February 2010

No, not a recipe for some delicious dish, but the ingredients for an organized kitchen that will make all your cooking taste great!

Gadgets, Containers, Papers - These little culprits tend to pile up on counters and hide deep in the back of cabinets.  Here’s how to keep them under control:

        Gadgets-Eliminate any that you haven’t used in the past year.  Just because a gadget is cool doesn’t mean it deserves valuable space in your kitchen.

        Food storage containers-Gather the containers from all areas of kitchen, sort through them, and get rid of any that are damaged or missing their lids. Re-evaluate how many you really need.  In most kitchens, containers tend to multiply without you realizing it.

        Spices-Add racks to organize spices close to where you will use them.  There are a variety of great racks that fit inside drawers and cabinets. Remember to keep the spices away from any heat source.   

        Recipes-Keep only the cookbooks you have used in the past year. Opt for web-based cooking magazines or websites, and only print the recipes you really want. Put all recipe clippings in a binder with slip sleeves to avoid random papers lying around.

        Refrigerator magnets and notes- Resist the urge to attach every magnet, note or picture to the refrigerator.  The visual clutter will set the tone for disorganization in the whole kitchen.

Counters - Keep these surfaces clutter free, so you have more room to work and enjoy your kitchen.  Only items that are used every day should remain on the counter.  Store items used weekly close by, but put seldom-used items, like holiday or special occasion supplies, away elsewhere. If you have appliances you don’t use, consider donating them or giving them to a friend who would enjoy them.

Cabinets- Make the best use of your enclosed spaces. Many cabinets today have adjustable shelf heights, so move the shelving to make the best use of the space. You may also find it useful to add a freestanding shelf to hold smaller items.

Drawers- Keep like items together and stored close to where they will be used.  Silverware should be kept close to the table and the dishwasher; cooking utensils should be placed by the stove. Dividers or small containers are a great way to create and maintain order in drawers.

Whether you love cooking or just endure it, following these tips will enable you to work in a space that is both efficient and comfortable. Bon Appétit!

©February 2010 by Beth Giles