Kitchen Snob

I know you know ball if you have these items in your kitchen

Boos Block, Le Creuset, Pairing Knife, Steak Knives, Coasters, Flower Vase, Candle Sticks, Martini Glasses, Placemats, Cordless lamp

Although I have been working out of apartment kitchens for the majority of my adulthood, I have put in quite the effort to ensure that each of our kitchens, no matter the size, has all of the essentials, and then some!

When you love cooking as much as my husband and I do, it is so important that you enjoy the space and the tools you need to do so.

You know ball, if the knives you use for prep are Japanese and consistently sharpened. A dull knife is not only stupidly dangerous, but it also damages your food, so truly, you’re not gaining anything when you use a bad, dull knife. I have been fortunate in that my dad, an amazing chef, has gifted my husband and me with some beautiful Japanese knives. One that he actually bought in Japan from an actual sword shop, iconic, that is used more as a pairing knife. He has also gifted a knife similar to this one, which is perfect for chopping vegetables. A good starting point, though, is a classic chef’s knife; my husband’s work gifted him this one, and we love it for the day-to-day. Speaking of knives, if you have these Jean Dubost knives in your kitchen, you not only have great taste, but what you are cutting up probably tastes just as good.

Here’s the thing: Le Creuset is iconic for a reason. I will say that over the years, the quality has come into question, with some saying the ones from maybe 20 years ago are better. I cannot speak to that, as I do not have any that are that old, yet, but the ones that I do have have lasted at least 7 years. The color options are so fun as well, and nothing brings me more joy than seeing an array of colors throughout my kitchen. You know ball if you have one, if not multiple, within your arsenal. If you don’t I recommend starting with the Braiser.

A quality wood cutting board can be found in every chef’s kitchen. Boos Blocks are the best; if you’re fortunate enough, though, you may just have one made for you. My father-in-law loves woodworking and made us two wooden cutting boards for us. Both are massive and nearly 2 inches thick, but we can’t imagine not using them day to day. Also, it is so much better than chopping on plastic, gross.

I recently purchased a butter bell, never in my life did I think I would need such a thing, but wow, game changer.

Now for the less functional, coasters in the kitchen are needed, for the vibes. A great pepper mill is essential, because duh. You need to be able to see properly in the kitchen. Sometimes, especially in apartments, you don’t always have the proper lighting, so make it chic and get some cordless lamps to utilize when cooking late-night meals. Placemats can be so boring, make it as fun as possible and go with a pattern and unique color, such as these. Candles on the table make everything romantic, the pair I have are my grandmothers past down, which I am a sentimentalist so I always will steer in an heirloom piece, but this trio is beautiful and has the vintage vibe I lean into. A flower vase next to those candlesticks is also never a bad idea. Lastly, to complete the kitchen snob persona, colorful martini glasses seal the deal.

Let me know what you cannot live without in your kitchen, and if you are also a snob like me.

xo

erin