Basic Kitchen Equipment

"~patches~" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I have a lot more than the following list but I thought a basic list of
kitchen equipment for new cooks might be helpful.

small saucepan
large saucepan with lid
frying pan
roasting pan - size based on household size
muffin tin
cookie sheet
spatulas - lg & small, preferrably silicone
sharp chef's knife
paring knife
manual can opener
toaster
strainer
lg spoon for stirring
measuring cups
measuring spoons
storage containers (recycled food jars with lids are free)

That should get most new cooks cooking and I know a lot of the things
listed are available at our local dollar store. Others could likely be
found at a second hand store so very little money would be needed. Am I
missing anything? Anyone else what to add to the list?

You forgot something: A source of music. And, although some might like to
entertain their own delusions on the subject, supermarket buyers give
absolutely no thought to the size of the household when they decide what
size turkeys to sell. Everyone should have two or three sizes of roasting
pans.

~patches~ said:

I have a lot more than the following list but I thought a basic list of
kitchen equipment for new cooks might be helpful.

small saucepan
large saucepan with lid
frying pan
roasting pan - size based on household size
muffin tin
cookie sheet
spatulas - lg & small, preferrably silicone
sharp chef's knife
paring knife
manual can opener
toaster
strainer
lg spoon for stirring
measuring cups
measuring spoons
storage containers (recycled food jars with lids are free)

That should get most new cooks cooking and I know a lot of the things
listed are available at our local dollar store. Others could likely be
found at a second hand store so very little money would be needed. Am I
missing anything? Anyone else what to add to the list?

I'd probably add a pair of cheap metal tongs to the list. I find mine
very handy, and they're a dollar store sort of expense. Personally,
I'd replace the muffin tin with a loaf pan, but that's a definite case
where it's just personal preference. I'd probably try to squeeze a
thermometer, preferably digital, onto the list. Especially for new
cooks, I think it's useful to have a clear-cut measurement for
doneness. Overall though, your list strikes me as quite excellent.

--
Ernest

~patches~ said:

missing anything? Anyone else what to add to the list?

Definitely one item, a good mixing bowel(s). Optional, a good veggie
peeler. Yes, I realize a paring knife will do, but a peeler is so
much faster and less wasteful. One last thing, a pitcher of
some kind for drinks, alcoholic and non. Oh yeah!... some kinda
coffee brewer.

nb

~patches~ said:

I have a lot more than the following list but I thought a basic list of
kitchen equipment for new cooks might be helpful.

small saucepan
large saucepan with lid

Basics for cooking? hmm... one pot, small. Also one spoon. (personally,
i'd give someone an "everyday stirfry pot" but.... that suits my cooking
pretty well).

Quoted message said:

frying pan

often not usable in apartment kitchens.

Quoted message said:

roasting pan - size based on household size

again, some apartments don't have ovens

Quoted message said:

muffin tin
cookie sheet

both useful, but not necessary unless you like sweets.

Quoted message said:

spatulas - lg & small, preferrably silicone

not really necessary, without casserole dishes or browniepans...

Quoted message said:

sharp chef's knife

must have. also recommend an "eversharp" serrated knife for veggies.

Quoted message said:

paring knife

better to get kitchen skissors.

Quoted message said:

manual can opener

a must have.

Quoted message said:

toaster

not my bag of tea -- definitely not for the beginning cook.

Quoted message said:

strainer

this is essential for pasta which forms a good percentage of a beginning
cook's diet, imho.

Quoted message said:

lg spoon for stirring
measuring cups
measuring spoons

these are necessary if you use recipes. also consider a kitchen scale.

Quoted message said:

storage containers (recycled food jars with lids are free)

i prefer used coffee cans.

Quoted message said:

That should get most new cooks cooking and I know a lot of the things listed
are available at our local dollar store. Others could likely be found at a
second hand store so very little money would be needed. Am I missing
anything? Anyone else what to add to the list?

I prefer to keep "beginning cooks" stuff to an absolute minimum. Space is
at a premium in an apt. to begin with.

lena

"Lena B Katz" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

frying pan

often not usable in apartment kitchens.

