Must-have kitchen tools

While they may have the charm and feel of a school cafeteria, these spoons are so useful and practical that you’ll wonder how you lived without them. Buy a long-style serving spoon, sometimes called a basting spoon, to stir tall pots, baste roasts and turkeys, and keep you at a safe distance from hot sugar when you’re cooking candy.  (Bill Hogan/ Chicago Tribune photo)

Grandma knew that for fried foods and baked items, a cast iron skillet could do it all. Cast iron’s thickness means it doesn’t heat too quickly and burn food, yet maintains its temperature, which is so important for frying. These skillets give you perfectly browned food and can’t be beat for biscuits, corn bread, and perfectly glazed pineapple upside down cake.  (Bill Hogan/ Chicago Tribune photo)

They may not be pretty, but inexpensive tongs are workhorses in the kitchen. Light and easy to use, every kitchen should have three or four sets. Tongs are ideal for picking up salad, turning bacon, lifting hot items and serving. Get a long pair or two for grilling.  (Bob Fila/ Chicago Tribune photo)