The 10 Simple Things to Make You Happier at Home post over on Apartment Therapy has inspired me to think about a similar post for The Kitchn. What are the essential ingredients for a happy kitchen? In many ways, this is what every Weekend Meditation is about, but for this week I thought I would get a little more specific. Read on for my 10 suggestions and please offer your own in the comments!
1. Keep a well-stocked pantry. A well-stocked pantry is fundamental in any kitchen, no matter what our aspirations are for happiness. It's a shame, then, when we don't give our pantries (or cupboards or larder or wherever you store your foodstuffs) enough attention and consideration. When it comes to non-perishables, there's no reason not to keep your shelves as overflowing as your budget will allow so that at any given time, you can walk into your kitchen and create a decent meal for yourself or an unexpected guest.
It's difficult to offer a specific list, because everyone has different tastes and dietary needs. But in general, try to have the basics like canned tomatoes, canned and dried beans, several kinds of grains, a few oils, etc. And be sure there are least a couple of ingredients you're excited about: a new kind of pasta or rice, a few fascinating spices, or a decadent cheese in the fridge.
2. Grow fresh herbs in pots. When interviewing people for our 5 Essentials series, nearly everyone I spoke with talked about having fresh herbs on hand. If at all possible, try growing some herbs in pots, either in or very near to your kitchen. You will be amazed by how much they will inspire you: a snip here and there and suddenly you're off in a whole new direction! If it is impossible to grow herbs in your home, purchase them from the farmers' market and keep them in water on your counter. Treat them much like fresh flowers by trimming their stems and changing the water frequently.
3. Clutter. While we can admire those sleek, streamlined, nearly empty kitchens we see in blogs and magazines, the truth is most home kitchens have a lot more going on in them if they are truly being used. Between those half-used packets of pasta and the myriad utensils needed to whisk, flip, beat, strain, measure, cut, grate, squeeze, shred, and stir our meals, we tend to accumulate a lot of stuff. So it's important to seek out a clutter-reducing strategy and stick with it. And remember, it's always easier and more pleasant to cook in a clean kitchen with uncluttered counter spaces, easy access to a garbage pail and compost, and your equipment/utensils in their proper place.
4. Love your stuff. It's important that you enjoy using the tools of your kitchen. If you sigh with displeasure every time you reach for that wobbly, dented frying pan, then your cooking experience with it is always going to be lacking. Invest in a few good pieces of kitchen equipment and maintaing them for the rest of your life is the way to go. (Better yet, keep a look out at your local thirft store and yard sales. It's astonishing what people give away.) But no matter how or where you get it, or even its quality for that matter, if you really like a particular piece of kitchen equipment, you will use it often and you will use it with pleasure.
5. Deborah Madison's pan of warm sudsy water. In a recent interview, Deborah Madison recommended filling your sink full of warm, soapy water before starting on a recipe. This is one of my favorite pieces of advice for it is practical and sensual and calming all at the same time. Washing your utensils as you use them is, as mentioned, a pragmatic thing to do. But it also feels good to plunge your hands into warm soapy water and clean off any stickiness, and knowing that the tablespoon you just used will be clean and ready for the next thing relieves some of the stress and confusion that can come with cooking. Using a special dish soap only adds to the pleasure.
6. Sharp knives. Having sharp knifes makes a world of difference and it's not that hard to keep them that way, so no excuses! Start with a professional sharpening, if needed, and maintain it by honing between uses.
7. Include art. Or flowers, or music, or whatever makes your kitchen a place you want to be in. Even the smallest of kitchens can accommodate a touch of beauty or whimsy.
8. Fill it up or empty it out. If your kitchen is always full of people, send them off to the movies one afternoon and enjoy the quiet time to yourself as you make a nice dinner for them upon their return. If you usually cook alone, invite a few people over to take on making a meal together. Either way, try to challenge and stretch your habits and assumptions and step out of your routines now and then, even if it feels uncomfortable. You may be pleasantly surprised what's on the other side of your resistance.
9. Learn techniques, not recipes. I have nothing against recipes, but when it comes to being able to play in the kitchen, to experience the freedom to improvise and turn on a dime if needed, then basic techniques are more important. Understanding fundamentals will free you up to experiment and allow you to feed a group of people a delicious meal with nothing more than a sack of potatoes and a few pantry items. Take a class or ask a friend to show you the ropes. In the kitchen, as well as in life, never assume you're finished with learning. Always be teachable.