Are you on drugs? What would you cook scrambled eggs in? A paper cup in the
microwave?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

cookie sheet

both useful, but not necessary unless you like sweets.

Are you on drugs? What if someone wants to bake french fries, some fish,
etc?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

spatulas - lg & small, preferrably silicone

not really necessary, without casserole dishes or browniepans...

Are you on drugs? How would someone remove their baked fish from the cookie
sheet?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

paring knife

better to get kitchen skissors.

Are you on drugs? Peel an apple or chop garlic with scissors?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

manual can opener

a must have.

Correct. A moment of lucidity.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

toaster

not my bag of tea -- definitely not for the beginning cook.

Now I know you're on drugs. A beginning cook can't handle a toaster? Do your
sitters know you've escaped your room and reached the keyboard again?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

lg spoon for stirring
measuring cups
measuring spoons

these are necessary if you use recipes. also consider a kitchen scale.

You're drinking this early in the morning??? A large spoon for stirring is
only needed if you "use recipes"?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

storage containers (recycled food jars with lids are free)

i prefer used coffee cans.

That's stupid. You don't store wet ingredients in metallic containers.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

That should get most new cooks cooking and I know a lot of the things
listed are available at our local dollar store. Others could likely be
found at a second hand store so very little money would be needed. Am I
missing anything? Anyone else what to add to the list?

I prefer to keep "beginning cooks" stuff to an absolute minimum. Space is
at a premium in an apt. to begin with.

You're stupid. Where is it written that beginning cooks are more likely to
live in apartments?

"~patches~" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

spatulas - lg & small, preferrably silicone

Preferably metal. Plastic and silicone are not a good idea for new cooks.

In article <[email hidden]>,

~patches~ said:

I have a lot more than the following list but I thought a basic list of
kitchen equipment for new cooks might be helpful.

small saucepan
large saucepan with lid
frying pan
roasting pan - size based on household size
muffin tin
cookie sheet
spatulas - lg & small, preferrably silicone
sharp chef's knife
paring knife
manual can opener
toaster
strainer
lg spoon for stirring
measuring cups
measuring spoons
storage containers (recycled food jars with lids are free)

That should get most new cooks cooking and I know a lot of the things
listed are available at our local dollar store. Others could likely be
found at a second hand store so very little money would be needed. Am I
missing anything? Anyone else what to add to the list?

Soup Ladle
Veggie peeler
Cork screw
Splatter lid for pans
Stock Pot (but the sauce pan will work for small amounts in a pinch)

For most stuff I cook, I'd leave out the measuring cups and spoons as
essential unless you are planning on baking. :-)

To me, a pressure cooker has become essential for saving electricity but
is not essential.

If we are talking bare bones for the poor, the muffin tin can also be
tossed out. Biscuits can be made on a cookie sheet or a CI skillet can
be put in the oven and used for that.

A good CI skillet can also substitute for a roasting pan so you can toss
that too.

The stirring spoon can be used in place of a ladel so I'll exempt that.

What would you consider bare bones essentials for someone that has a
limited amount of money?

CI skillet
one good spatula
one good medium sized saucepan with lid
Two good knives. One cutting and one paring
Can opener
Veggie peeler
Strainer
Serving/stirring spoon

I think I could get by on that. :-)

Those are the tools I use the most frequently.
--
Peace, Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-[censored]." -Jack Nicholson

Doug Kanter said:

"Lena B Katz" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

frying pan

often not usable in apartment kitchens.

Are you on drugs? What would you cook scrambled eggs in? A paper cup in the
microwave?

As horrifying as it seems now, I remember cooking scrambled eggs in the
microwave growing up, albiet in small corningware dishes rather than
paper cups. (And yes, I'm dating myself on the young side there. 🙂

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

cookie sheet

both useful, but not necessary unless you like sweets.

Are you on drugs? What if someone wants to bake french fries, some fish,
etc?

I agree. Again, growing up, baked french fries and chicken nuggets
were pretty much the standard "I don't feel like cooking" dinner
option. The utility of a cookie sheet goes way, way beyond sweets.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

spatulas - lg & small, preferrably silicone

not really necessary, without casserole dishes or browniepans...

Are you on drugs? How would someone remove their baked fish from the cookie
sheet?

