Many cooks think about major appliances such as the stove and refrigerator when planning to equip their kitchens, but to be a success in the kitchen, you need to have a good selection of cooking utensils in addition to the bigger items. And don’t forget, cooking utensils means more than just spoons; there’s a host of small cooking utensils ranging from cutting devices, juicers, graters and more.

Think about what you do in a kitchen and about how different cooking utensils come into play for each task:

• Washing and drying fresh produce – always easy to accomplish with a strainer and salad spinner. A vegetable peeler is also an important addition to your cooking utensils closet.

• Slicing, chopping and dicing all kinds of food and garnishes – a food processor makes short work of vegetables, but mandolins, knives and graters are also helpful cooking utensils to have on hand.

• Measuring – cooking and baking can be a form of art and recipes should be followed as precisely as possible so measuring dishes, cups (both wet and dry measures) and measuring spoons are invaluable cooking utensils.

• Weighing – depending on what you like to cook, you may want to add a food scale to your shopping list of cooking utensils. Such a tool can be excellent for portioning meat and other products that have cooking times affected by weight.

• Temperature – as important as measures are temperatures, which can affect the success of your kitchen endeavors. An oven or meat thermometer is key to having properly cooked meat that is safe to eat, and should be included in your pantry of cooking utensils.

• Mixing – no kitchen would be complete without a cadre of mixing bowls in its cooking utensils cupboard. Having a selection of bowls in assorted sizes is essential to fast, efficient cooking.

• Manipulating, poking, prodding, lifting and stirring – perhaps what most often comes to mind when you think of cooking utensils are implements used to move food: spoons, forks, knives, spatulas, wire whisks, pastry blenders, tongs, salad lifters, slotted spoons, wooden spoons, serving spoons and more.

By imagining the tasks you do every day in the kitchen, you will get a better idea of the cooking utensils you should consider purchasing. Think about every stage of the food preparation process, from storage and cleaning, to cooking and presenting.

Other useful cooking utensils: pastry brush, kitchen shears, rolling pin, salt shaker, pepper mill, cutting board, ramekins, flour sifter, rotary beater, ladles, juicer and a can opener. Cooking utensils come in a range of prices, quality and materials such as wood, metal, rubber and silicone. Regardless of how much you pay, always make sure any cooking utensils that have multiple pieces, fit together securely.

This mixer is small, convenient, and has the ten-power speed, according to the manufacturer, to mix up to four loaves of bread at once, nine dozen cookies, or seven pounds of mashed potatoes. Originally, this mixer comes with a regular mixing head for baking and blending in general.

Also included is the kneading hook for when making bread and also the wire whip for egg whites or whipped cream.

In my kitchen, this mixer was my very first stand mixer.

From what I discovered, there were a lot of very well designed and thought-out aspects to this mixer.

One of the first things that I liked about this mixer was the convenient tilt-head. When I was trying to blend in flour or something messy, it was nice to have more room to work with- instead of the other mixers which have a bowl that comes down, the head doesn’t go up.

Frequently there’s just not enough room to fit the item you’re trying to blend in into the bowl with the little bit of space provided. It can usually be quite messy and frankly I do not like a messy kitchen.

Another good thing about the Artisan KitchenAid mixer is that it has a locking head to keep it from bouncing and such on the tougher dough.

If the head bounces, like it does on some other mixers, then how do you plan on mixing the dough thoroughly? With that strategy, all you’re going to end up with is a lightly mixed mess… and no one likes that.  This Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer is a real work horse!

This mixer’s ten-speed controls are capable of mixing nearly anything you can think of. Any faster than the speeds which are offered on the mixer and the mixer might take off like a plane. The lowest speed is just right for the mixes which are very liquid-based or those which can spill out onto the counter easily.

My primary negative comment about this mixer is that, for some jobs, it’s just not large enough. It says that you can mix nine dozen cookies- but not if you want anything in those cookies. For about 4 dozen chocolate chip cookies, the mixer really has to work.

Even when it can mix all the ingredients, by the time you are done filling up the bowl, the mix is really high on the sides and it can spill easily. So I always shoot for smaller recipes or make the larger ones in two batches.

Overall, this is a great mixer for everyday chefs who are just starting out or even for those who have many years of experience under their apron but are looking to purchase a basic stand mixer.

This Artisan KitchenAid mixer is perfect for nearly any occasion and for any baker or chef, in the family kitchen!

Pick the color that is right for you and then enjoy your new KitchenAid Stand Mixer.

1. Cookware. Every cook loves new cookware. No surprise there, but there are ways to make this gift more special. For example a new sauce pan would be a wonderful present for under the Christmas tree, but in addition, find a great sauce recipe to be used as a stocking stuffer along with all the required ingredients!

