Kitchen Love

Peggy — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:02:00 GMT

My kitchen doesn’t have granite countertops, stainless steel appliances or a Viking range. But, despite the 1980s golden oak cabinets with gold hardware, I do love my kitchen, and here’s why:

1. Ode to my island. It may not be a tropical getaway, but the vastness of my island leaves enough room for mail to pile up on one side with plenty of workspace left on the other side. I can simultaneously prepare dinner, pack lunches for the next day and mix up a big batch of granola. It’s also great during Christmas-cookie season.

2. A gourmet coffee station. Well, not quite, but a dedicated cabinet for coffee, mugs and even coffee’s less attractive stepsister (tea), plus dedicated counter space for my coffeemaker makes mornings a little more pleasant.

3. Tupperware merry-go-round. Have you even been to a party and helped the hostess pack up leftovers only to be attacked by the killer Tupperware cabinet? Bless the previous owner of my house for putting in a corner cabinet with spinning shelves. It’s where I keep all of my storage containers and lids. It has plenty of space to keep things organized, and the spinning shelves make containers easy to reach.

4. Spice drawer galore. There’s a narrow drawer to the right of my oven that fits three small spice containers across. It’s like it was made for spices. Small spice containers are inexpensive, and since they’re small, I am able to use up the spices while they are still fresh.

5. Stand pans at attention. Right below my spice drawer there is a narrow cabinet—what can you possibly store in there?! Well, put in a vertical divider and use it to store baking pans and cooling racks—it’s perfect!

6. Double stainless steel sink. I’ve often pondered how I am able to go through so many pots and pans when I cook and bake. So I’m glad I have a double stainless steel sink—one side acts as the dish drainer instead of taking up counter space. And I love not having to worry about scratching or scuffing the sink with pots or pans as I would with an acrylic sink.

What little things do you love about your kitchen? Let us know!

Peggy Woodward

Food Editor

Healthy Cooking Magazine Editor's Blog : kitchen

Kitchen Love