Well Equipped Kitchen

Stainless steal cookware set with two screw handles. Your set should contain aluminum or copper because stainless steal cookware without it will ruin quickly.

Stainless steal is easy to clean and durable.

It's worth it to invest in a good set so that the handles don't fall apart and so they last you years.

This set is available on sale at

JC Penney's for $399

A food processor is essential when you have a large family and do a lot of cooking. You'll save time chopping and cutting and even shredding. A food processor gives you a lot of options in preparing food because it's so easy. You won't think twice to make a dish that requires a lot of arm work.

You don't have to spend a lot of money to get a decent processor. This one is available at Target for $24.99

A good set of knives and scissors cannot be overlooked. If your knives are not sharp you'll end up getting very frustrated. Invest a little money in a set that will last you and make sure it comes with a sharpener. It doesn't have to be electric, a sharpening steel is all you need.

This 22 PC block set is on sale at

JC Penney's for $179.99

An indoor electric grill or grittle is another appliance that is very useful today for one main reason. As we try to reduce fat in our diets, a grill allows you to cook food, especially meats and fish with less fat and oil. Many times with no grease at all or at least very little if you like the taste of butter in some food or olive oil for fish. It's also a great tool to make quick grilled sandwiches.

This grill can be found on sale at

JC Penney's for $49.99

A slow cooker or what is often called a crock pot is another useful item in the kitchen, especially on busy days. With a slow cooker you can make stews overnight or prepare it in the morning and let it cook even if your not home. This is lovely when you have a lot of errands and appointments to do.

Slow cookers are not expensive, you can find them anywhere from $10 - $60. This 3 setting cooker is available at Target for $29.99

If you have stainless steal pots or are going to buy them, then I recommend a complete set of stainless steal utensils also. With your pots you won't have to worry about scratches and stainless steal is easier to clean and won't burn if left on a burner (as I have done to plastic many times).

A set doesn't have to be too fancy and they are rather inexpensive to buy.

This set with a can opener is available at Target for $39.99

In most Muslim households cooking is a big thing. Having a well equipped kitchen is so important to save you time and make food more tasty. With all of these items cooking will become much more enjoyable and much less of a task. I tend to dread cooking, so for me these items were really important because although cooking is not my favorite thing to do, I do like to cook good AND I cook every day - like most of us.

So whether you want to invest in these items for yourself or are looking for a gift for a bride, these are the HOT kitchen MUSTS for any busy woman.

Food storage containers are another MUST have in the kitchen. Try to get a large set with different sized containers for small or large quantities so you won't take up so much room in the refrigerator. They should also be clear so you or the kids can see through them. Get a decent set so they last you more than one year and try to get a set with a carousel rack for easy and clean storage. These are an absolute MUST during Ramadan!This set can be found at Target for $24.99

If your anything like me, you have around 30 - 40 different herbs and spices in your cabinet. Small glass jars are great for storing these neatly as it can get really messy in that cabinet if things aren't stored right. Glass is better than plastic because it doesn't absorb odor. They can be expensive so I suggest looking for a store that sells to restaurants . The Spice House has the best price for jars I found on the internet ranging from .99 (4 oz) - 1.99 (16 oz. jars.)

Now go ahead and make yourself a nice fruit cocktail. Here's a nice recipe! Sahtain!

2 oz pineapple juice (can use fresh also)

1 1/2 oz cream

1/4 - 3/4 oz coconut cream

1/4 oz raspberry syrup

Shake well over ice cubes in a shaker. Strain into a large highball glass over crushed ice, add a pineapple chunk and an amarelle cherry, and serve.

A stone mortar and pestle from Transcends. The reason I recommend stone is because it doesn't soak up the scents from garlic and spices. So important is the mortar and pestle for Muslim kitchens that I couldn't imagine cooking most of my meals without one! $6

No kitchen is complete without a stainless steal colander. A colander is used for many reasons, to clean vegetables, defrost foods in the sink, drain pasta, and to strain onion and spices out of broths made from spiced meats. This colander is $7.50 from Value Supply

I was getting very frustrated when fruit wasn't being eaten and left to go bad. I found that when fruit is about to go bad, I can still make juice out of it or juice cocktails. My family loves it and I don't waste food. I also make homemade humous and other dishes which I wasn't able to do without the blender.

A decent blender is a good idea because the motor can burn easily with a lot of use.

However they are still reasonably priced and worth the money. This blender can be found at Target for $24.99

A spice ball infuser is another necessary item for the Muslimah's kitchen. Put the spices you want into the ball, close it and you'll never get large chunky spices in your food again. A definite MUST for the picky cook. It can also be used when making a pot of loose tea. This one can be bought at Mountain Rose Herbs for $5.31