Let’s get cooking

The kitchen has evolved into something far more grandiose than just a place for cooking and eating meals. A place where people gather and memories are made, today’s kitchen has become the hub of the house, seeing more meals prepared and more dishes dirtied than ever before.

Fortunately, a busier kitchen doesn’t have to mean more work. Kitchen designs, modern features, and must-have items like the ones listed below are meant to help us make the most of our time in the kitchen and give us more time for socializing.

Stand mixer. Fold, stir, mix, whip, and beat while freeing up your hands for other tasks. True, a stand mixer is more costly than a hand mixer, but it won’t need replacing for about 15 years and will make life in the kitchen a whole lot easier.

Blender. Not just for margaritas, a blender is capable of accomplishing many of the same tasks as a stand mixer but on a much smaller scale. It’s also a good stand-in for some food processor jobs.

Quality knives. Quality can be costly. You don’t have to break your budget by buying a good set of knives, though. If necessary, buy one good multipurpose knife, then purchase other knives as your finances allow.

Kitchen shears. You’ll turn to kitchen shears more than you think. They’re great for cutting whole chickens into smaller pieces, snipping herbs, opening packages, and many other kitchen-cutting needs.

To avoid harmful bacteria, sanitize your kitchen shears after each use.

Cutting boards. Invest in multiple cutting boards, each for a specific purpose. To avoid harmful bacteria, never cut vegetables on the same cutting board as meat, and disinfect them after each use.

Cutting boards also serve as appetizer trays.

Wooden spoons. Wooden spoons are relatively inexpensive and last for years. And, unlike stainless steel spoons, wooden spoons don’t conduct heat up their handles.

Cookware. Stainless steel pots and pans are sturdy enough to last for upwards of 15 years and have the added convenience of being oven safe.

Less work, more fun. Life in the kitchen, as it should be.