Things Your Kitchen Doesn’t Really Need | E-Neighborhood Advisor

 

We all have the “junk” drawer stuffed to overflowing and the kitchen cabinet so full of old margarine tubs that we’re likely to be caught in an avalanche of when we open the door. There are the mugs accumulated throughout our travels and the plastic spoons that were tucked in with our takeout food that we just might need someday. It all adds up to clutter, and it’s time to get rid of it. Domino magazine says the key is deciphering  the good clutter from the bad. No matter your skill level, every home chef should own a 9-by- 13 baking pan, a sturdy set of knives, three cook-anything pots, shears (they’re great for slicing pita and mincing herbs), and one dish set per seat at the dining table. But the rest is up for debate. If you really want to whip your kitchen into shape, you’re going to have to let go of a few things. To Donate A good general rule of thumb for giving away kitchen goods is that they should be gently used, not totally worn not. Here are a few things to send along to a new home:   Duplicate measuring tools. All you need is one for liquids and a set of stainless steel spoons to keep your baking prowess on point.   Specialty peelers you only use once a year. (Can you even recall the last time you spiralized a zucchini?)  Waffle makers, margarita machines, pasta makers, and any other niche appliances you’ve lost the directions to.   Miniature baking pans. Cake pops are cute, but are you really going to make two dozen for that holiday party?  Souvenir cups from your alma mater or Disney World. (We all know they aren’t going to appear on the table at your next meal.)   Travel mugs that don’t fit in your car’s holder.   Barely used cookbooks that are gathering dust.   Paper party supplies (unless you truly are the host with the most). To Toss Anything that’s past its prime can hit the trash (or recycling!) bin. Approach these items with a clear mind-set—no “But what if I’ll need this one day” or “I’ve been meaning to use that” excuses.   Metal tongs that always get way too hot when they’re left by the stovetop (rubber-tipped ones will keep cool—and won’t scratch your favorite pots).  Subpar coffee cups that are chipped or stained.  Warped deli tubs that have outstayed their welcome. (Recycle these.)  Spices that have gone bad (yes, they have expiration dates!).  Single-use condiment packets you’ve been stockpiling for the apocalypse.  Takeout menus from those places that have since closed.  Distressed dish towels marred by red wine spills.  The ominous cloud of plastic bags under the sink—keeping a few may make sense if you use them for other things, but bring the rest to the proper recycling station and invest in a few reusable totes instead.  Permanently greasy pans from your first post-college apartment. (Definitely scrap them if the nonstick coating is peeling.)   Charred or holey oven mitts that (almost) burn your fingers every time.   Dull or rusted knives. (If it’s taking you two minutes to slice through a tomato, it’s time to invest in a new set.) Your Flooring Consultant, Matt Capell Email: sales@capellinteriors.com Phone (208) 288-0151 Fax (208) 917-6160 P.S. Happy Halloween! Here's a spooky joke for you! What plants like Halloween the most? Bam-BOO!