Whether you are an aspiring home chef or an accomplished home cook, you may be wondering what the basic items are that will make your life easier in the kitchen. Here is our must have list!

Most obviously, a slow cooker! See this post for information on choosing the right one for you.

And below is the basic list of items that will help you get a great meal on the table! Amazon is a great source of information in terms of reviews and selection of items. And, of course, there are numerous other department and specialty stores that carry kitchen items both on-line and in-store. If in doubt, find a small local kitchen specialty store and ask for advice!

1. Spoons and spatulas - essential for stirring and flipping food. I usually prefer a silicone or other non-scratch type of material so that I can use these throughout my kitchen without worry of ruining any of my non-stick items.
2. Tongs - to make easy work of tasks from flipping meat to stirring to picking out veggies and so much more. I keep two sets so I always have one clean since I grab for the tongs all the time.
3. A basic knife set - as long as you take good care of them you really don't need anything fancy. Just be sure to hand wash and sharpen often. A set that includes steak knives, a chef's knife and a paring knife will get you all the must haves. Every knife will feel different in each persons hand, so this is a good thing to try out in person before purchasing.
4. A knife sharpener - see knives above. This is important to keep your knives in good working order.
5. Cutting boards - you will want at least two so that you have one for meat and one for all other items. I prefer plastic dishwasher safe ones over wood so that I can just pop them in and know they will come out clean.
6. Kitchen shears - you can use these to cut up meat, herbs and even to open packages although I'm not sure that's recommended. I consider these a must have because they make quick and easy work of many tasks such as cutting up chicken for a recipe.
7. A box grater for cheese - I believe in shredding my own cheese whenever possible because of the anti-caking ingredients that are added to pre-shredded cheese. Shredding your own will taste and melt a little better as well. Technically not a must have, I guess, but given that they are inexpensive and easy to use, I highly recommend these even in the most basic of kitchens.