The mere idea of cooking for yourself can be daunting or even comical. Do you struggle to make toast without burning it? Is boiling water an impossible task?
Whipping up tasty meals doesn’t have to be hard. You don’t need a massive arsenal to create a delicious meal for one, but rather just a few basic items that are easy to transport to your summer location. Stocking your kitchen with these essentials will ease those cooking woes.
#SpoonTip: Still searching for your summer sublet? Flip can help you find a great apartment and kitchen to stock.
1. Utensils
Photo by Allan Mai
Forks, knives and spoons are the ultimate kitchen essentials. Could you imagine going to eat a mouthwatering meal and realizing that you have nothing to eat it with but your hands? Don’t forget a really sharp knife too, so that you can slice through fruit and veggies with ease.
2. Frying Pan
Photo by Abigail Wang
You can make it through a whole summer of cooking with only one pot in your kitchen. The world of one pot wonders is endless. This means fewer pots to clean and fully-fledged meals. From your basic scrambled eggs to gourmet pasta primavera, you can make just about anything in a frying pan.
3. Dishtowel
Photo courtesy of @gynnab on Instagram
The dishtowel is your unsung kitchen hero. Not only can it wipe up messes and dry dishes, but it can also double as a potholder. Don’t make the rookie mistake of burning yourself on piping hot pans – use the dishtowel for protection.
4. Measuring Cup
Photo by Kendra Valkema
You’re on summer vacation. Don’t waste your brain power trying to estimate measurements. Who knows what a 1/2 cup of flour looks like anyway?
5. Sponge
Photo by Kirby Barth
Unless you want a mountain of dirty dishes in your sink, you will have to clean. And let’s be honest, you are probably going to burn some things. A sponge with a little dish soap is the quickest and easiest way to remove stubborn grit and leave your kitchen squeaky clean.
6. Ziploc Container
Photo courtesy of @mukunohane on Instagram
Ziploc containers are another dual-function kitchen essential. Not only can they keep your leftovers fresh (which means less cooking) and are microwavable safe, but they can also function as bowls. Forget the mixing bowls and go for this sealable, lockable and stackable solution.
7. Aluminum Foil
Photo by Hannah Lin
Foil is a magical thing and great way to package, protect and prepare foods. It will keep your food piping hot and protect it from unwanted floating and flying particles. You can trade cooking trays for a sheet of foil to cook vegetables and meats in the oven too.
#SpoonTip: You can even turn aluminum foil into a makeshift funnel.
Bonus: Corkscrew
Photo by Julie Rub
Because no kitchen is complete without a corkscrew to help you unwind and relax after a long day of work.