The Personal Chef’s Kitchen: Tools, Ingredients & Brands I Love

A guide for curious cooks, clients, and creative food lovers 

By: Chef Joanna

Introduction

Over the years, as a personal chef, many people have asked me what kinds of ingredients and tools I like to use. So, I decided to finally sit down and write it out so it could be a helpful guide for all those looking to jump into the kitchen. These are the tools, ingredients, and brands that I love to use and make my life easier. I hope it helps you, too. 

For ingredients, I try to focus on sustainable, organic, and a minimal list of ingredients.  I am also looking for minimal to zero use of refined oils like canola or sunflower oils, little to no added sugars,  and little to no use of gums like xanthan gum or carrageen. Things are always changing in the ingredients world, so my suggestion is when in doubt, grab the one with the most pronounceable and recognizable ingredients, and the shorter list of ingredients. 

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My style of cooking is very Cal-Italian and Mediterranean with Mexican flair. So, many of the ingredients and tools will reflect this. I don’t cook a ton of Asian foods but you’ll see some ingredients there. An Asian chef could better prepare you in this department. 

Before diving in, a warning that this is an exhaustive list. Don’t get overwhelmed and don’t go out and buy all these gadgets. The kitchen can fill up quickly- believe me. It’s best to try to use your hands and tools you have for as much as you can. And always make sure you actually have a place for the new gadget to live before you bring it home. I’ve learned the hard way and have gotten way too excited about buying new things only for no place to store them. 

Hope this list inspires you to cook more and have fun while doing it. Remember that it’s ALWAYS better to cook something simple than to go out to eat. And it’s always better to eat with someone than alone. Don’t get overwhelmed by the products and ingredients list. 

I’m just glad you’re here, trying to learn more about cooking. Take the time to cook and be patient with yourself when you make mistakes. It’s all part of the process. Happy cooking! 👩🏻‍🍳

Kitchen Essentials for the Home Cook

Pantry staples

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I choose ingredients that are organic, fair-trade when possible. 

  • Diamond kosher salt
  • Fleur de sel (finishing salt)
  • Braag olive oil
  • California olive oil ranch olive oil
  • Bread- Sourdough bread (3 ingredients only flour, water, salt)
  • Spices- Mortan & Bassett brand
  • Vinegar- Aged Balsamic (no sugar added)
  • Rice- Jasmine Organic Lundberg Rice

Canned goods

  • Eden brand
  • San Marzano tomatoes 

Dried beans 

  • Rancho Gordo

Flours

  • Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur – Organic and Unbleached 

Extras- 

  • Purely Elizabeth granola (it’s lower sugar)

Dairy

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  • Clover brand milks 

Produce 

Try to shop at the farmers market to get what’s in season

  • Year around- get cherry tomatoes, In-season tomatoes are summer time
  • Year around-blueberries
  • Spring/summer- sugar snap peas, strawberries, raspberries 
  • Fall-  squashes, pomegranates, apples, pears
  • Winter- citrus
  • Summer- stone fruits like apricots, nectarines, plums, cherries

My Splurges vs. Saves

  • Olive Oil – Braag olive oil vs. splurge Frantoia
  • Salt Morton Kosher vs. Jacobsen Flake Salt

Kitchen Tools I can’t live without 

Knives

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Electric Appliances

Pots & Pans (all-clad, calphalon, or made in)

Hand Tools (I generally like Cuisinart, Oxo, and Kitchenaid)

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Extras

Speciality Tools – Optional

Books/Resources

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My online classes

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IG: @chefjoannas