As far as I'm concerned, spatulas are almost a necessity if you're
going to do any sort of baking, even if you're talking baking out of a
box like any novice baker could manage. Plus, as you note, they retain
their utility in the cooking versus baking field.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

paring knife

better to get kitchen skissors.

Are you on drugs? Peel an apple or chop garlic with scissors?

Honestly, I think a vegetable peeler would probably be a better option
here. Using a paring knife to peel veggies is more hassle than it's
worth. As far as garlic goes, I've always used my chef's knife. I
know the standard wisdom is that a chef's knife and a paring knife are
the two knifes everyone needs to start off with, but for whatever
reason, I really don't find myself using my paring knife all that
often. YMMV, I suppose.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

manual can opener

a must have.

Correct. A moment of lucidity.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

toaster

not my bag of tea -- definitely not for the beginning cook.

Now I know you're on drugs. A beginning cook can't handle a toaster? Do your
sitters know you've escaped your room and reached the keyboard again?

A bit harsh, perhaps, but it strikes me as a kitchen essential too. I
mean, things like toast, bagles or frozen waffles are well within the
abilities of a beginning cook. 😉

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

lg spoon for stirring
measuring cups
measuring spoons

these are necessary if you use recipes. also consider a kitchen scale.

You're drinking this early in the morning??? A large spoon for stirring is
only needed if you "use recipes"?

I'm having a bit of a hard time wrapping my mind around the idea of not
really needing spatulas but wanting to consider a kitchen scale.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

storage containers (recycled food jars with lids are free)

i prefer used coffee cans.

That's stupid. You don't store wet ingredients in metallic containers.

Yours is better, and in fact economical, but realistically, I think
most people are going to wind up using generic tupperware type dishes
anyways. I know, we're trying to keep the costs down here, but most
people I've known would go ahead and make the arguably unnecessary
expense anyways. I know I certainly did.

--
Ernest

"ewdotson" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> paring knife

better to get kitchen skissors.

Are you on drugs? Peel an apple or chop garlic with scissors?

Honestly, I think a vegetable peeler would probably be a better option
here. Using a paring knife to peel veggies is more hassle than it's
worth. As far as garlic goes, I've always used my chef's knife. I
know the standard wisdom is that a chef's knife and a paring knife are
the two knifes everyone needs to start off with, but for whatever
reason, I really don't find myself using my paring knife all that
often. YMMV, I suppose.

At least your idea is within the realm of sanity. She's suggesting scissors.
Right.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Now I know you're on drugs. A beginning cook can't handle a toaster? Do
your
sitters know you've escaped your room and reached the keyboard again?

A bit harsh, perhaps, but it strikes me as a kitchen essential too. I
mean, things like toast, bagles or frozen waffles are well within the
abilities of a beginning cook. 😉

Not harsh. There's always the danger that someone as stupid as Lena will
read her suggestions, use the wrong tool, and hurt themselves. It's not my
mission in life to protect the stupid from one another, but sometimes I'm in
a charitable mood.

~patches~ said:

I have a lot more than the following list but I thought a basic list of
kitchen equipment for new cooks might be helpful.

small saucepan
large saucepan with lid
frying pan
roasting pan - size based on household size
muffin tin
cookie sheet
spatulas - lg & small, preferrably silicone
sharp chef's knife
paring knife
manual can opener
toaster
strainer
lg spoon for stirring
measuring cups
measuring spoons
storage containers (recycled food jars with lids are free)

That should get most new cooks cooking and I know a lot of the things
listed are available at our local dollar store. Others could likely be
found at a second hand store so very little money would be needed. Am I
missing anything? Anyone else what to add to the list?

I'm not sure that a toaster is required. I have a lot more kitchen
equipment than that list and I still don't have a toaster. I think if it
was required I would have picked one up by now.

What does appear to be missing is a set of mixing bowls. A ladle or two
can be pretty useful as well. Other than that it seems to cover the
basics.

Pete C.

