I’m not the greatest cook, and my mother-in-law (and father-in-law) will agree with that. But I do most of the cooking in this house, whether it’s edible or great depends on what I’m cooking.

These are things that I find essential to have in my kitchen:

* rice cooker - I’m Asian. It’s true, most Asians must have rice in their meals otherwise they have the “not full” feeling. It doesn’t apply to me, but we still consume a lot of rice. I buy them in 50-lb bags.

* garlic & ginger - they are almost like one thing to me, because I put them in nearly everything I cook (usually stir-fries).

* soy sauce & other slew of seasoning stuff used in Chinese cooking

* Bar Keeper’s Friend - it’s a cleanser & polish powdery stuff that comes in a rounded container thingy. I need this because I burn stuff, often.

* steamer - steamed food are so good, and good for you.

* chopsticks - I use them as utensils and as cooking or mixing spatulas. Making scrambled eggs? I use that instead of the sophisticated whisk that sits in my drawer.

What kitchen items can’t you live without?