I have always worked in large kitchens with room to spare. My current job has space to prepare, cook and serve 2000 college students everyday and have 30 chefs each having a designated work area that does interfere with each other. The day starts with a handful of people and the number grows as lunch approaches and again when dinner is being prepared, served and then cleaned up.
When I come home and on my days off I do find time to cook at home. Since I am away long hours each day it is sometimes the only time I can spend with my family. The hard part is figuring out what to do with such a small space. I found what happened is my small kitchen had become the catch all for anything I did not know what to do with and had become even smaller.
I packed anything I did not recognize or do not remember buying or ever using and donated it to a local shelter. I like to get rid of things this way since when I put them on the street it just gets thrown away instead of being put to use. I also post on craigslist but it is hard to get people to pick up even when it is free.
One of the first things I figured out is to have a well stocked not overstocked pantry. Canned goods, oils, vinegars, pastas and spices to name a few things. I also have a small butane single burner cook top I use when I need more stove top. It is also handy if the power goes out. Not only do I have enough food for several days in an emergency I also have a way to cook it and will not be hungry. I forgot to mention that I keep at least one bottle each of red and white wine, boxed low sodium soups and stocks, five types of salt, soy, rice and almond milk, three types of rice and at least five different flours.
For equipment everything I have gets used. I have pieces that are not for everyday cooking, a tagine and a terrine dish, but I do use them and have a small storge space to keep them up and out of the way. It is best to buy good quality, not always the most expensive, and to shop around until you find what you like. I did not buy a set and add to and take away from what I have as I go along.
Think about space before you by anything. If your freezer will not hold your purchases then there is no sense buying it. The same rule with the refrigerator. Being an impulse shopper or buying too much causes more problems and adds to the stress of shopping. I recently purchased a baking sheet pan, inexpensive but needed for a special project, without considering it. Got home, washed and sanitized it as I do with anything new, preheated the oven, mixed everything, rolled it, did the cut out shapes, loaded the pan, put it in the oven and could not close the door. Wow did this change how everything went.
Take your time and choose what you like. My blog will continue to address NYC apartment living and how to get around the confines of a small space.
Any comments or questions please let me know. M.
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