Organizing Your Kitchen Space

A person spends a lot of time in the kitchen. It is definitely the central location of the home. Since we are in the kitchen so often, we need to keep the kitchen neat and organized. We have to be able to find what we need with just a quick glance. We want to be able to quickly find our wine glasses when having a glass of San Simeon wine, or our whisk when mixing up a sauce. 

Ideas for Organizing the Kitchen

Here are some good ideas for organizing your kitchen:

• Sort through your dishes, utensils and cookware, and get rid of anything that you no longer use or need.
• Use clear plastic storage containers to store dry goods such as pasta, rice, and cereal. This will make it easy to see when you are running low on a certain item.
• Use drawer dividers to organize utensils, such as silverware, cooking tools, and measuring cups and spoons.
• Use a turntable to organize spices, condiments, and oils, this will make it easy to find what you need and also save space.
• Use a pegboard or magnetic strip to organize pots, pans, and other metal kitchen tools.
• Utilize the back of cabinet and pantry doors to hang items such as spice racks, or hooks for utensils.
• Use stacking shelves to make the most of vertical space in your cabinets or pantry.
• Use a lazy susan to organize items in the back of your cabinets or pantry, making it easy to see and access everything.
• Use drawer organizers to separate items such as cutting boards, baking sheets, and cooling racks.
• Use a label maker to label items in your pantry and cabinets, so you can easily find what you need.
• Utilize the space under the sink to store cleaning supplies or plastic bags.
• Use over-the-door organizers to store items such as aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and bags.

By implementing these ideas, you can make the most of the space in your kitchen, make it easy to find what you need, and keep your kitchen more organized and functional. Remember, it’s important to regularly go through your kitchen and get rid of items that you no longer need or use.

What Should We Have On Hand?

When it comes to cookware, there are a few essential items that every kitchen should have:

1. Pots and pans: A set of pots and pans is essential for cooking a wide variety of dishes. Look for pots and pans that are made of durable materials such as stainless steel, cast iron, or non-stick materials.
2. A skillet or frying pan: A skillet or frying pan is great for sautéing, frying, and searing. Look for a skillet or frying pan that is made of a durable material such as stainless steel or cast iron.
3. A Dutch oven: A Dutch oven is a versatile piece of cookware that can be used for braising, stewing, and even baking. Look for a Dutch oven that is made of a heavy, durable material such as cast iron.
4. A saucepan: A saucepan is great for making sauces, heating liquids, and cooking small amounts of food. Look for a saucepan that is made of a durable material such as stainless steel.
5. A stockpot: A stockpot is great for making soups, stews, and stocks. Look for a stockpot that is made of a durable material such as stainless steel.
6. Baking dishes: A set of baking dishes such as a baking sheet, loaf pan, pie dish, and casserole dish, is essential for baking a wide variety of dishes. Look for baking dishes that are made of durable materials such as glass, ceramic, or metal.
7. A colander: A colander is a must-have for draining pasta, vegetables, and other foods. Look for a colander that is made of a durable material such as stainless steel.
8. A set of measuring cups and spoons: A set of measuring cups and spoons is essential for precise cooking and baking. Look for a set that is made of a durable material such as stainless steel.
9. A set of kitchen knives: A set of kitchen knives is essential for preparing food. Look for a set that includes a chef’s knife, paring knife, serrated knife, and a bread knife.
10. A cutting board: A cutting board is essential for protecting your countertops and making food preparation easier. Look for a cutting board that is made of a durable material such as wood or plastic.
11. A set of tongs, spatulas, and slotted spoons: A set of tongs, spatulas, and slotted spoons are essential for cooking and serving. Look for a set that is made of heat-resistant materials such as silicone or stainless steel.
12. A set of oven mitts and potholders: A set of oven mitts and potholders is essential for protecting your hands when cooking and serving. Look for a set that is made of heat-resistant materials such as silicone or cotton.

By having these essential cookware items in your kitchen, you will be able to prepare a wide variety of dishes and make the most of your cooking experience. Remember to choose cookware that is made of durable and heat-resistant materials, and that will last for a long time.