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I’m happiest in the kitchen. Happiest to make conversation whilechopping onionsand filling wine glasses; happiest when I'm not standing awkwardly with just a glass in my hand. I'm happiest even when I'm cooking in someone else's kitchen.
This is all to say that if you invite me for dinner, I'll totally pitch in. In fact, you won't be able to stop me.
我的朋友和家人都很习惯我侵扰g with (taking over?) cooking as soon as I walk in the door. In fact, often they just invite me to cook for everyone, instead of barging in with my possibly-unwanted helping hands. But after cooking in too many less-than-ideally-equipped home kitchens or vacation rentals, I’ve learned that it's a good idea to bring a fewessential cooking toolswith me.
Chefs have knife rolls or tool kits they travel with. But I'm not talking about professional cooking tools here. I'm talking about tools that will benefit home cooks wherever they plan on cooking. If you can assume there will be some basic utensils, there are a few things that can improve any kitchen situation dramatically. These 7 can easily fit into my (large) purse or weekend bag when I know I'll be cooking in someone else's kitchen:
1. Sharp Knife
Every single knife in my Grandma’s kitchen is as dull as a butter knife. I never go there (or anywhere I’m going to be cooking) without a sharpchef’s knifein tow. Especially if you are heading to a vacation rental where the kitchen equipment is a complete unknown, a sharp knife is a must. Add aparing knifeif you feel like being extra-prepared. Just make sure you use a blade guard or wrap the knife with a dish towel and secure it with a rubber band before tossing it in your bag. I don’t want to tell you how many times I’ve reached into my purse and realized there’s still a knife in there, thankfully safely wrapped.
2. Peeler
I love mySwiss y-peelerand hate using any other kind. This one always comes with me. It’s so light and small you’ll hardly notice it in your bag.
3. Silicone Spatula
I don’t trust that everyone has a good siliconespatulain their kitchen, so I usually bring mine, especially if I’m going to be baking. Scraping bowls and folding batters just doesn’t work well without one, plus I can use it for sautéing and stirring. I like a seamless one like the ones made by GIR, since there’s nowhere for food to get stuck and turn gross, but whichever one you like will do.
4. Meat Thermometer
I don’t want to serve my friends or family under-cooked or over-cooked meat. So I always bring aninstant-read thermometer—and therefore I always know exactly when the meat is done. Especially when cooking on an unknown stove or oven, where the temperature might be different from what I’m used to, a thermometer can be a saving grace.
5. Microplane
There aren’t many things that can't be improved by freshly grated citrus zest or Parmesan cheese. In fact, a garnish of Parm or a sauce punched up with lots of lime zest could be just what you need to rescue an otherwise bland dinner at the last minute. That's why I always tuck amicroplanein my bag. I have the simplest, thinnest one for traveling, since it takes up less space.
6. Tongs
Turning or lifting or tossing anything you’re cooking or grilling is 100% easier with agood set of tongs. I like the ones from OXO which have a nice heatproof coating and that lock when closed for easier toting. For whatever reason, tongs don’t seem to be as much of a staple in home kitchens as they are in restaurant kitchens, so I never take for granted other kitchens will have a pair.
7. Flaky Sea Salt & Fancy Olive Oil
This also makes a good host gift. I like to buy a new box ofMaldonand a nice little bottle offancy extra virgin olive oilto use and then leave it as a gift for whoever’s kitchen I’m cooking in. Because finishing any dish with a swirl of rich fragrant olive oil and a sprinkle of crunchy, flaky sea salt makes anything you cook more special.
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And If there’s room…
If I’m going somewhere in my car and have a little extra hauling space, I’ll add a couple pots and pans too. Especially if I’m driving off to stay at an Airbnb or vacation rental with a group of friends and I have no idea what the kitchen situation will actually be like, I’ll pack a rimmed baking sheet, a cast iron skillet, and a Dutch oven. You can make basically anything you need to make in a long weekend with those three pots and pans. (Provided you brought everything else on this list!)
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