My Mnmlst Kitchen
One of the benefits of trying to simplify things is that I seem to have put aside my previous pack rat tendencies. Rather than accumulating a ton of stuff that I never use, I try to focus on only having quality items in the house, use the same tool/appliance for multiple functions, and not to purchase anything that is so specialized, that a year could go by without touching it. I’ve been trying to apply this to the kitchen:
–I keep a small number of must have tools that I use practically every day — my favorites include a high quality chef’s knife that I use for all chopping and slicing; a few good quality heavy bottom pans, tongs, and a stirring spoon. I also use a blender for smoothies, sauces, and sorbets, but thus far have not longed for a food processor.
–I try to resist picking up specialized kitchen items that I wouldn’t use regularly, so you won’t find an array of strainers, specialized forks, or special pans like a crepe pan. I also stay clear of holiday themed dishes and decorations that can only be used for one day a year. I apply this principal to the pantry as well.
–One of my favorite appliances is a crockpot, that I use at lease once a week in the fall and winter. I use the crockpot to make stews, soups, chili, and beans from scratch. I also roast chicken in the crockpot. It comes out really tender and the cleanup is easier than the oven. The crockpot is also an energy saver compared to other appliances or the oven.
–I have shifted most of the cleaners in the kitchen away from the harsh chemicals and toward natural cleaners. Baking soda and vinegar play a large role in cleaning.
Here are some other ideas that I incorporate in my kitchen. I would love to hear your ideas for reducing kitchen clutter.
Posted at Works for Me Wednesday
Good tips. I also love my crockpot.
I love my crockpot too. Great tips.
I think Trent at The Simple Dollar had a post on this as well, so maybe check that out for more inspiration. Overall though, a good idea. We’re paring down our “stuff” while we pack to move into our new home next week. I need to get a new chef’s knife though, our old one is from a set we got as a wedding gift and it is junk. What brand do you use?
Hi Lynn, Hi Buffie, I can’t believe I only started using the crockpot a few years ago. I still have many things to experiment with. Thanks for commenting.
Hi Kevin, It’s a Henckels, I think in the 4-star series. Definitely get the one that is much heavier (and more expensive), the balance and steadiness it provides makes a huge difference. You can basically sharpen this indefinitely.
Great tips. I don’t have a crockpot though. My mom kept that when she moved. And her mixer too.
Hi Jenny, I think there are 2 camps of crockpot owners: those who use it regularly and make all kinds of different dishes (that would be me, and Lynn and Buffie), and those who use it once and then put it in storage. This should mean that a lot of ‘just like new’ crockpots are available at 2nd hand stores or moving sales if cost is an issue.
We have recently enjoyed discovering the joy of baked potatoes in our crockpot. Its another quick meal that can be cooking, and we don’t even have to be in the kitchen.
I also like the safety aspect of not having so many different kinds of cleaners in our kitchen.
I recently gave away a bunch of extra things from our kitchen, loike a punch bowl I never used. My friend couldn’t believe I was just givng it to her, since it was such a nice one. I just smiled and said that if I ever needed a punch bowl, I now know of someone who I can borrow it from.
Hi staci, I like crockpot baked potatoes and sweet potatoes a lot. I love your punch bowl story. When did everyone become so averse to sharing? I remember as a kid, we would share with/borrow from the neighbors all the time. No one would think of buying all of the stuff for a birthday party or gathering, they would ask neighbors to bring extra chairs or extra dishes, etc… seemed like such a civilized thing.
I do a clutter buster on my kitchen about every 6 months to replace what needs to be and to get rid of what we dont need
Angie, this sounds like a great idea!