How to Get Started With Cooking

While you can use a paring knife, other tools work much quicker.

A mandoline makes the most consistent knife cuts in the least amount of time. Mandolines might seem intimidating but go slow, use the handguard, and you’ll be slicing like a pro in no time.

Y-shaped peelers can make thin ribbons of vegetables, cheeses, and other delicate items.

Ultra-high heat adds a distinct savoury flavour to dishes. This is because of the Maillard reaction, which occurs between amino acids and sugars when they come into contact with heat and make food turn golden-brown.

Let your pans heat up for a good amount of time. It might feel like a long time, but it will help you achieve a deep, flavorful sear. When you see small wafts of smoke coming from the pan, it’s ready to use.

You can do a few things to fill your pantry with both the basics and a few restaurant-style secret weapons to take your home cooking to the next level.

However, there is no one-size-fits-all shopping list. Think about how you really eat and your cooking plans and ability. Are you enjoying spending hours on a pastry project or do you just need to get a meal on the table for your family?