Spring Cleaning Pantry Edition
It is Sma
Cleaning Products
I am HARD on my kitchen because it is also my office, test kitchen, and film set. I deep clean my kitchen weekly, which is not something everyone has to do. However, every couple of weeks it is a good idea to clean it top to bottom. It will help extend the life of your appliances, surfaces, and everything in-between. It also will save your sanity and prevent yucky build up.
I like to wipe all the cabinets down with a microfiber cloth first. Then go over it with a wet cloth and a spray of white vinegar mixed with water. On my stainless steel I like to use a microfiber cloth as well with a stainless steel cleaner. I also like to softscrub the tub of the sink, to get through the extra grime. I clean the grates on my stove and run a toothpick down the spaces where the countertop and the appliance meet. You wouldn’t believe the gunk I get out of there. I like to make sure I clean the grease off the kitchen exhaust fan. Yep, you probably forget about it even though you switch it on often.
I will also empty the drawers and clean out the crumbs, give it a good wipe down inside. Don’t forget about the microwave! I actually clean the inside of that weekly for sure.
Spring Pantry Items
As the seasons change so does the type of food you are cooking in your kitchen. You start to incorprate different fruits and vegetables that are in season. You put away your slow cooker in exchange for your grill pan. The seasonings and overall flavors adjust to the changing temperature outside. It is fun to have a couple of new things in your pantry to usher in the new season in your kitchen. Below are some of my favorite pantry staples for the spring!
Don’t forget to go through your spices and baking cabinet to get rid of what is expired. Also, pull to the front things like BBQ sauces and push back the heavy soup cans. In order to remind you what you have to work with this season. This will save you time and money!
Brightland Olive Oils- they have some beautiful finishing olive oils. They can change up a dressing or brighten up a fish dish. I love to have a good citrus inflused olive oil on hand for the spring and summer!
Below are some other spices and pantry staples that help brighten up dishes and compliment spring produce!
Refresh Your Kitchen Ware
Some pieces are kitchen pieces are heirlooms, those need to be held onto. However, some pieces need to be edited for health and safety reasons. I am guilty of holding onto ceramic pie plates well after there are hairline cracks. Same goes for those beloved wooden spoons. But anything cracked, even if it is hairline is an opportunity for bacteria to grow. That is not something you want to chance. I have to take good look at every once in awhile. Same goes for serving platters and tupperware. If it is cracked or heavily discolored, it is time for it go. There are so many great stores like TJ Maxx or Homegoods that have a bunch of affordable replacements.
Take a look at your linens and towels too. Are there are any that are permanently stained? Or maybe they seem as if they are unraveling. You know you aren’t going to use that tablecloth anymore, and that discolored dishrag probably isn’t cleaning anything anymore.
After over 10 years of using my appliances heavily, I have had to take stock in them too. The handheld mixer is now a bit rusty and my food processor bowl is a bit cracked and cloudy. You can look for replacement parts or for Memorial Day sales! But using rusted and cracked appliances is another way to invite unwanted bacteria contamination into your food. The same way you have to edit the expired spices in your pantry, you have to be honest with what is your drawers too!
Below are some of my favorite kitchen products. I love using Weck Jars for salad dressings, overnight oats or chia seeds. I have great recipe for Pineapple Coconut Chia Seed Pudding on the site! I also like to use silicone kitchen utensils. I do have my favorite wooden spoon, but I am aware they collect bacteria. Silicone is great because it is a bit cleaner and will not scratch your cookware. I do spend a little more on my pots and pans. I like the GreenPan brand, it is non toxic, and they last longer than some other brands I have tried. Storing leftovers are easy with glass pyrex. Sometimes the plastic tupperware can stain. I also love to have one seasonal platter on hand. It instantly makes the simplest dish look festive!
