KITCHEN PREPARATION & EQUIPMENT
Links are for clarity of exact products recommended but can be found locally and on other sources, such as Amazon.
STORAGE CONTAINERS
GLASS FOOD STORAGE:
Large Pyrex storage containers. I generally recommend having two 6pc sets (3 containers). Or 1 set of 3 and two additional 11 cup. The round ones are also fine, but the rectangular ones optimize space in most refrigerators. It’s also useful to have some small containers for sauces and salad dressings, such as these.
OXO containers - I like the 8 cup, these are leak proof and better if you will transport the food at all.
MASON JARS
For Herbal Infusions & Broths:
Half Gallon Mason Jars, 64oz (for teas and broths)
Wide-mouthed Quart sized Mason Jars, 32 oz (for teas and broths
Please have either four 64 oz jars OR six 32 oz jars on hand. Or a combo of both can work too.
Some folks like to freeze single portions in the even smaller wide-mouthed 16oz jars, which can also be used for sauces, dressings and smoothies.
COOKWARE
CAST IRON
I recommend having at least one cast iron pan, as cooking in these pans provide extra iron and flavor in general! I recommend getting a 10" or 12". 10" is small, but it's great and light and easy for daily use. It’s also a great size for frittatas. 12.5" is larger and heavier but great for prepping for stews and for searing larger cuts of meat. Either size is fine for me, get what you feel you will use more often in the future.
Some options:
10” Lodge - better for everyday use
ONE 8” OVEN SAFE PAN, NON-TOXIC NON-STICK PAN (FOR FRITTATAS)
SPLATTER SCREEN
If I will be making meat dishes for you, please get a splatter screen that will fit your cast iron pan.
TWO LARGE POTS:
At least two 6 quart pots, larger is fine but huge pots like lobster pots are not ideal.
IDEALLY, A VITAMIX, CUISINEART, MAGIC BULLET AND/OR VERY STRONG BLENDER. I ALSO LIKE HAVING A SMALL ELECTRIC COFFEE GRINER THAT CAN BE USED FOR SEEDS AND SPICES, THOUGH IT IS NOT ESSENTIAL.
KNIVES:
One good, large sharp knife will do! Please sharpen it before I start or have a knife sharpener on hand that I can use.
DIGITAL MEAT THERMOMETER
WOODEN SPOONS, A LARGE LADDLE & SPATULAS
A METAL TEA AND/OR KICHEN STRAINER, OR A SET
A LARGE WOODEN OR PLASTIC CUTTING BOARD
A ZESTER WITH A HANDLE
NUT MILK BAG (ONLY NEEDED IF YOU'D LIKE ME TO MAKE NUTMILK)
PLENTY OF DISH TOWELS THAT CAN GET BEATEN UP :)
PRE-GROUND PINK SALT
BLACK PEPPER THAT IS IN A FUNCTIONAL GRINDER OR PRE-GROUND
CLEANING PRODUCTS
I ask for clients to provide non-toxic, fragrance free dish soap, such as that sold by Seventh Generation and Ecover.
A brush or Spaghetti Scrubs for your cast iron.
DISHWASHING:
Whenever possible, please empty your dishwasher prior to the start of my shift. Emptying a dishwasher, drying dishes and hand washing dishes upon arrival can take a considerable amount of time. The timing of my sessions is based on food preparation and clean up, with the understanding that I can get started right away in your kitchen.
If it's impossible to do so, please don't worry! I fully understand that sometimes you need extra help with dishes in the early postpartum days and as a doula I am happy to help with this. That said, please keep in mind that if I am regularly helping with this and dishwashing increases the length of my sessions, we may need to decrease the amount of food I make per session.
KITCHEN & FIRE SAFETY
Please make sure to have a functional small kitchen-appropriate fire extinguisher on hand for safety purpose (I've never had to use one, but this is just to be on the safe side!) Please make sure instructions for use are either on the extinguisher or available online.
Please also make sure all kitchen equipment is in good working order and that fire detectors have sufficient battery.
KITCHEN MATS (OPTIONAL! JUST A RECOMMENDATION!)
Consider getting an anti-fatigue kitchen mat. This is not essential by any means! I've been using them over the past few years and I'm so amazed by how helpful they are that I think they are fantastic for anyone pregnant or postpartum (think longevity of feet, knees, hips) who spends time in the kitchen. Here are the two brands I like: