When it comes to the heart of the home, there are a few essentials that never go out of style like these kitchen classics.

On the Chopping Block 

Chopping boards are one area where it’s easy to  combine function with beautiful form. Personal preference will dictate whether you opt for wood, plastic or glass boards, but whatever you choose, make sure you have a system to keep those for raw meat and veggies separate. Always hand-wash your wooden boards, never put them in the dishwasher. If they’re stained or need to be disinfected, try giving them a good scrub with bicarb, salt or lemon.

The Sharpest Tool

No home chef can work without a trusty knife, or three. Invest in a good-quality butcher’s knife, a paring knife and a serrated carving/bread knife. Blades becoming dull? If you don’t have a knife sharpener, the bottom of a ceramic bowl or coffee mug will do just fine. Gently run the blade along its unglazed base at an angle, on one side and then the other. Voila! Get back to chopping, chef!

A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING…

Whether it’s because we’ve embraced the KonMari Method, or because we’ve been stuck at home for months on end, we can’t get enough of a well-organised pantry with everything decanted into storage containers. Create a system that works for your space (and groceries) with matching canisters and storage racks. Be sure to get a variety of sizes, so you can store everything from spaghetti and flour to sesame seeds.

THE DAILY GRIND

A kitchen tool that hasn’t changed since the Stone Age, a pestle and mortar can be used to crush whole spices into powder, pound garlic into a paste, smash chillies or ginger to infuse flavour, and crush nuts (so much faster than chopping them with a knife). In case you’re wondering, the mortar is the bowl part and the pestle is the blunt, stamping tool. Both are traditionally made of hard stone, granite or marble, which means they lend a dramatic aesthetic to your kitchen counter, too!

ELECTRIC AVENUE 

A slightly newer invention than the mortar and pestle, electric mixers, blenders and juicers are the labour-saving devices that our forebears wish they’d had. If you’re on a health kick for the new year, NutriBullet still reigns supreme, churning out smoothies, nut butters, sauces and soups in no time. It saves you food prep minutes, plus all that elbow grease, and is a breeze to clean.