Our family’s old homeplace kitchen on the farm has always been the gathering spot. It was always said, if you left there hungry it was your own fault. The meals were simple; homecooked and from-scratch. And there was always enough to feed an army.
Most of the cooking items that had been used for generations are still in the drawers and on the pantry shelves. I always felt this deep connection with my great grandma as I used her sifter to measure out flour for her yeast bread; kneading the dough in the same bowl and baking the bread in her old pans.
The staple homestead kitchen items have not changed much over the years. Likewise, I have noticed that when it comes to staple kitchen items, newer and fancier is not always better. As I have been on this journey to reconnect with my roots, I’m spending more time in the kitchen preparing meals for my family or preserving our homegrown food. As a result, I am learning the staple items that make the time in my kitchen easier and often times faster.
My List of Staple Homestead Kitchen Items
Wooden Spoons
A good variety of quality wooden spoons. Oh, if some of the wooden spoons I had could talk. I’m sure they would tell me all about the delicious meals they’ve stirred and all about the women who made them. Wooden spoons are great because they won’t scratch your pots when stirring. Likewise, the handles won’t get hot when cooking over the stove.
Spurtles
I was gifted a set of wooden spurtles a few years ago and I can’t imagine my life before them. The best description I’ve heard for them is a spatula-like spoon. I have a few different sizes. They are perfect for getting around the sides pots and pans to prevent burning. I love using my smaller one to scrape out any food stuck to the inside of my jars when making meals. Also great for folding in ingredients when recipes call for that.
French Rolling Pin
I have always used a traditional rolling pin, which I still own. However, since having a French rolling pin I notice I’m reaching for it almost every time I need to use one. It is tapered and does not have handles so you use the heel of your hand to press and roll. You’re able to easily maneuver the pin and have more control, overall. Pressure is applied more evenly and your dough never has the sharp creases from a traditional rolling pin.
Danish Dough Wisk
You need this one if you mix thick doughs or batters, like sourdough or regular yeast bread. I know this wasn’t a staple in my great grandma’s homestead kitchen but I’m sure she would have found it so helpful when making bread.
Bench Knife/Dough Scrapper
When I started making sourdough I knew I wanted one of these. It has come in handy for more than just dividing sourdough bread. I use mine for cleaning up the countertops from any dry dough sticking to the surface. With the dough scrapper it just scrapes right off and then I use it as a dust pan to carry the mess to the garbage. I also use it to transfer chopped veggies from the cutting board to the pot or pan.
Set of Kitchen Knives
This is definitely one staple you want to make sure to invest in. A good set of knives is essential for doing anything in your homestead kitchen. In fact, there is one paring knife from my old homestead that is a favorite for pealing potatoes. It had been sharpened so much the blade is less than half the width it started out as but that knife is still used to this day. Buying better will make sure those knives last for years to come. Here’s a list of three staple knives I couldn’t go without:
- A paring knife. I actually have a few.
- A chef’s knife. This has a wider blade and used for chopping.
- A good serrated knife. A must have for sourdough bread.
Kitchen Shears
The pair I have is from Merchant and Mills. They are expensive but worth it in my opinion. They were a gift, so I probably would have had to save specifically for them if I had purchased them on my own. These have a bone notch, built-in can opener and nut cracker. If your looking for a pair I would recommend ones with those features.
Wooden Cutting Board
Everyone needs an good reliable wooden cutting board. Who doesn’t love a timeless wooden cutting board? It can even be displayed when not in use so it won’t take up valuable cabinet space. They’re also better for the life of your knives. Likewise, wooden cutting boards are relatively easy to clean and maintain.
Dish Drying Rack
We currently don’t have a dishwasher in our kitchen so a beautiful and useful dish drying rack is a necessity. Even if we did have a dishwasher I would still have a dish drying rack.
Cast Iron Cookware
A homestead kitchen is not complete without cast iron cookware. As a matter of fact, nothing quite stands the test of time like cast iron. You could find one that is rusted, looking rough, and still be able to cure it up like new. The ones I use have been passed down generation to generation.
Dutch Oven
I prefer an enameled cast iron Dutch oven. The enamel helps with cleanup and no need for curing. It’s essential for baking artisan sourdough bread. I use mine often for one soups and other one pot meals like my Homemade Einkorn Chicken and Dumplings.
Pressure Cooker
My pressure cooker is used at lease twice a week. I had an electric one but nothing compares to the traditional weighted ones, in my opinion. I love making stews in it because the meat is so tender and it can be cooked in such a short amount of time.
Staple Homestead Kitchen Items I Have on My Wish List
- Mockmill Home Grainmill – I have been wanting one of these for a while now. The added health benefits from being able to mill your own flour far surpasses the flour you buy in the store.
