Must-Read: Kitchen Essentials

Cast iron!

We spend a decent amount of time here giving out recipes, or things you should be shopping for, or other ways in order to help you are the kitchen. For a true man is a man who can cook. But one thing that we’ve neglected over our posts is a sense of just what tools are necessary in the kitchen before you can even think about getting in there and making a great meal. Like any pursuit — and most of you guys can relate to this — it’s less about the job than the tools to do them with. So how can you be expected to cook if you don’t already have a kitchen stocked with all sorts of cooking utensils and items to help you through whatever meal it is you’re planning on putting together.

So today we’re heading towards Men’s Health where they go through 10 essentials that you need in your kitchen before even thinking about learning how to cook. For instance, the most important one, numero uno:

A cast-iron skillet

Every kitchen should be anchored with the weight of a cast-iron pan. You can use it for sauteeing, roasting, and baking. Unlike non-stick saute pans, cast iron holds its quality with each use instead of scratching or degrading over time. Plus, it’s inexpensive, boasts superb heat retention, and, if you care for it well, it’ll last you a lifetime of meals. Pick up a Lodge Logic 12″ Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet ($37, lodgemfg.com), which Felder deems the “tried and true standard of cast iron.” Just remember to season, or seal, the skillet before use, never use metal tools on its surface to prevent scratching, and never wash it with soap and water

Head on over to the above link to check out the rest of the essentials that you need in your kitchen