7 essential tools

1 Enamel Dutch oven

The ultimate tool for one- pot meals, a Dutch oven can go from the stovetop to the oven, making it the ideal pot for braising. These heavy pots are often made out of cast iron and come in a variety of sizes, but a 5- to 6- quart Dutch oven is a good start. Look for one with a thick bottom and sides as well as a tight- fitting lid. This ensures even heat distribution and seals in moisture, resulting in a perfectly cooked and flavourful dish.

Try: Pot- Roasted Pork Shoulder with Mushrooms

2 Roasting pan and wire rack

Roasting is an essential drycooking method that develops and intensifies flavours in meats and vegetables. Look for a roasting pan with thick, large handles and sides about 3- inches tall. Roasting pans come in a variety of shapes, from oval to round, but the most versatile pans will be rectangular as they are larger and allow for more variety. Always have a wire rack on hand as this allows the hot air to circulate whatever you are roasting instead of stewing in its own juices.

Try: Classic Roast Chicken or Whole- Roasted Cauliflower with Tomato- Pepper Sauce

3 Meat thermometer

Rely on a meat thermometer and you’ll never worry about overcooking or under- cooking meat again. Precision is key when it comes to cooking and it doesn’t get more precise than an instant- read thermometer.

Try: Ultimate Roast Beef and Gravy

4 Rimmed baking sheets

Also known as jelly- roll pans, these pans have rolled edges that keep everything inside ( unlike cookie sheets) and can be used for roasting a pan of vegetables or chicken breasts, baking cookies or granola. When shopping for rimmed baking sheets, opt for a shiny, aluminum pan for even baking.

Try: Green Eggs and Ham

5 Cast- iron skillet

A cast- iron skillet is the workhorse of any kitchen. It can withstand incredibly high temperatures without warping or other damage. The best tool for getting the perfect sear, cast- iron skillets are durable and easily transfer from stovetop to oven. This handy skillet can be used year after year, making it a budgetfriendly kitchen tool.

Try: Classic Dutch Baby Pancakes

6 Large stockpot

For big jobs, such as cooking batches of soup, chili or homemade stock, a large stockpot is essential. While they may take up a bit of real estate in the kitchen, you’ll be thankful for the amount of soup you can make in one. This pot will spend hours on the stovetop, so look for high quality models with a thick and heavy bottom as this will prevent food from scorching on the bottom during long cook times.

Try: Super- Fast Chili

7 Immersion blender

An immersion blender is a nomess, multi- purpose tool that fits snugly into any cupboard. They are more affordable than blenders and make puréeing even the thickest, comforting soups right in the pot a breeze.