2. Flavored Oils and Vinegars. A sure way to create a new or improve an old dish!
New oils and vinegars are always a treat for a cook, you can never have enough! Walnut oil, Avocado oil, Truffle oil, simply take a look around your local specialty food store and you will be amazed at the variety today!

3. Plastic Storage Containers. They must be of the best quality which are able to go into the freezer, dishwasher, and microwave! I don’t know how but these containers always seem to disappear and you can never have enough of them or enough sizes. Why not buy several different shapes and sizes but fill them full of special nuts or candies to make this gift more special than plain old plastic!

4. Liquor. Although we all like to have a little Christmas cheer, there is another wonderful use for liquor in the kitchen. It is essential for creating beautiful demi-glazes for your favorite meat dishes and most likely your cook at home will not splurge on such luxurious liquids. So why not help your favorite chef out and purchase a few bottles of liquor to cook with! Brandy, Sherry, Bourbon and Madeira are all fantastic to use.

5. Wine. Like liquor wine is also essential for deglazing pans and creating incredible sauces. Again, why not include a recipe as a stocking stuffer as well. Inspiration is always welcomed by any cook.

6. Coffee & Tea. Most kitchen lovers love coffee if not to drink, to cook with. So why not create a specialty coffee gift basket? It’s easy to find local free trade coffee in you neighborhood specialty food store and while you’re there by some cinnamon sticks, honey, flavored syrups etc. Why not also throw in some specialty coffee mugs and some liquors such as Baileys or Kahlua. What a treat!! Tea is also widely used in kitchens today. Instead of boring brines, use tea instead!

7. Cookbooks. Again another “no-brainer” but if they truly love to cook then they LOVE cookbooks. We never get tired of cookbooks, but be sure to find the best ones. Look for a specialty cookbook store and you’ll have a fantastic gift in your hands.

8. Microplane. If you’re special chef does not have one then here is another must have kitchen item. They are inexpensive and vital when adding or enhancing flavor in dishes. Why not combine a Microplane with several of its favorite counterparts like whole nutmeg, whole cinnamon, whole star anise etc. That way your chef can get right down to business!

9. Appliances. Maybe not an oven or a fridge but why not a new electric mixer or Panini press? Here’s a shopping tip… when wanting to purchase any of these items this year buy on-line! Small appliances are almost always less expensive when purchased on-line and shipping is often waived as well. Stores charge a premium this time of year so save yourself time and money and buy on -line!

1. If your cabinets are painted, remove the paint with a chemical stripper. If your cabinets are stained or varnished, either clean the surface well or remove most of the stain or varnish with a chemical refinisher.

2. Take the doors off your cabinets and remove the handles and hardware. It will be much easier if you lay the doors flat to work on them.

3. Check to see how much damage there is to the cabinets. If there is only minor damage, such as dark stains around the door handles, just clean these areas. Use a synthetic steel wool pad because it won’t hurt your fingers or get caught on the wood grain.

4. Dip the pad in paint thinner, mineral spirits, or turpentine, and scrub the stains. Then lightly scrub the whole surface, cleaning and dulling it so the new finish will stick.

5. Once you’ve cleaned the surface and removed the dark stains, wipe on an oil-based, clear finish such as Minwax. All clear finishes are low-odor and most are available in either glossy or satin finish. Apply several coats for a thicker finish.

6. If you find you need to redo more than just a few stained areas, use a chemical refinisher – a strong solvent cleaner that dissolves and removes part of the old varnish. Ask an expert at your local paint store to suggest a good quality refinisher.

7. When you’re using the chemical refinisher, work in small areas, and scrub the finish with a synthetic steel wool pad. The chemical refinisher will remove the finish and even out the color of the wood and stain. Rinse the pad in more refinisher when it gets clogged with dirty finish.

8. The cabinet’s surface should be smooth and evenly colored after you’ve scrubbed the whole surface. If you find it isn’t, just wipe the entire cabinet in long, overlapping strokes with clean refinisher and clean steel wool in long, overlapping strokes. Most of the stain color will remain, and the wood will be very smooth.

It’s extremely important that you wear protective clothing and make sure that your work area is well-ventilated when you’re refinishing your cabinets. And don’t forget to follow all safety precautions on the refinishing product labels.

By following the 8 tips above, you’re sure to enjoy your newly-refinished, beautiful kitchen cabinets for many years.

1. Lighting is probably the most important thing to get right. Strip or spotlights located under wall units work best to provide good, unobtrusive lighting.

