Kitchen essentials

Gadgets and gizmos can add to the fun of healthy cooking and the right tools help make it a breeze.

■ Sharp knives

■ Chopping board

■ Measuring cups and spoons

■ Silicone spatulas in different sizes

■ Mixing bowls

■ Locking tongs

■ Kitchen shears

■ Garlic press

■ Microplane/zester

■ At least one good cast-iron pan

■ Heavy-based enamel Dutch oven/casserole dish

■ Powerful food processor with interchangeable blades

■ The best blender you can afford

■ Electric pressure cooker

■ Glass or plastic storage containers in a variety of sizes

■ Slow cooker

■ Cook’s thermometer

■ Vegetable spiraliser (turns veg into noodles!)