Kitchen and Equipment

 

	An apron -- this is my favorite kitchen item, LOL!  Mine has ample pockets, which means that some days, I wear it all day long so that I can catch hair bows, Legos, and pennies.  I find I have much more of a mind to work when I can slip into a comfortable and pretty apron.  I don't mind digging in and getting my hands dirty!
	A step stool -- this helps short women like me reach cabinets with ease.  This also helps my kids cook with me, or at least watch and beg to lick the spoon.
	A good knife or two, plus kitchen scissors -- I also purchased a sharpener, because this keeps my Wal-mart quality knives performing much better.  You can use "office" scissors in the kitchen, by the way!  Just set aside a designated pair so that you don't find bits of Elmer's glue or crayons in your kitchen drawers.
	Storage containers -- Like you, I have years of accumulation of plastic storage containers.  However, I've learned that only dry goods that will not be heated should be stored in these.  For all other foods, I have begun purchasing Pyrex storage containers, as well as simple glass canning jars.  For canning jars, I've found that wide-mouthed styles are easier to fill and clean.  I have both pint and quart size.  These can go in the fridge, in the freezer, and in my cupboards.  I use them a LOT!
	A dough scraper and a rolling pin -- I make much of my own bread, so these two tools are indispensable!  If you can afford more expensive appliances for bread making, I recommend it, but I can't.  These two tools make my kitchen life bearable -- even fun!  The Baker's Catalogue carries them, although you're likely to find them cheaper in a local kitchen shop.
	Pots, pans, and skillets -- I try to avoid aluminum and non-stick surfaces, so most of my pots and pans are made of stainless steel.  I have ceramic casserole dishes.  I have Pyrex glass or stainless steel mixing bowls.  Instead of non-stick skillets, I've made the switch to cast-iron skillets.
	Toaster Oven -- This non-fancy device stands in quite well for a microwave oven.  No, it can't do everything (and yes, I still hanker for microwave popcorn!).  But I'm happy and content with what it can do.  It helps if I store my leftovers in glass dishes that can be warmed in the toaster oven, so that I don't have more dishes to do.
	A Grain Mill -- Mine is a Family Grain Mill that is hand operated.  If your budget can handle it, I highly recommend getting an electric grain mill.  Otherwise, you'll get lots of exercise like I do!  A grain mill is truly a blessing, since you can purchase bags of wheat or rye in huge and CHEAP quantities.  (Freeze your grain for a month or two, then it should be bug-proof at room temperature.)  Once you have your own mill, you can even sprout your own flour and grind it for flour that is healthful and can be used in all traditional bread recipes.  From here, you can make just about anything!  Urban Homemaker has a good selection of many styles.
	A Dishwasher -- This invention can't be beat!  When I make food from scratch, without a microwave, I end up with more dishes than the average Joe.  (Many little mouths contribute to the number of dishes, too.)  My only caution is to not use too much dishwasher soap, as it is highly toxic.  Seventh Generation sells dishwashing detergent that is better, if you can find it near you or order it through a buying co-op.  If someone in your home has a compromised immune system, please wash your dishes by hand.
	A Freezer -- Yes, freezing your food is still considered healthful!  Isn't that a relief?  A freezer can help me make plenty of chicken and beef stock in advance, stored neatly in labeled canning jars.  I can purchase half a side of beef from a local farmer with confidence.  I can soak nuts, make "crispy nuts" (see Nourishing Traditions for recipe), and store them in quantity in the freezer.  Butter freezes nicely.  Bags of frozen vegetables are my personal life-savers.  Herbs from the garden can be frozen, also.  My freezer is a stand-up variety, rather than a chest type that I could lose things in.
	An Extra Refrigerator -- I haven't bought this yet, but it's next on my list.  I could make yogurt in quantity, buy lots of Bubbie's Sauerkraut from our local shopping co-op, and buy enough milk from our local dairy to make it a whole week in our thirsty household!  Oh, I'm saving those pennies...  I'm not planning to buy a fancy fridge.  I think I'll keep my eye on an ugly, used appliance, since nothing but my mud room will see it, and I can decorate it with children's artwork.

I'm sure there are other pieces of kitchen equipment that are great!  I'll add more as I think of them, and I'd love to hear your recommendations!

AnnMarie writes... "Mixer -any type.  My friend has a sunbeam and makes all her bread in it.  It is great for pancakes, mash potatoes, meatloaf, etc.  I had a kitchen aide and recently traded my sister for the Bosch and it really isn't any better except in quantity.  Also, a blender is great!"  I agree, Ann Marie!  I don't have a mixer yet, but I can't wait to get one.  Now that blender... how could I manage without it?  I'll try to post my smoothie recipe soon.  Yum!