Wondering how to start your cookware collection from scratch? Or how to pare down what you have to just the cookware that is worthwhile and necessary? The answer is a little different for everyone. Welcome to My Kitchen Essentials, a column by Made In staff detailing, well, their kitchen essentials.
Today, Made In’s Culinary Director Rhoda Boone shares her top kitchen must-haves. Rhoda is a culinary school grad, ex-line cook, seasoned culinary producer, recipe developer, and food stylist, and shellfish enthusiast. She loves to entertain and cooks almost daily at work and at home for her family of four.
Oval Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
My Dutch Oven is my weekend workhorse—the only way to get through the week as a working mom is to do some large-batch cooking on the weekend. Every Sunday I make a big batch of stew to heat up throughout the week. It changes a little every time, but it’s mostly for my husband Louie, so we call it Lou Stew. The Dutch Oven is also essential for entertaining–I can make a big pot of chili, seafood gumbo, or braised short ribs and everything stays warm until it’s time to serve.
Carbon Steel Griddle
I love the griddle for churning out all the kids’ favorites—bacon, pancakes, grilled cheese, quesadillas. Plus, I take it outside to the grill and it becomes a plancha, ideal for smash burgers, patty melts, and shrimp kabobs for a crowd.
10” CeramiClad Frying Pan
In my house, I do the cooking, and my husband does the dish washing. But the one thing he can be persuaded to cook is scrambled eggs, and for that, he reaches for our CeramiClad Frying Pan for ease of use and clean up. I always choose it for a frittata, one of my favorite dishes to serve for brunch.
12” Stainless Clad Frying Pan
No kitchen is complete without a well-made Stainless Pan. Stainless is incredibly durable and versatile and can accomplish any cooking task, from searing to sautéing to stir-frying. It’s not coated and is non reactive, so there is nothing it can’t handle.
Grill Frying Pan
Did I mention I love to grill? This is a real sleeper hit of the Carbon Steel line. Take the large Carbon Steel Frying Pan and add perforations—what you get is the perfect pan for grilling vegetables, shrimp, wings, or anything small that would normally slip through the grates, or any foods where you want both excellent browning from heat contact and smoky flavor from the flame.
Gyuto
A great chef knife is an essential for every home or professional kitchen. I’ve personally preferred Japanese blades for a while and was so excited when Made In launched the collection. This Gyuto delivers everything I look for in a knife—it’s versatile, lightweight, nimble, and super sharp.
Stemless Wine Glasses
Another hidden gem of the Made In collection are the Stemless Glasses. They have the most delicate rim and are so well-balanced yet durable. For me, they are the take-anywhere glass that I don’t have to worry about knocking over and breaking. And they’re dishwasher safe, too.
Stainless Clad Saucier
You honestly can’t find a better pot for finishing pasta if you tried. This pot has the most beautifully rounded bottom, which you want for anything that needs to be whisked or stirred—from mac and cheese sauce to gravy to risotto.
Sheet Pan
Ah the humble sheet pan. I use these for everything. From prepping, to carrying stuff out to the grill, to roasting and baking and reheating all kinds of foods in the oven. You must have them in quarter and half sheet sizes (and get some cooling racks, too).
Bonus: Oyster Shucker
My absolute most favorite food is a raw oyster. My second favorite is a grilled one. This knife has saved me soooo much money at the oyster bar and makes the best party trick.
Ready to Shop?
I hope you enjoyed taking a peek inside my kitchen, and that it gives you an idea of everyday ways to use certain products. Be sure to check out future installments of My Kitchen Essentials to see what other products are loved by Made In staff.
