A "Bach" of NICHe...Bachelor Basics: Edition ONE

I watched the nail-biting MSU football game last weekend with some lifelong friends, who were giving me some very constructive feedback regarding my new blog. During the conversation, it came up that there is a need for basic directions and tips for the Bachelors (& some Bachelorette's-I don't descriminate) out there. I feel I'm the chick for the job!

So, please welcome A "Bach" of NICHe -your bachelor (or bachelorette) marketplace, metropolis, headquarters, if you will! I'm going to spell it out for you, so you can have everything you need to a impress a date on Saturday night, or maybe even impress yourself with some easy, no-clean up dinners during the week. Stop with the Hungry-Man frozen meals- instead, follow A "Bach" of NICHe, and you'll be able to get home from the gym on a week night, and have an awesome dinner ready in no time!

To start, there are some items that you need to have around your kitchen to make this work. As I've said before, a little preparation beforehand makes things a lot easier later.

• A basic baking dish with sides: I like this glass Pyrex brand dish that you can get at Kroger or Meijer for around $10. I use it when baking, broiling or roasting chicken, pork or fish, and even use it while baking desserts. It's a great dish for marinating, breading, or serving. Very versatile and a good investment!


• A roll of aluminum foil (Reynold's wrap or any off-brand is fine)
• At least 2 cutting boards (hardwood or plastic): 1 for meats and 1 for veggies/fruits, so you don't cross-contaminate. I love this set of 4 color-coded boards from Bed, Bath & Beyond. Less than $15 if you use one of their 20% off coupons! I know it says "hand wash" but I throw mine in the dishwasher and they've held up fine.


• Cooking spray, like PAM Original


• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (I get the big bottle from Coscto- keep it air tight, and in a cool, dark place, like in a kitchen cabinet)


• Spices/herbs to always have on hand; Mrs. Dash(original), garlic powder, S & P.


• A 10" & 12"-inch non-stick skillet, something similar to these


• A vegetable peeler, can-opener, and a whisk are good items to have, and are relatively cheap.


• A strainer/colander, set of tongs, wooden spoons & plastic spatula are also items that have varied uses and won't put you back much.


• A decent mixing bowl. Glass is best, plastic can get stained easily.


• A decent "Chef's knife" AKA a French knife AKA a general utility knife, nothing too expensive, something like this is fine. You can use it for almost anything cooking related!


• Measuring spoons and measuring cups (they are not JUST for baking!)

I'll update the list periodically, but these are the items that you'll get the most use out of. And if you're a bachelor or bachelorette in need of some specific tips or recipes, please don't hesitate to email me!

Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming posts!