I Despatched a Chef Pictures of My Kitchen Counters — Right here’s What He Informed Me to Get Rid Of

Skilled cooks are actually fussy about their counter tops — and with good motive! Cooking in a cluttered, unsanitized workspace results in slower and dangerous meals preparation, and breeds cross-contamination. For sure, within the culinary world, a chef’s mise en place (the setup and placement of elements) is sacred. 

Understandably, there tends to be a serious hole between the mise en place in skilled versus residence kitchens. Eating places don’t usually host patrons for meals of their kitchen, so worrying about showcasing private type or creating ambiance is pointless. Nevertheless, in a family kitchen, displaying a pile of cookbooks, stemware assortment, or stack of handcrafted chopping boards isn’t uncommon. 

Strive as I’d to type my kitchen’s counter tops, in the end I simply need to conduct my weekly meal prep obstacle-free. So I reached out to an expert chef for his take alone mise en place. Costa Lapaseotes — a Nebraska-based personal chef and guide, co-owner of Harrison High quality Meats, seasoned butcher, and cattle rancher by commerce — has showcased his culinary chops in kitchens from Chicago to Los Angeles, together with Horse Thief BBQ, Chop Store, and Complete Meals. With a background in beef and a penchant for imparting the knowledge gleaned from his hard-won time again of the home, Lapaseotes tells it like it’s. After sending him some photographs of my kitchen counter tops, listed below are three issues he instructed me to alter — and two that earned his approval.

As a newlywed, my kitchen is brimming with marriage ceremony registry items. Amongst my favourite items? Our knife block! However have you learnt who doesn’t approve? Costa Lapaseotes. “Knife units that are available in their very own block all the time include a bunch of pointless knives that every one may very well be changed with one good high quality chef’s knife,” he says. In lieu of a knife set, deciding on a high-quality chef’s knife and offering it correct care and storage eliminates the necessity for a knife assortment. 

Lapaseotes continues, “On prime of that, the block itself is unhealthy knife storage. Pulling knives out and in dulls them, solely a bit bit, however it provides up.” Take it from a cattle-rancher-turned-butcher: sharp knives are secure knives. His desire for another? “I like magnetic knife racks. Plus, then you’ll be able to see which knife is which.” That’s a superb level! Dang, that Lapaseotes is sharp. (I’m sorry.) 

My husband and I registered for a group of matching Crate and Barrel cooking utensils. Whereas the set got here with the same old suspects — spatula, slotted spoon, whisk, tongs, and so forth. — it additionally got here with a collection of new-to-me baking provides that we non-baking newlyweds tucked into lesser-used storage. Shares Lapaseotes, “I additionally don’t love all of the plastic. Silicone spatulas and spoons are alright, and undoubtedly have their place in baking, however a sturdy steel burger flipper or stirring spoon is significantly better.”

As a family that undoubtedly cooks excess of bakes, we’re missing in steel utensils. Lapaseotes provides, “Identical with the whisk — a superb stainless will do a greater job with thick batters.” If I ever overcome my worry of scientifically measuring elements and thoroughly following step-by-step baking protocols, I’ll higher put together myself for tackling a thick batter.

When my husband and I moved into our residence, our mixed cookware proved to be needlessly bountiful, with too many pots and pans and lids for correct storage. So we downsized and upgraded. Whereas we love our Our Place All the time Pan in “Spice,” Lapaseotes informs me we’re lacking out on the advantages of different supplies.

“One factor plastic spoons and spatulas inform me is that you just most likely use non-stick skillets,” he says. “I’ve by no means seen one which does a superb job of really sauteing, although they make a pleasant omelet.” Full disclosure: We aren’t making good omelets with any of our pans. We’re actually simply throwing five-ish frozen elements from Dealer Joe’s right into a pan, seasoning, and praying for edible outcomes. Investing in a cast-iron skillet for high-heat elements or a traditional stainless-steel pan for a high-sear scenario is a strategic approach to higher put together meals we already love.

I’m thrilled to share my counter tops impressed confidence in Lapaseotes when he got here throughout my husband’s espresso nook. Says Lapaseotes, “I respect the espresso setup. Extra Individuals ought to make the most of electrical kettles; that’s one thing I’m really going to repeat from you!” WOW! Influencer alert! I want I may take credit score for my former-barista husband’s electrical kettle, espresso maker, and grinder, however I’m a vanilla iced-latte woman and know subsequent to nothing about his espresso chemistry. 

However electrical kettles are extremely versatile! Plus, they’re environment friendly and quiet, eliminating that hissing sound typical teapots make. Most significantly: Espresso is an enormous deal in our residence, so we actually invested house and strategically chosen instruments for espresso consumption. No matter your “factor” (do-it-yourself pastas or dumplings? Low and gradual barbecuing?), go all in. 

Says Lapaseotes, “Your counter is spectacular — as a result of it’s clear! Its objective is to be a workspace, not a storage floor. Having instruments shut at hand is nice!” Cue the Sally Discipline, “You want me, you actually actually like me,” speech! Whereas I’ll undoubtedly get higher about returning my cleansing provides to their secure below-sink storage as an alternative of conserving them on the counter for days on finish, I’m reassured by Lapaseotes’ pointers and supply an enthusiastic and grateful, “Thanks, Chef!”