Two indispensable items you need to get started cooking are a good knife and a cutting board. Others can be improvised if necessary, such as using a wine bottle as a rolling pin, or using coffee cups for measuring when you need ratios rather than precise measurements. You will, however, need some basic cookware in order to make the simple recipes in this book.

Essential Kitchen Items

• Apple corer
• Pastry cutter
• Baking dish (9″ × 9″)
• Pie plate
• Baking dish (9″ × 13″)
• Potato masher
• Bundt Pan
• Potholders
• Can opener
• Ramekins
• Colander
• Roasting pan with rack
• Cookie sheets
• Rolling pin
• Cooling rack
• Saucepan (2 quart)
• Corkscrew
• Saucepan (4 quart)
• Cutting board
• Sauté pan (12″)
• Kitchen shears
• Slotted spoon
• Knives — chef's, paring, serrated
• Serving spoon
• Ladle
• Soup pot with lid (8 quart)
• Measuring cups (dry)
• Spatula (metal)
• Measuring cups (liquid)
• Spatula (rubber)
• Measuring spoons
• Springform pan
• Meat thermometer
• Strainer
• Melon baller
• Vegetable peeler
• Mixing bowls
• Vegetable steamer
• Muffin tin
• Wire whisk
• Parchment paper (waxed paper)
• Wooden spoons
• Pastry brush
• Zester (for citrus)

In addition to the basic tools you should have for a well-stocked kitchen, there are kitchen items that can save you time and effort when preparing dishes and are often worth the extra investment. Some helpful (but not absolutely necessary) kitchen items are listed.

Kitchen Helpers

• Basting brush
• Nonstick griddle
• Electric mixer
• Oil pump mister
• Egg separator
• Pastry scraper
• Fondue pot
• Pizza stone
• Food mill
• Salad spinner
• Food processor
• Tongs
• Hand mixer
• Waffle iron
• Metal skewers
• Wok