OmManiPadmeOmelet said:

In article <[email hidden]>,

~patches~ said:

I have a lot more than the following list but I thought a basic list of
kitchen equipment for new cooks might be helpful.

small saucepan
large saucepan with lid
frying pan
roasting pan - size based on household size
muffin tin
cookie sheet
spatulas - lg & small, preferrably silicone
sharp chef's knife
paring knife
manual can opener
toaster
strainer
lg spoon for stirring
measuring cups
measuring spoons
storage containers (recycled food jars with lids are free)

That should get most new cooks cooking and I know a lot of the things
listed are available at our local dollar store. Others could likely be
found at a second hand store so very little money would be needed. Am I
missing anything? Anyone else what to add to the list?

Soup Ladle
Veggie peeler
Cork screw
Splatter lid for pans
Stock Pot (but the sauce pan will work for small amounts in a pinch)

For most stuff I cook, I'd leave out the measuring cups and spoons as
essential unless you are planning on baking. :-)

To me, a pressure cooker has become essential for saving electricity but
is not essential.

This is a me too! I love my pressure cookers and wonder how I ever did
without the pressure canner. I'm sold on them. Unfortunately they are
are higher ticket item and would likely tend to scare a lot of new cookers.

Quoted message said:

If we are talking bare bones for the poor, the muffin tin can also be
tossed out. Biscuits can be made on a cookie sheet or a CI skillet can
be put in the oven and used for that.

The reason for the muffin tin - I make muffins a lot more than biscuits
and quite often we have muffins for breakfast. Even if not made from
scratch, muffin mix is relatively cheap and certainly a lot cheaper than
the muffins sold in the doughnut shops. For the price of one muffin
there, someone stretching their food dollars could make 6 or more.

Quoted message said:

A good CI skillet can also substitute for a roasting pan so you can toss
that too.

The stirring spoon can be used in place of a ladel so I'll exempt that.

What would you consider bare bones essentials for someone that has a
limited amount of money?

CI skillet
one good spatula
one good medium sized saucepan with lid
Two good knives. One cutting and one paring
Can opener
Veggie peeler
Strainer
Serving/stirring spoon

I'd eliminate the veggie peeler as a paring knife does the same thing.
You almost need 2 spatulas - lg & sm - since the larger ones won't fit
into small jars. CI kind of iffy for a new cook unless they have some
experience with. The strainer could possibly be eliminated if you use
the lid of the pot to drain things like boiled potatoes or pasta.

Quoted message said:

I think I could get by on that. :-)

Those are the tools I use the most frequently.

The tools I use most frequently really differ from yours but this list
would get someone started.

In article <[email hidden]>,

ewdotson said:

Quoted message said:

That's stupid. You don't store wet ingredients in metallic containers.

Yours is better, and in fact economical, but realistically, I think
most people are going to wind up using generic tupperware type dishes
anyways. I know, we're trying to keep the costs down here, but most
people I've known would go ahead and make the arguably unnecessary
expense anyways. I know I certainly did.

I'm seriously liking those disposable plastic storage containers made by
ziplock and glad. ;-)

Great thread Patches!
--
Peace, Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-[censored]." -Jack Nicholson

notbob said:

~patches~ said:

missing anything? Anyone else what to add to the list?

Definitely one item, a good mixing bowel(s). Optional, a good veggie
peeler. Yes, I realize a paring knife will do, but a peeler is so
much faster and less wasteful. One last thing, a pitcher of
some kind for drinks, alcoholic and non. Oh yeah!... some kinda
coffee brewer.

nb

Good point. In a pinch a new cook could use any larger bowl or
container but mixing bowels would be nice. I keep forgetting about a
pitcher too. Oh I have to tell you about my mixing bowl acquistion
since you brought that up. For years I've used ss mixing bowls bought
used and collected over time. I still use them but awhile ago I came
across what I suspected was Fiestaware nesting mixing bowls for $3 so I
bought them. The largest has a handle and all have pouring spouts.
They turned out not to be original Fiestaware but I like them anyway.
Really neat looking! I picked up an original Fiestaware platter a
couple of weeks ago at an auction so the mixing bowls are sitting on
that. I'm such a sucker for that type of thing as well as depression
glass. All gets used so I guess it's ok 🙂

