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Every professional has the tools that they hold dear, and chefs are in no way different. They, too, have a selection of items that they must have in their work stations at all times. Sure, there are several kinds of chefs, but there are those few things that each must-have. We will cover some of these things as materials used for ingredient preparation, cooking, or part of the food.
Do you want to find out more about what we are talking about? Keep reading.
A set of knives
As a gun is to a policeman, knives are to a chef as they are their most treasured tool. A full set of knives goes beyond your typical bread and serrated knife but includes a paring blade and a steak knife, among many more. A chef becomes more efficient with such a set since there is a knife for every purpose instead of washing and using the same knife repeatedly.
But having a set of knives comes with the need of getting a few extra kitchen accessories, namely a strong magnetic knife holder, a knife sharpener, and a bag to carry the knives. The knife holder is an accessory mounted on the wall, and the knives are attached to the holder. At this spot, the chef can reach any knife they wish to use, wash it, and hang it to dry.
Storing Your Knives
First, all knives should be kept away from children. Second, while most people prefer keeping them in a drawer, it is actually not the best option. You are at risk of cutting yourself while trying to reach one. Others may opt to store the knives in a knife block, but this occupies the kitchen space that you could have used to store other utensils.
A knife block would not be the best option, and if not cleaned well, it may end up hosting bacteria. A knife holder would be the best solution because it won’t harm the blades and you won’t cut yourself when trying to reach a knife. In addition, your knives will be nicely presented and within easy reach. You can look for different shapes and designs that suit you and your kitchen décor.
Pots and pans
Pots and pans are also a chef’s best friend as they get the cooking done. This selection must include both deep and shallow pots and pans to cook different dishes. The benefit of getting a great collection is that you will get everything done in one or two hours. Instead of washing one pot to cook another meal, they have several to prepare meals simultaneously, appetizers to the main. A tip to get the best out of a brand is to purchase one item first, like a frying pan; if it works amazingly, go and get the full bundle.
Thermometer
Besides the in-built thermometers in the oven, a chef must also have one at hand to cook steaks and pastries to perfection. These thermometers are specific to one use, while others are multipurpose. There are essentially two main types of thermometers, the analog and the digital, and a chef must go with a digital one, which does not require any calibration. You can still get an analog one if you so desire.
Prep bowls
Have you ever seen any cooking show? If you have, then you will understand how important prep bowls are. Prep bowls are different sized containers that a chef uses to place all their portions for cooking. The bigger ones are meant for the main element in a dish, whereas the small ones are used for smaller ingredients. These bowls are meant to make the cooking easier since everything is laid out in order.
Chopping boards
A chef should also never miss a chopping board to prepare all the things to place inside the prep bowls described above. Chopping boards come in different colors made for a specific dish type. Despite this being an extra, red boards are used for raw red meats, blue is for raw seafood, green is for fruits and veggies, yellow for poultry, white for bread and dairy, and brown is used for cutting cooked meat. If you cannot go for all the different colors, a whiteboard is used for all.
Herbs and spices
This is where the magic happens to a chef where they get to incorporate their measured and tailor-made blends of spices to a dish. A chef who knows their herbs and spices does understand that they can activate certain tastes that rejuvenate the mouth pallet giving a dish its characteristic taste that people learn to appreciate. It is a tale that every chef has a secret ingredient, and we guarantee you that that element is either a spice or a herb.
Electrical kitchen appliances
Chefs love to make things from scratch from the natural ingredient, preferably from a garden. For instance, a pastry chef likes making fruit fillings from real fruit they have made in the kitchen. And what makes this possible is the use of electrical kitchen appliances like blenders, food mixers, and the like. The same applies to other kinds of chefs who might need to mincemeat freshly cut to make meatballs.
Plates
Finally, a chef should have plates that fit every type of food they will serve. Plating is a great deal in fine dining, and the plate itself is a big part of the whole show. Think of it as the stage for the performers to use. That said, a chef should go for sets that embody their style and make the food look amazing and tantalizing.
Conclusion
Chefs are to be appreciated as they bring joy through food. And now you know what they use to make magic. These chef favorite cooking items are not everything, but the most important.
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