Kitchen survival guide

Try to keep the following tools on hand to simplify your life in the kitchen and create delicious meals with beef:

1. Cutting boards - Preferably two – one for meat and one for produce.

2. Measuring cups and spoons - These are essential for most recipes.

3. Knives - Be sure knives are sharp for fast and accurate slicing. Buy the best quality knives you can afford.

4. Wooden spoon - Ideal for cooking because they won’t scratch your nonstick pots and pans.

5. Nonstick cookware - Use nonstick cookware for easy cleanup. Plus nonstick pans allow you to reduce fat in your cooking.

6. Spatula - You must have a “burger flipper.” Use it on steaks, too. Just don’t use it to press down on the meat; you’ll press out the juices.

7. Zip-top bags - Use these for marinating beef – just toss the bag and the marinade when you’re done!.

8. Instant-read thermometer - You won’t have to question the doneness of beef with this accurate tool.

9. Roasting pan - A shallow, heavy-weight pan with good heat conducting qualities will make cooking roasts a breeze.

10. Wooden or metal skewers - Use for preparing small pieces of meat for kebobs.

If you’re a regular at the takeout counter or local drive-thru then your kitchen isn’t working for you. Having the correct kitchen tools and a stocked pantry will reduce your dependence on more expensive convenience foods.