Some really useful tools.

So, Masterchef Australia started again last night, and after my boycott on Season 2, I feel like I can watch Season 3 without wanting to smack George Calombaris' moving hands and telling Matt Preston to stop being an idiot. Gary is still my favourite! I'm also hoping we don't have to see much of Donna Hay. She bugs me. I digress.

Marty's making a chicken pie tonight and not really in the mood to teach, maybe he wants to keep his secret sauce, a secret; so we had a discussion about the most useful and necessary implements in our kitchen.

The Top 5 must haves in the kitchen according to us are, and in no particular order:
1. A good knife
2. A good pot - a Le Creuset casserole pot. Cast iron that stands the test of time, has a lifetime guarantee and can be used in the oven and on top.
3. A big, solid chopping board
4. A good pan - a great non-stick and also one that can go into the oven. This may mean you have to have 2. The funniest story about ours is that our 2 most used pans ever are a Le Creuset grill pan that was a wedding present, and a flat large pan that can be used in the oven and on top, that my mom was throwing out and passed on to me with the '2nds' when setting up our house. So mom - that pan has stood the test of time and is still being used daily. I am truly the queen of the 1 pan wonder!
5. A couple of good wooden spoons!

Our Top 5 ingredients, in order:
1. Olive oil - we often by the big canister on special and have a beautiful bottle that we keep it in. I even use an olive oil spray if I'm needing to fry something to keep it healthy.
2. Iodised flaky sea salt and cracked pepper. I don't think I can emphasise the importance of this type of salt. When you use flaky sea salt, and it really should be iodised for the various health benefits, you use less salt generally because you get a better flavour, and it's better for you. It's marginally more expensive but a box of it lasts us over a month, if not more. You will notice the difference. A certain amount of salt is required in our diets, and when you season correctly you use less sauces and additives that have hidden calories and preservatives in them.
3. Garlic
4. Lemons
5. Fresh herbs

And some other things you might need and like -
A good peeler - don't laugh, but Tupperware's is the bomb!
Mixing bowls
A food processor with blender

All the above make up a basic kitchen and there is so much that can be added. I love my servingware and glassware and will happily say that I'm a little addicted to the purchase of said -wares. So I think I have a fair array of bowls and plates, and will continue to add to it I'm sure. We also have a fabulous selection of knives and utensils, dried spices and a small fresh herb garden, and our slowly expanding oils and preserves. It all makes for an interesting kitchen and I hope you can use some of this information!

Happy cooking
xoxo