitchen are nice, heavy duty old metal pots-they are great, except for one thing-they aren’t flat.  Every time I try to prepare anything, the middle of the pan burns….stir frying and sauteeing,check, popcorn, definitely, pancakes, yup.  I really, really want these pans to work, so I am adapting and adjusting, and learning how to work around the middle.  But, I bought a couple of pans too. We now own a cast iron flat round griddle.  I LOVE cast iron-almost all my pans at home are this heavy, hearty metal.  People often ask me what I cook with at home, and I am always proud to tell them-and here’s why: cast iron conducts and contains heat incredibly efficiently,  leaches iron into your food and gets better with age. And it looks really cool.  What more could you want?

I also bought a medium sized enamel saucepan-with a very flat bottom, and red.  At least next time I make popcorn, it won’t burn, and it looks cute too.

red pot and skillet being put to good use

Can you see the indent?

functional and cute

The other must have is containers.   Probably three to four times a day, I am mixing, dumping, combining and cooking various grains, flours, nuts and other dry goods.
I can’t stand having to search through plastic bags, untie knots and then try to pour the right amount without spilling half of it on the counter.  It is crucial to organize this stuff.  It gives me great insight into the challenges and the barriers that many people face in attempting to set themselves up to cook at home.  Really, I can see how easy it is to lose your motivation if finding things and getting to what you need is messy and frustrating.  It is all about flow and ease-so this is one of the most basic, and critical lessons for any cook.  Buy bulk, and organize your stuff-it is worth the up front investment for long term functionality.  And, it need not be expensive or elaborate.  I went to the local target type of store here and bought glass containers with sealable lids, but in Minneapolis, I know several thrift stores that sell old glass containers or canning jars that are both attractive and useful.  You could even find them at your local hardware store.  If it helps people to prepare food at home, it is worth the cost-just like any good investment!