2. Hard wearing flooring that’s easy to clean is another essential. Carpeting on floors surrounding kitchen worktops is a big mistake.

3. Electric sockets in abundance will make life so much easier. But remember to keep them at least a metre from any source of water.

4. Have all your regularly used utensils stored close to the areas where they will be used. This increases efficiency and reduces accidents.

5. Choose the type of kitchen sink that’s best suited for you. They come in all shapes, double or single, and in a variety of materials. Think before you buy.

6. The type of taps on your sink is important too. Get taps with plenty of height. The swivelling type adds flexibility, but you may prefer the look of double taps. Again, think about what you want.

7. Keep children out of your kitchen. Toddlers have greater ingenuity than you give them credit for. Fit any cupboard or drawer they can reach with childproof catches. Store all sharp objects, knives, etc, high up in a locked drawer.

Let us take a look at 7 of the most popular kitchen countertop materials being used today:

Granite – A natural stone, granite is a popular choice for it’s classic beauty and durability.  Granite is the hardest and densest of the natural stones.   It can create a kitchen countertop that is extremely scratch resistant and can keep its luster longer than most materials.  granite slabs are the most expensive of all kitchen countertop surfaces, although it is still considered a very practical material in that it is virtually indestructible.

Marble – Another natural stone, marble is considered to be the height of elegance and will last longer than most kitchens. It is however, is very expensive and requires some care: acidic foods such as orange juice will etch the finished surface of a marble kitchen countertop.

Slate – Because of it richness and beauty slate is usually used in interior applications such as kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks or fireplace surrounds.  It can be used in either modern or traditional kitchens as well as in combination with marble.  Slate is durable, strong, and can withstand hard use.  It is less expensive than marble

Concrete – This is one of the biggest trends in kitchen countertops today.   It is a good look for clean, industrial and contemporary kitchen designs.  Available in pre formed sections or poured and formed on-site.  Concrete is a good material for unusually shaped counters.  Concrete kitchen countertopsare expensive, require a sealant and must be treated with care.  The countertop can crack if the concrete should contract.  Concrete can be stained any color.  The most popular color is a natural gray tone. The top layer can be finished as desired.

Corian –  A solid surface material that first became popular in the 1990’s  It is highly recommended by kitchen countertop experts.  It is a totally manmade product and is not porous.  As a solid surface it can easily be repaired if scratched or burned.

Stainless Steel – Advantages include very hygienic, easy to clean, has ability to stand up to exteme wear and heat.  Stainless steel can provide a great look for an ultra modern kitchen.  Some disadvantages with stainless is that it can be noisy and that scratches can develop.

Tile – Tile surfaces can be tough, hard-wearing, takes hot pans, heat and stain resistant as well as beautiful. There are many types of tiles including ceramic, porcelain, quarry, glass, natural stone and mosiac.  Available in many colors, sizes and textures.  It has good design flexibility.  Tile can often be used for trim or backsplashes.  The downside of tile is that the grouts can be easily stained.  Also the tiles can become chipped or cracked.

1. For efficiency, the work triangle (the space between the sink, refrigerator, and stove) should measure 26’ or less with no single side longer than 9’, or less than 4’.

2. In kitchens smaller than 150 sq. ft., opt for at least 13’ of base cabinets, 12’ of wall cabinets, and 11’ of countertop. In kitchens which are larger, go with at least 16’ of base cabinets, 15 1/2’ of wall cabinets, and 16 1/2’ of countertop.

3. For convenience, plan work aisles to be at least 42” wide for one cook, and at least 48” wide in multi-cook kitchens.

4. Specify a minimum of 24” of counter space on one side of the sink and at least 18” on the other.

5. To create the most accessible landing for unloading groceries, allow at least 15” of counter space on the handle side of a standard refrigerator; on both sides if it’s a side-by-side model. Or include a landing area directly across from the refrigerator, but no more than 48” away.

6. For cleanup ease, install the dishwasher within 36” of one edge of the sink and allow for at least 21” of standing room next to it.

7. For microwaves and ovens, provide at least 15 “ of counter space nearby, at least 16” deep.

8. For optimum clearance, no entry, appliance, or cabinet doors should interfere with another.

9. For comfort and to help avoid repetitive-motion injury, plan for work counters of different heights; between 28 and 36” off the floor (easier for chopping and seated-use access), and between 36 and 46” for general tasks (higher counters accommodate taller cooks).

10. To install a cabinet unit above the cook top, make sure the clearance is at least 24” for a fireproof surface, 30” for an unprotected surface.

Designing a kitchen is as much a science as it is an art. Knowing the recommended measurements to use when planning the project can make all the difference in the final outcome.