1. Cast Iron Skillet

Just about anything you want to do—searing, sautéing, baking, frying, braising—performs best in cast iron cookware. A reliable cast iron skillet works wonders in the oven or on top of the stove. From delicious Steak with Herb Butter to a decadent Nutella Skillet Cookie, your cast iron skillet is the true workhorse of the kitchen. Contrary to popular belief, taking care of a cast iron is not that diii

Contrary to what many people say, taking care of a cast iron pan is not all that difficult. Once you’ve cooked with it, rinse it under hot water while scrubbing with a brush. Soap isn’t necessary, unless you really feel the need to. Most importantly – never, ever leave your cookware to soak in the sink! Instead, dry it immediately, then put it on the stove to let any moisture evaporate. Once it’s fully dry, add a few drops of oil (use one with a high smoking point) and massage the oil in with a towel until you’ve rubbed all excess oil off the pan.

Chef Andrea recommends: Lava Cast Iron Round Skillet, available at ToTT Store
(Usual Price $57.40 – $113.40, Now $45.90 – $90.70*)

2. Non-Stick Frying Pan

A non-stick coated frying pan is definitely a useful tool to have on hand for perfect eggs, pancakes, frittatas and the likes – basically, dishes you don’t want to get stuck to the pan halfway through that chef-like flip of the pan! Unlike your cast iron skillet, a non-stick pan should never be heated up till it’s smoking hot or your risk the non-stick finish vaporising. And it goes without saying that you shouldn’t use metal utensils on non-stick surfaces 😉 Ready to try out some recipes with your non-stick frying pan? This Dutch Baby Pancake will make for a perfect breakfast!

Chef Andrea recommends: De Buyer Aluminium Non-Stick Frying Pans, available at ToTT Store
(Usual Price $33.40 – $95.50, Now $26.70 – $76.40*)

3. Wooden Cutting Board

Along with a good set of knives, a good cutting board is one of the most essential and most often used tool in your kitchen. While it may seem straight-forward, there is a lot that goes into the making of a quality cutting board.  Since you will be using your board almost every single time you cook, take time to research and invest in a durable, high-quality cutting board that will last for years to come. Check out our quick guide to cutting boards to make an informed decision.

Chef Andrea recommends: Epicurean Wood Fibre Cutting Board (3 layers), Serving Series, available at ToTT Store
(Usual Price $51.90, Now $41.50*)

4. Chinese Wok

Whether you’re stir-frying or not, a wok is one of the most versatile cookware you can own in the kitchen. It is probably the best vessel for deep-frying – its wide shape and ability to hole large volumes make it easy to do a big batch of deep fried food with minimal contact and oil use. The wok’s larger surface area also helps to produce that deep, smoky wok hei flavour that we are all so familiar with!

Chef Andrea recommends: Zebra 5-Ply Stainless Steel Chinese Wok with Lid & Steamer, available at ToTT Store (Usual Price $215.50 – $325.50, Now $172.40 – $260.40*)

5. A Large Casserole

A casserole is meant for both cooking, baking and serving straight to the dinner table – hence it should be both functional and aesthetically-pleasing. A good casserole (or large baking dish) will heat foods evenly, and store that heat so that your food stays warm throughout dinner. A high-quality glazed ceramic will also make it easier to clean up!

Chef Andrea recommends: Lava Cast Iron Round Casserole available at ToTT Store (Usual Price $133.60 – $179.60, Now $106.80 to $143.60*)

*The above promotional prices are only valid from 8 – 17 September 2017, at ToTT @ Dunearn & ToTT @ Suntec.