10. Pause and breathe. If you're in the kitchen and you're wired and stressed, pause and take a few breaths to see if you can't find a little calm in the middle of the chaos. If you're in the kitchen and you're happy as a lark, then pause and take a few breaths to let it all in, to really steep yourself in your enjoyment. If you're in the kitchen and you're bored, pause and take a breath, noticing what might be a little different about today's task at hand. Look for where the sunlight is coming in, or the particular texture or color of the ingredient you are working with. Sniff the air. Every moment is endlessly fascinating.
Be as seasonal as possible. This is my bonus recommendation. To the extent that you can, try to eat seasonally. As a wealthy nation, Americans have a belief that happiness means getting what you want, whenever you want it. But I have found the opposite is true. When I have to wait for the asparagus season to arrive, my delight is made so much sweeter by my anticipation and of course, the asparagus itself is sweeter when it's in season and fresh from the ground. I find that when I'm living within the rhythms of the seasons, I have less anxiety and I can clearly see where and how I am sustained. This connection, this acknowledgment—that even though I am living in a crowed urban area, I am still closely bound to the earth—is a never ending source of comfort and joy.
What helps you to be happy in your kitchen?
(Image: Leela Cyd Ross)
How To Make Perfect Bacon in the Oven
How To Cook Tender, Chewy Wheat Berries on the Stovetop
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Straw Mat from The ...
Must-See Small Cool Homes: Week Two
Beth's Romantic & Retro Residence
Wonderful tips.. I'm happy having all the equipment/tools I need to keep things going in a nice flow. Also, a well stocked pantry/cupboard to crank out delicioius meals and desserts - it really does make all the difference in the world..
These are all great. I never quite get the sudsy water thing happening though--will have to try to be more conscious of that.
I really like #8. One time my boyfriend took an 9 hour busride to come see me. He took a big long nap, and when he woke up I'd cooked a big italian dinner for him. He was so happy, and I had a lot of fun! Kept me busy too waiting for him to wake up haha
I ALWAYS try to clean as I go too with cooking. While one thing is taking some time, wash some of the dishes so it's all done when the dinner is done!
Thank you Dana, and Happy New Year!
My rental kitchen is all white except for hideous, grey linoleum counters so I try to get colorful, fun kitchenware. My stand mixer will work just as well in any color but I hunted around for just the right one so I get a pop of color from that as well as a lovely bowl of seasonal fruit. I use colorful mugs to keep kitchen tools in. If you don't have the counter space for a fruit bowl, one of those tiered hanging baskets is both functional and a great display.
I always find it helpful, when I'm having company over, to set an approximate schedule for the preparing of the meal, leaving extra wiggle room. That way, even if I'm running behind schedule, I'm still ahead. It especially helps with oven times and temperatures.
In addition, and this kind of goes along with number 10, when I start getting a little stressed out, and breathing just won't do it, I pour myself a small glass of wine. Not enough to dull the senses, just enough to quiet all the extra thoughts, and it always makes the whole process run more smoothly.
Great list Dana. I wouldn't really change or add anything. Happy New Year!
Thanks for this thoughtful approach to living in the moment, and doing it well.
Sharp knives are life changing! Now I only reach for those recently sharpened and need to bring the rest.
i love #9. Learn techniques, not recipes! i totally agree with that tactic. it's very liberating to just be able to cook from what you have available, and not feel strapped to a list of directions.
These are great! I agree about the sink full of sudsy water. Just don't put your knives in there! Sure fire way to get a nasty cut.
Great list! I love having 2 sets of each kind of measuring utensil: spoons, glass, metal.
I agree with #9. My mom taught me lots of basic thing about cooking and I'm learning a lot all the time when I'm cooking. I rarely follow recipes to the word, but I still feel confident and don't stress to much about things like leave out/subtitute something in a recipe or change the cooking time if I need to. Also it's fun to cook like "I have these at home, what could I make of them"
I would add "Hook up a stereo." Cooking and cleaning up are perfect times to listen to the radio, catch up on a podcast, dance around to music your partner or housemates won't tolerate, or enjoy an audio recording of a book you've been meaning to read!
All good tips! I especially agree with filling up my kitchen with loved ones. Favorite times!
