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Do you ever wish there was just more room in your kitchen to free up space for actual cooking? An overcrowded space makes it hard to feel creative and really enjoy cooking. Instead of buying a ton of cookware you'll never use, check out my top 3 favorite kitchen cooking tools and stock your kitchen with the basics!
1. Cast Iron Dutch Oven
There are a lot of brands you can choose from and my first one was $30 from Aldi. I wasn't sure how much I would use it so no need in spending the money. But I literally used it every day so I decided it would be worth it if you did decide to splurge. Here are my top 3 choices!
Le Creuset
Here we have the classic, Le Creuset. I listed it first because it's the most expensive, but it's also the best. It doesn't need much of an explanation so go ahead and splurge if ya can. I think you can use it for at least 100 years. Ok, maybe not, but if you take care of her, she won't fail you. I prefer the 7.25 quart overall.
Staub Cast Iron
The second option is the Staub. This one is a 5.5 quart which is also an option you could use with a variety of different dishes. Anything less maybe too small to use in so many different ways. A great option!
Martha Stewart
Of course, the queen of the home has a great option and it's readily available at Walmart. I love that it's 7 quart so it will be big enough for soups, too! If you want an Amazon option, check out this Lodge version.
2. Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
If you've noticed a theme, cast iron is definitely it. It can be intimidating to use at first because the cleanup seems daunting. However, once you get in a routine and only clean it with salt and water, I think you'll find that it is actually easier to clean and maintain.
A 10.25 inch skillet or a 12 inch skillet - either is a great option. It really depends on how many you are cooking for so for a family, I would go with the 12 inch. This brand really outlasts the others so I don't have a https://amzn.to/3fxqrLeton of other recommendations for a variety.
3. Baking Sheet
This Nordic Ware Baking sheet is good quality and heats well. As a bonus, you may want to go ahead and add in a Silpat Baking mat. It's a reusable nonstick baking mat that you can use for anything!
Whether you're a beginner or have been cooking a while, simplifying your kitchen and using only the necessities can make cooking more enjoyable! I hope you find these items as useful as I do!
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