We’re here. Fall has arrived, and with it, the promise of a Chicago winter to come. Though the weather this fall has been deceivingly gorgeous, there’s cold, dark days ahead, and we all know it. I know I’m not the only one stockpiling ideas for things to do on those cold winter days when I’m dreaming of sun.
This winter, I’ve decided to rededicate myself to my kitchen. Sure, I bake and cook all of the time for work, but this year, I’m going to work my way through my collection of cookbooks and focus on recipes that will bring the sun to me.
As I’m compiling my list of recipes to cook this winter, I’m realizing that it might be fun to sort through my kitchen and upgrade certain items that are essential for cooking in colder weather. You know what I mean—the pans that can go in the oven for hours while braising a beautiful pork roast. A cutting board that can stand up to the turkey you’re trying to spatchcock (again) this year. The cooking tools that can make cooking for cold weather fun, and give you something to look forward to during our Chicago winter.
Here’s what I’m stocking up on (especially by shopping at The Chopping Block):
1. Cast Iron Pan
If you’ve been following me for any amount of time, you know my feelings on cast iron pans. This pan goes in the oven, on the stove, and under the broiler. It makes dinner, one-skillet brunch, and cakes. I use my cast iron pan for everything. I love it for roasting veggies and warming up the kitchen, making pancakes on a bitter cold morning, and everything in between. Snag one from The Chopping Block and don’t forget to ask the chef experts how to care for it so it’s the last one you buy!
2. Juicer
The older I get, the more I know to listen to my body as it craves certain things during certain seasons. Last winter, I finally caved to the grapefruit juice craving I had all January, and I felt like a new person. Not only was I able to use up all of that gorgeous seasonal citrus, but I got a great big dose of vitamin C. Invest in a small, manual juicer and indulge your healthy cravings!
3. Stock Pot
“It’s time to start the stock bag, right?” my husband asked the other day as I cut up carrots and celery for a chicken skillet. He’s right! Every winter, I save vegetable scraps, poultry bones, and dried out spices to make a weekly broth, and for that I use my stock pot. Bigger than my soup pots, this pot is a kitchen essential for me as I fight off winter colds and gray days.
4. Boos Cutting Board
Having a big, sturdy cutting board on hand to help you tackle all of those cooking projects you promised yourself you’d take on this winter. From chopping up winter squash to spatchcocking birds to cutting out biscuits, this board will be here for you through all of your kitchen adventures. Invest in a good one from The Chopping Block and ask the experts how to care for it!
5. Dutch Oven
Last but not least is my trusty, off-brand Dutch oven. In case you couldn’t tell, I love a stove-to-oven kitchen implement, and this is one that I literally pull off of the back burner and use all winter, from making chicken confit with garlic to cooking a huge pot of beans.
Now is the time to stock up on all of the essentials your kitchen may be missing, before the holiday cooking season begins. You can save 20% off retail (and 10% off wine/spirits) at The Chopping Block during our Customer Appreciation Day on Friday, November 15 from 12pm-5pm. Enjoy free demos, tastings and tips on our favorite day of the year!