I agree with Splitty--music and cooking go so well together, especially when you're cooking alone. All these suggestions are spot on, especially #10. I like to take those deep breathes before I start cooking, to remind me to center, relax and enjoy. Thanks!
nice post, thanks so much for the tips.
i'll wait the next tips
Art & no clutter are what do it for me. If I could have a beautiful woman like the one in the photo, I'd be set for life!
#9 should appear in flashing neon because it is THE key to cooking imo. If you know the basic techniques, you can handle pretty much any recipe and can improvise with or without a recipe. I once took a basic cooking class where I learned knife skills and other kitchen ABCs. That class significantly improved my confidence in the kitchen and set me on the path to cooking decent meals for myself and others and no longer relying on takeout or frozen chemicals and by-products otherwise known as Lean Cuisine.
Love this list. I agree that favorite artwork has a place in the kitchen, as well as plenty of fresh fruit, candles & clean linens! I also struggle with the appliances in countertops, and now keep only a simple toaster, vitamix, omega juicer and electric kettle on mine.
I'd add to this list an item about having an in-out policy, which means stock your pantry/fridge, but don't OVERstock it. When I open other people's fridges and find shelves packed full of condiments that are God-knows how old and freezers full of mystery meats and leftovers, it really grosses me out. I struggle to keep that from happening to my fridge and try to make meals that will use up the stuff I already have before heading to the store to buy more for different dishes. It also challenges me to think creatively about cooking by forcing myself to use what I have on-hand.
Lots of great tips here. In particular:
#5. I figured this out as a young adult. Multitasking. It organizes the mess (nearly all in one place) and pretty much half cleans what you're using. By the time you're done everything is well soaked and wipes clean easily (well, usually anyway).
#6. Yes. A good knife can be a pleasure to use. It's easy to take for granted how easy food prep becomes with the right tool. I'd take a good knife and cutting board over every other gadget in the kitchen combined.
I think another important rule is to respect your kitchen. I try to never leave dishes in the sink, keep the stove top & counters wiped down, and a light sweep before you retire. Who wants to go to the kitchen and cook, if all your energy for inspiration is first used on just cleaning up so you can cook. It sounds simple, but I can't tell you how many times I go into someone home and dishes were not left overnight, but it seems like they have been there for a week! That is another reason, I usually carry water with me! ;)
I love this post-thank you. What a nice way to start the workweek (and a full five day one at that!).
@Stevenvox: how do people manage to cook AND clean? Whenever I go to someone's home, they never seem to have dishes in the sink. The only time that happens in my kitchen is when I have guests who help me clean whilst I cook, or vice versa.
@ austin&foster:
You're SO right! Sharp knives are maybe the best key to happiness in the kitchen.
Have a sit-down spot right in the work area. I have bad knees and it's amazing how a short sit-down can revitalise you. If you have a spot handy you can keep working while you're resting your knees. Or just take a couple of minutes to slurp some tea, check your cookbook, cooking website or whatever. If you don't leave the kitchen it helps keep up the momentum better than going off to a totally separate area. Those vintage type kitchen step-stools work great since they're dual purpose. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/cosco-chair-with-step-stool-fr-39022
I agree with #5. I always fill my sink up with hot, soapy water whenever I am in the kitchen creating a meal. Cleaning as I bake or cook was something my grandmother taught me. Thanks for these helpful tips.
I never heard the tip about filling the sink but what a great idea! My best tip is fill the dog's bowl when you're ready to cook. He likes to eat when he has my company in the kitchen and if I don't fill his bowl, he'll get underfoot and sniff around the countertops. Happy dog, happy cook.
My number one requirement is to have a kitchen with a sunny window. I've learned the hard way that it is impossible for me to be happy in a kitchen without a window.
Second is a radio for listening to whatever I want. One of those radio/cd players that attaches under an upper cupboard is in my future, or maybe a small computer can do the same stuff.
I can't cook with a sink fully of soapy water - I need the sink free - this works for people with mutliple or divided sinks only, I think. The small kitchen solution is to rinse your utensils and pile them somewhere so cleaning them later isn't such a chore, while keeping the sink free to wash vegetables or drain cooking water into, etc. I have a system where I rinse my utensils and place them on the rubber drain pan under the dish drainer that holds washed items that I don't put in the dishwasher, to be washed later. I also have a second dish drainer and rubber drain pan on the other side of the sink that I put rinsed dishes that are going in the dishwasher (once I empty it of clean stuff), and pans I will hand wash after. This system takes up most of my counter space, but it is amazing how much better it works for cooking if I keep the sink empty of stuff so I can use it for cooking. I am one who cannot wash up while cooking - no time - unless there's another doing the wash up, but this rinsing stuff well and getting it out of the sink helps me cook better.
