When it comes to my philosophy on cooking, there are very few things that you truly need. I subscribe to the belief that your repertoire should include just a small selection of essential tools—a super sharp knife for cutting precision (a chef’s and paring knife are all you need, a Microplane for zesting, a mandolin for feathery slivers of anything and everything, a cast-iron skillet, a wooden spoon, and a solid wood cutting block. If I only had these few kitchen essentials, I know I could execute a killer meal.

That said, I’ve selected a few other go-to’s I continually reach for in my kitchen. Of course, you don’t need all of these at once, just buy the pieces as you need them (and as your confidence in the kitchen grows), but above all, have fun with cooking.