small saucepan not too small!
large saucepan with lid BIG for pasta
frying pan yes, and cast iron best to start
roasting pan - size based on household size Hmmm, maybe
muffin tin limited usefulness IMO
cookie sheet yes, very useful even if you don't ever make cookies
spatulas - lg & small, preferrably silicone I'd say 1 silicone and
one like a pancake turner of metal
sharp chef's knife yes, and a way to keep it sharp
paring knife sure
but also a veg peeler
manual can opener yup
toaster don't have one myself and haven't for years. I make toast in
a cast iron skillet, dry
strainer big enough for pasta
lg spoon for stirring yep
measuring cups yep, even pancake mix needs this
measuring spoons yep, see above
storage containers (recycled food jars with lids are free) Depends
surely on what one stores? I am big on ziplock bags

I think also a thermometer, a coffee making thing of some type, and if
not a teakettle, then an extra smallish pot so you can make something
to drink while cooking your veg, or boil water to add to something. I
also encourahe people not to buy non-stick until they can afford decent
ones, because they go bad so fast it's a waste of money. Oh, and a
cutting board of some kind to protect your knives!
I shouldn't like to have to, but I think I could live with just this.

Doug Kanter said:

"Lena B Katz" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

frying pan

often not usable in apartment kitchens.

Are you on drugs? What would you cook scrambled eggs in? A paper cup in the
microwave?

You're assuming I cook eggs. And when they said frying pan, I'm thinking
of something large, and flat and bigger than a wok. I'd probably suggest
scrambling the eggs in a wok.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

cookie sheet

both useful, but not necessary unless you like sweets.

Are you on drugs? What if someone wants to bake french fries, some fish,
etc?

again -- assuming oven. If we get the assumption of an oven, I'd say get
a cake pan and use it for everything (works for most things except
probably cookies).

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

spatulas - lg & small, preferrably silicone

not really necessary, without casserole dishes or browniepans...

Are you on drugs? How would someone remove their baked fish from the cookie
sheet?

spoon, maybe? Knife, maybe? I don't cook fish much. But it's not
something _necessary_ for a lot of basic cooking.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

paring knife

better to get kitchen skissors.

Are you on drugs? Peel an apple or chop garlic with scissors?

for most of what i end up using a paring knife for, kitchen skissors work
better. (certainly when i'm cutting up dried chilis...) And yeah, you
could do garlic with scissors, if it would take a bit longer. You've got
me on apples -- but i'd rather use a peeler.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

toaster

not my bag of tea -- definitely not for the beginning cook.

Now I know you're on drugs. A beginning cook can't handle a toaster? Do your
sitters know you've escaped your room and reached the keyboard again?

not can't handle. not needed. why give someone soemthing that's just
going to sit around not being used? it's like giving newbies a blender.
for a lot of people it becomes a waste of space.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

lg spoon for stirring
measuring cups
measuring spoons

these are necessary if you use recipes. also consider a kitchen scale.

You're drinking this early in the morning??? A large spoon for stirring is
only needed if you "use recipes"?

I covered stirring spoon above. didn't figure i needed to mention it
again.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

storage containers (recycled food jars with lids are free)

i prefer used coffee cans.

That's stupid. You don't store wet ingredients in metallic containers.

what wet ingredients don't you store in their store-bought containers?
you're right, i'd never recommend that for wet ingredients. it's just
that i don't store wet ingredients out of their "proper" containers.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

That should get most new cooks cooking and I know a lot of the things
listed are available at our local dollar store. Others could likely be
found at a second hand store so very little money would be needed. Am I
missing anything? Anyone else what to add to the list?

I prefer to keep "beginning cooks" stuff to an absolute minimum. Space is
at a premium in an apt. to begin with.

You're stupid. Where is it written that beginning cooks are more likely to
live in apartments?

most people i know live in apartments. most young people, who might be
interested in cooking, live in apartments. When you ask me to start
buying stuff for a beginning cook, i tend to assume they aren't your
12=year old. Does that make sense?

Lena

notbob said:

On 2006-03-21, ~patches~ <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

missing anything? Anyone else what to add to the list?

Quoted message said:

Definitely one item, a good mixing bowel(s).

Believe it or not, Dr Freud, this is not the first time I've seen this
particular typo.