Colorful kitchen utensils I like a lot does help my mood in the kitchen, too, I find, as does having lots of colorful kitchen towels and dishcloths. As does keeping the kitchen fairly clean. I find I stop cooking when it gets messy and eat out more.
Also, I agree that not overstoring food works best for me. This is something I've had to consciously change, as it was not how I grew up. In addition to not having space to store a lot of foodstuffs, I find that using stuff I've recently purchased tends to reduce how much stuff I throw out as past its prime. As going to local farmers markets also tends to brighten my mood, I tend to go twice a week, and thus I purchase, cook, and eat stuff that is currently ripe. I am also more likely to cook if the food I have on hand is quite fresh.
Getting my dull knives sharpened, and purchasing a sharpener to keep them sharper, is on my to do list.
I would add plenty of clean, high quality dish towels. I absolutely love my Williams Sonoma dish towels.
The secret to cleaning as you cook: someone else is cleaning while you cook. My husband wanders in, not to help with cooking, but to ask "is there anything I can clean?" and he will do all the dishes while I finish cooking. By the time guests arrive, dishes are put into the dishwasher and any that won't fit are still clean but hidden away so they can be put in the dishwasher later.
My favorite is having freshly baked cookies in a clean kitchen. I tend to clean as I go.
Right now I am convinced a butcher block countertop and paint would change how I feel about my kitchen. It's so uninspiring and yet it's the most used room in the house. It needs to change.
And totally agree with the sunny window in a kitchen!~
For item #9 (learn techniques, not recipes) I would add "learn flavors". Being able to identify which foods have a natural affinity (and knowing techniques on how to cook them well) frees you up from simply replicating a recipe that someone else created. I'm reading a book called "The Flavor Thesaurus", and learning about some of the more unusual pairings has been great for helping me experiment in the kitchen as well as use up bits of ingredients that otherwise would have gone in the compost. Anyone interested in learning techniques, as suggested in #9, should also consider learning about flavor combos, and see where your new freedom in cooking will take you!
Awesome quote from the author: "Following the instructions in a recipe is like parroting pre-formed sentences from a phrasebook. Forming an understanding of how flavors work together, on the other hand, is like learning the language: it allows you to express yourself freely, to improvise...."
@PearMelon- On year when I was younger, I told my roomates for a week, PLEASE wash all the dishes, my family is coming over for Thanksgiving!
The night before Thanksgiving, everything was clean, but when I started looking for dishes, I could not find them and my roomates had left so I could not ask.
I finally found them UNDER MY SINK, bowls, plates and pots still full of dishes and/or soapy water.
I can laugh at it now, but I was livid at the time!
Love #9. Recipes are a great way to teach yourself how to cook, but they're really more like training wheels. I tell people "improvise! Trust your gut!", but it's really not helpful for people who don't have techniques down yet. (I just end up making people feel inadequate)
Is there a post somewhere that goes over which techniques (#9) are the most useful to learn? I learned a few great recipes from my family, but am still not very confident in the kitchen. I'd love an overview on which techniques are the most universally helpful to master!
My new apartment was painted a hideously dark purple with dark brown cabinets. I used to call it my "cooking cave of despair". I love to cook and I finally decided to take matters into my own hands and painted my kitchen a refreshingly bright blue. I am now so happy to just be in the room; it makes cooking that much more fun. I've also been working on getting accessories in orange to compliment the blue and make the space even more pleasant.
Oh, and music is a must when I cook. I have an iPod dock set up right on my cookbook bookcase and it's so nice to sing and dance along while cooking. Just wonderful.
I would add don't be too hard on yourself. People are constantly getting hammered by the perfection that they see in food shows and food magazines. I've had students tell me, this would never make it on Top Chef, but the truth of the matter is, that's not the goal. The goal is to have time in the kitchen to make something that you and your family appreciate and that will bring about the greatest happiness of all. Also love tips #1, #3, #9 and #10