Winter is finally here, and as every home cook knows that means it’s time to get back into the kitchen and start creating all of those warm, comforting hearty dishes that remind us of childhood. There really is nothing better than sitting down to a filling hot meal when the temperatures have started to drop.
Here, we’ve asked the experts at First Ireland to put together a list of must-have kitchenware items that you should have this winter.
A good quality mixing bowl
Winter is the season for baking. Whether you are making sponge puddings or getting started on a homemade Christmas cake, a heavy duty mixing bowl is a must. Look for something substantial with a bit of weight to it. This will help keep your bowl stable whilst you mix. Ceramic traditional style mixing bowls come in a range of different colours and make a wonderful addition to any kitchen.
A pudding basin
On that note, if you are going to be making sponge puddings then you really should invest in a good quality pudding basin, or a couple. Whether you are making sponge pudding for just 2 people or for a larger group, pudding basins in a range of sizes are a kitchen staple that will last you for years.
A teapot
Absolutely essential in any home, a good teapot will come into its own over the colder months. Opt for a good sized teapot so that you can make plenty of cups of tea over the festive period when you have friends and family visiting.
A stock pot
Soups and stews have been winter staples for decades and there is little need to move away from these classic flavours that have such an important place in our hearts and our homes. A good stock is one of the key ingredients for both of these, and if you want to go all out and make your own then you really do need to invest in a stock pot. Taller than most normal pans, a stockpot is also a very cost effective way of getting your money’s worth from meat bones and vegetable scraps in your kitchen.
A casserole
A heavy duty casserole dish that can be placed on a low slow heat for several hours or popped into the oven is a great way to make incredible stews and casseroles during the winter months. The unique makeup of a good casserole dish means that the moisture stays in, allowing even cheaper cuts of meat to become tender and retain all of their juices, whilst perfectly softening your vegetables and creating a wonderful rich gravy.
A pie dish
Another fantastic winter dish that will fill hungry bellies and warm from the inside out, pies are a fantastic way of using up the leftovers from a Sunday roast, or even the remains of a casserole with just the addition of a pastry lid. A good quality pie dish will last you for years and makes a great investment. Of course, you might want a couple of these for your kitchen so that you can indulge your sweet tooth with homemade apple pie and custard as well.
A large roasting dish
Only the hardiest of home cooks will have continued to cook roast dinners over the summer. Now that the weather has turned colder it’s time to get back to what is arguably one of the highlights of the winter menu. There is nothing quite like a roast dinner with all the trimmings and a large roasting dish is essential. If yours has seen plenty of service, then it may be time to replace it.
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