Stacia

"~patches~" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

I have a lot more than the following list but I thought a basic list of
kitchen equipment for new cooks might be helpful.

small saucepan

....

Quoted message said:

storage containers (recycled food jars with lids are free)

That should get most new cooks cooking and I know a lot of the things
listed are available at our local dollar store. Others could likely be
found at a second hand store so very little money would be needed. Am I
missing anything? Anyone else what to add to the list?

Things I've had since first starting out that proved very useful are:
- large two tined fork
- large slotted spoon

These were often packaged in a set with a metal spatula and a large spoon,
which otherwise appear or your list or have been suggested. I guess the
spoons and spatulas could be metal or plastic, but the fork is always metal,
isn't it.

--
( #wff_ng_7# at #verizon# period #net# )

Doug Kanter said:

"ewdotson" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>> paring knife
>
> better to get kitchen skissors.

Are you on drugs? Peel an apple or chop garlic with scissors?

Honestly, I think a vegetable peeler would probably be a better option
here. Using a paring knife to peel veggies is more hassle than it's
worth. As far as garlic goes, I've always used my chef's knife. I
know the standard wisdom is that a chef's knife and a paring knife are
the two knifes everyone needs to start off with, but for whatever
reason, I really don't find myself using my paring knife all that
often. YMMV, I suppose.

At least your idea is within the realm of sanity. She's suggesting scissors.
Right.

What do you use your paring knife for?

The last three uses or so for mine were -- opening a package of corned
beef, opening th3e spicesn inside the corned beef, and opening a bag of
dried potato flakes.

for me, scissors work better.

Lena

~patches~ said:

OmManiPadmeOmelet said:

In article <[email hidden]>,

~patches~ said:

I have a lot more than the following list but I thought a basic list of
kitchen equipment for new cooks might be helpful.

small saucepan
large saucepan with lid
frying pan
roasting pan - size based on household size
muffin tin
cookie sheet
spatulas - lg & small, preferrably silicone
sharp chef's knife
paring knife
manual can opener
toaster
strainer
lg spoon for stirring
measuring cups
measuring spoons
storage containers (recycled food jars with lids are free)

That should get most new cooks cooking and I know a lot of the things
listed are available at our local dollar store. Others could likely be
found at a second hand store so very little money would be needed. Am I
missing anything? Anyone else what to add to the list?

Soup Ladle
Veggie peeler
Cork screw
Splatter lid for pans
Stock Pot (but the sauce pan will work for small amounts in a pinch)

For most stuff I cook, I'd leave out the measuring cups and spoons as
essential unless you are planning on baking. :-)

To me, a pressure cooker has become essential for saving electricity but
is not essential.

This is a me too! I love my pressure cookers and wonder how I ever did
without the pressure canner. I'm sold on them. Unfortunately they are are
higher ticket item and would likely tend to scare a lot of new cookers.

Quoted message said:

If we are talking bare bones for the poor, the muffin tin can also be
tossed out. Biscuits can be made on a cookie sheet or a CI skillet can be
put in the oven and used for that.

The reason for the muffin tin - I make muffins a lot more than biscuits and
quite often we have muffins for breakfast. Even if not made from scratch,
muffin mix is relatively cheap and certainly a lot cheaper than the muffins
sold in the doughnut shops. For the price of one muffin there, someone
stretching their food dollars could make 6 or more.

Quoted message said:

A good CI skillet can also substitute for a roasting pan so you can toss
that too.

The stirring spoon can be used in place of a ladel so I'll exempt that.

What would you consider bare bones essentials for someone that has a
limited amount of money?

CI skillet
one good spatula
one good medium sized saucepan with lid
Two good knives. One cutting and one paring
Can opener
Veggie peeler
Strainer
Serving/stirring spoon

I'd eliminate the veggie peeler as a paring knife does the same thing. You
almost need 2 spatulas - lg & sm - since the larger ones won't fit into small
jars. CI kind of iffy for a new cook unless they have some experience with.
The strainer could possibly be eliminated if you use the lid of the pot to
drain things like boiled potatoes or pasta.

why are you fitting spatulas into jars? and using the lid of the pot is
_another_ new thing for me!

Lena