Making the most of what you've got
In this blog I'll describe all sorts of things you can prepare and cook at work using only minimal equipment. In this entry I'll tell you what I have to work with in my office.
We have a small kitchen attached to the office with the following equipment:
- an electric kettle
- a small refrigerator
- a microwave oven
- a kitchen sink
- a dishwasher
- cupboards with some mugs, plates, glasses and a couple of glass jugs
- a small selection of cutlery (knives, forks, spoons, teaspoons)
I have an office desk to call my own with a few drawers in it for storage, but that gives you an idea of the starting point for my adventures in office cookery.
Over time, I have invested in a few extra bits and pieces which open up some more culinary possibilities, some more useful than others:
- a small, sharp kitchen knife (micro-serrated, so usable as a bread knife)
- a browning dish for the microwave
- a wooden spatula
- a wooden spoon
- a Krups espresso machine*
I keep a selection of basic seasonings and ingredients at my desk:
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar (best possible quality, ideally syrupy in texture)
- Sea salt in a grinder
- Black peppercorns in a grinder
- Moroccan spice mix
- Toasted pine nuts
- Illy coffee, or fresh-roast coffee from the local market
I am lucky enough to work just a short walk away from the local Waitrose supermarket, which is a great source of fresh, quality ingredients - this helps a lot, but you could reasonably bring fresh ingredients to work in an insulated back with an ice pack to keep the contents cool.
The great thing about having even just olive oil and vinegar at your desk is that if you're really pushed for time (or just want a starter), all you need is some bread and a bowl to put some oil and vinegar in for dipping.
Eat well,
Darren
* The espresso machine is, admittedly, an extravagant luxury - but I picked it up on eBay for £20 ($38) and it's popular with my co-workers.