Kitchen considerations: what to cook today, what to look for tomorrow.

Dreamy recipes to help inspire dream kitchens.

While lunch dates, happy hours and dinners out are on pause, retreating to the kitchen 3+ times a day is suddenly in vogue. Whether putting together a meal is comforting, intimidating or inconveniencing for you (or all of the above!), you’re most likely cooking a lot more right now.

More time to cook, though, means more time to fantasize about your dream kitchen of the future. In that spirit, here are some tips for deriving maximum peace and satisfaction from your home-cooking – as well as a wishlist of features worth considering when it comes time to find a home with a dream kitchen.

FLEXIBILITY AND RECIPE-FREE COOKING

Flexibility is the name of the game in today’s world, and this extends to the kitchen, specifically to following recipes. When grocery trips are limited, fear not the substitution.

Something else to consider: Recipes aren’t always needed. In fact, New York Times columnist Sam Sifton regularly contributes “No-Recipe Recipes,” which are definitely worth checking out.

Fried rice, stew, toast, pasta, salads and grain bowls are perfect vessels for tossing in whatever ingredients are on hand.

Food for thought:

– https://www.hangrywhitemale.com/skillet-baked-paprika-potato-hash/

– https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/soft-scrambled-eggs-with-fresh-ricotta-and-chives-241876

– https://www.budgetbytes.com/mediterranean-hummus-bowls/

Wishlist kitchen feature to consider:

–        Gas range stovetop, for quick temperature changes and even cooking.

A CASE FOR SHORTCUTS AND CONVENIENCE

If you can cook from scratch at all times, that’s great. But if you can’t, that’s OK too. Everyone, including even the most seasoned home cooks, needs a break.

After all, nutritious cooking is a balancing act, and occasional convenience foods can save your sanity. So why not combine fresh, homemade and pre-made foods?

Food for thought:

– https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/honey-mustard-vinaigrette-recipe-1957481

– https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/chimichurri-sauce/

– https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/chinese-dumpling-soup-recipe2-2117723

Wishlist kitchen feature to consider:

–        Double ovens, for slow-roasting dinner and baking dessert simultaneously.

YOUR FREEZER IS YOUR FRIEND

Quarantine has turned many people into frozen fruit and veggie stans. For good reason: Frozen assorted veggies can be an awesome stir-fry starter. Chopped spinach can be added to pasta sauces or soups. Frozen berries or peaches can thaw slightly for a snack or be added to yogurt (shout-out to instant pot yogurt makers) and topped with granola or cereal.

But besides frozen ingredients, having previously made frozen soup, beans or casseroles in the freezer can be a huge life-saver on days when the thought of cooking, or even ordering more takeout, is unbearable. Cook more than you need, then freeze the rest for such an occasion. Bonus: If you’re a baker, many baked goods like muffins or banana breads, and even bread and cookie dough, can handle a good freeze.

Food for thought:

– https://www.skinnytaste.com/mexican-pinto-beans-with-queso-frijoles-con-todo/

–  https://damndelicious.net/2014/10/29/sausage-potato-spinach-soup/

Wishlist kitchen feature to consider:

–        Proving drawer/warmer, for baked goods to rise at the perfect temp.

OF HERBS AND CITRUS: NOTES ON BRIGHTENING YOUR DISHES

The easiest way to elevate any home-cooked dish? Add something crunchy, something tangy or something fresh.

The secret to making pantry staples (think potatoes, beans, pasta) more palatable and Instagram-able is dressed bitter greens and/or fresh herbs. Roast chicken or fish, torn burrata cheese, dumplings – all are lighter and more beautiful with a handful of herbs or greens dressed with olive oil and citrus or vinegar.

The best time to bring in a good crunch is with soft dishes, such as soups, stews and dahls. Think croutons (pan-fry or oven-toast torn bread in oil, salt and pepper), nuts, seeds, toasted farro or barley. Or, pan-fry some thinly sliced shallots in olive oil and a pinch of chili flake (you’ll be glad you did). 

Food for thought:

– https://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/homemade-pierogi-recipe

– https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/ricotta-dumplings-with-asparagus-and-green-garlic

Wishlist kitchen feature to consider:

– Herb garden/window light for ledge garden, for year-round freshness to flavor and top your dishes.

Source: https://news.remax.com