Instructions

1. Invest in pots and pans. These are some of the most important purchases for the kitchen. If you buy low-quality, they can fall apart, overcook or undercook and generally make it more difficult to operate in the kitchen. But that doesn't mean you have to pay a lot to get quality pots and pans. Buy two to three saucepans, two to three skillets and a dutch oven with a lid to start. Then, look at a nonstick omelette pan (can be used for more than omelettes)

2. Get your small-appliance essentials. This is where you coffee maker, tea kettle and toaster come in. Electric hand mixers make baking and mixing easy, but aren't must-haves. Some say blenders are optional, but they're so versatile that you should think heavily about owning one if you don't already.

3. Try your hand at baking dishes and equipment. But don't confuse these with pots and pans. They're secondary to those, but fun to have. If you bake, then, well, you just plain need them. Start with two large, wooden cutting boards, two muffin tins and three or four flexible rubber spatulas. Buy one large and one mid-size casserole dish, and a stack of mixing bowls (at least three different sizes). Jelly-roll and half-sheet pans are great for baking, as well. Optional items could be a flour sifter, a pastry brush or a rolling pin.

4. Stock up on gadgets and tools. This means slotted spoons, can openers, tongs, a citrus zester and vegetable peeler, and strainers or sieves. A garlic press can make life easier, and a meat thermometer helps for accuracy in roasts, broils and bakes.

5. Update your large appliances. This includes dishwashers, refrigerators and gas or electric ovens and ranges. Optional items might be a microwave, outdoor barbecue or wine refrigerator.