The only utensils you need in your kitchen

We are constantly bombarded with ads for the latest and greatest in kitchen utensils and yet still no closer to knowing what we really need. Rather than getting caught up in the hype, here Jen outlines her most used kitchen utensils that allow her to chop, grate, spin and cook most family meals.

1. Good quality vegetable peeler.
2. Sharp paring knife. A great kitchen all-rounder that we can’t do without.
3. Handheld julienne matchstick slicer (we use a 1.5mm fine slicer).
4. Handheld strip slicer. Great for slicing vegetables for salads.
5. Heatproof spatula (silicone ones are great as they are flexible).
6. Wok spatula.
7. Fine hand-held grater.
8. Wooden spoons.
9. Measuring cups and spoons.
10. Digital thermometer for meat.
11. Good quality cook’s knife that is sharpened once a year. The Victorinox knives are great and not very expensive. 
12. Bread knife. Great for bread and slicing some vegetables, such as tomatoes.
13. Salad spinner to dry salad ingredients and herbs after washing.
14. Good quality non-stick frypan. Replace your frypan when the non-stick surface is damaged and no longer non-stick. Stainless steel ones also work well.
15. Large but shallow saute saucepan with a lid that can transfer to the oven.
16. Baking dish for lasagne, pasta bakes roasting veg and resting meat.
17. Chopping board or two. Place a wet cloth or piece of kitchen paper under your board for chopping.
18. Plan Buy Cook Book and app (of course!).

With these items on board, you have all you need to start creating in your kitchen. It also makes a perfect gift pack for a home leaver.