Every kitchen requires some basic items beyond the major appliances. First time cooks may not know where to begin in setting up a full kitchen. Wedding showers can cater to these essential items so that the bride-to-be can have what she needs on hand. Young college grads setting up an apartment or home can also benefit from knowing what is necessary.

One trip to a discount store can net all you need or you can visit specialty shops that cater toward the cooking public.

Must Have Kitchen Equipment

No one needs to begin with a kitchen that rivals that of Julia Child but there are certain supplies that are necessary. The first one is cookware. Basic cookwear needs include:

a 1 quart saucepan with lid

a 3 quart saucepan with lid

a 4-6 quart Dutch Oven pot (make sure it has a lid)

a 6-8 inch skillet

a 12 inch skillet with cover (lid)

a baking sheet (at least one)

a muffin pan

a 9x5x3 loaf pan

a 13x9 baking dish

an 8x8 baking dish

2 8 inch or 9 inch round baking pans

a roasting pan or roaster (with lid)

a pizza pan

a casserole dish or two

After stocking the cabinents with basic cookware, the next step is utensils. Utensils are vital to cooking and the must-haves include:

a set of mixing bowls (preferably glass)

set of measuring cups

one clear glass or plastic measuring cup

Wooden or plastic spoons

Rubber spatulas (metal spatulas for BBQ)

paring knife

serrated knife

chef's knife

carving knife

sharpening steel (to keep knives sharp)

a meat mallet

long-handled fork

long-handled spoon

slotted spoon

tongs

kitchen scissors

corkscrew

can opener (hand or electric)

grater/shredder

bottle opener

strainer

cutting boards, one small, one large

sifter

rolling pin

meat thermometer

oven thermometer

wire cooling rack

kitchen timer

a set of flatware (silverware)

Once the utensils have been stored, the next step is to have storage products. Available in many shapes, sizes, and styles, the basics should include:

storage containers with lids in many sizes

canisters for dry items like sugar, flour, etc.

freezer containers

freezer wrap

foil

plastic wrap (don't buy the cheapest kind)

large and small plastic bags

paper towels

plastic pitchers (for juice, iced tea, etc.)

One more necessity is a set of dishes. These don't have to be fancy. Many stores carry inexpensive plastic plates or affordable china. Alternatives such as Corning Ware's Corelle line of dishes are also a possbility. Singles or couples may want to collect a hodge podge of cheap items from flea markets or rummage sales. Make sure to have multiple plates and bowls in several sizes. Platters and serving bowls come in handy too. Plastic tumblers, drinking glasses, coffee cups, and mugs are also a must for the first time kitchen. For meals on the go, remember paper plates and other throwaways.

Table linens may or may not be deemed necessary. Consider easy care vinyl tablecloths available in many discount stores. Paper napkins are an affordable alternative to cloth ones.

Food Necessities For The Pantry

Once all the equipment is in place, a supermarket trip comes next. There are certain basic ingredients that should be kept on hand at all times. These are often called "staples." Things any cook should have include:

Flour. All-purpose flour is the best choice unless the cook plans to do much baking. Cake flour is appropriate for lighter cakes and bread flour is suggested for making bread. Self-rising flours include the leavening so if using it, don't add additional baking powder or salt.

Sweeteners. Granulated or white sugar, brown sugar, honey, artificial sweeteners, and sugar subsitutes are all available on the market. Choose what works best for an individual lifestyle and need but remember that sugar works best in many baking recipes.

Cooking oils. Canola, vegetable, corn, and flavored oils are all available for frying. Peanut and other nut based oils are often more expensive. Consider taste, fat content, and other factors before choosing one. Shortening-based products are also available but oils are considered much more heart-healthy.

Leavenings. Baking powder, baking soda, and yeasts are all common leavening ingredients. Keep some on hand.

Cornstarch. This staple can be used to thicken sauces and gravies, in puddings, and in pie fillings.

Margarine or butter. These are used both as spreads on baked goods and in cooking. Learn what recipes call for butter and use the type of spread that suits best.

Milk. Whether or not milk is used as a beverage or over cereal, it is an ingredient in many recipes and has multiple uses. If fresh milk isn't used often enough, consider using powdered milk that can be made up on demand for use in recipes.

Eggs. Even if they're not the focal point of breakfast, eggs are a common ingredient in many dishes.

Spices and seasonings. Think beyond the basic salt and pepper. Garlic powder, onion powder, seasoning blends (Cajun, poultry, seafood, Italian, Greek), basil, thyme, sage, and many others can increase flavor of favorite foods. Consult any cookbook for a suggested spice chart or pick up a spice rack that includes some basic starters.

Condiments. Choose what suits your taste but ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauces, steak sauces, soy or teriyaki sauces, are all standards in most refrigerators. Don't forget things like pickles, relishes, or other snacks. Vinegar is another common recipe ingredient.

Fruits and vegetables. Keep an assortment of favorites on hand in frozen or canned form. Use the crisper drawer of the refrigerator to store fresh fruits and vegetables. Consider bagged salad pre-mixes and pre-chopped vegetables to save time.

Meats. Unless cooks want to dash to the market daily, it's wise to keep a few choice cuts in the freezer or to buy ahead. Ground meat, chicken, pork, beef, and other meats all come in handy. Choose favorite cuts or easy to use products like pre-breaded chicken tenders. Thaw frozen foods properly and never keep fresh meats for more than a few days in the refrigerator. Keep a few cold cuts or other lunch meats on hand.

Frozen staples. It never hurts to have a few frozen waffles or pancakes, dinners or entrees, or other items on hand. Chicken tenders, fish fillets, casseroles, and more can make cooking simple.

Beverages. Coffee, tea, fruit juices, lemonades, soft drinks, and alcholic beverages. Buy what you like and need.

Dry foods. These can include beans and lentils, baking mixes, dinner mixes, and more. Keep a few on hand in the pantry (or a convenient cabinent) for quick meals when needed. Canned or dry soups, canned pastas, and other ready to eat items are also advisable to keep on hand. Packaged puddings or jellos are also handy.

Once the kitchen is well stocked with basics, be as creative as you like. Learn what items are needed in favorite recipes or common meals. With the right kitchen essentials and basic ingredients almost anyone can turn out a delicious meal for one or a dozen!