You know what they say: new year, new you. At the start of a new year, we all have grand plans to overhaul our lives. So many of the changes people are looking to make in 2024 revolve around the kitchen. We want to eat out less, cook more, eat cleaner, meal prep, etc. But it can be hard to stick with your new year overhaul when you don’t have the right environment to support it. 

Whether you’re weighed down by out-of-date pantry items or deteriorating cookware, one of the best ways to say “Happy New Year” is to reboot your kitchen to support your goals. That’s why we’ve compiled this helpful list of 4 things you can do today to refresh your kitchen for all of 2024. 

1. Clean Up Your Pantry

It’s a new year! What better time than now to be out with the old and in with the new? Take a long, hard look at your pantry and ask yourself, “do I actually need that half-eaten jar of nutella, that 3-year-old spice bottle, or that long-forgotten box of cereal?” 2024 is the year to finally replace old condiments, take an inventory of your cooking oils, and throw out anything that’s gone stale. 

Taking Stock of Spices

Did you know that most spices are already five years old by the time they reach store shelves? A big part of starting and maintaining a healthier diet is making sure your food tastes good, and spices are a big part of that! Set yourself up for success by replacing old spices and adding some new ones to your collection.

^{Bonga Spice is an Ethiopian green chile blend that tastes great on everything from proteins to leafy greens.}

This year, I’m trying to expand and diversify my spice collection to make old recipes feel new again. Join me in trying out new spices, like De Lat, Saffron Sugar, and Edo. If you’re not feeling quite that adventurous, start by leveling up old standbys like salt and pepper, chili powder, and curry powder. Check out our spices blog for tips on how to utilize new flavors in 2024. 

2. Upgrade Your Kitchen Tools

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your cheap college dorm cookware or are looking for a specialized collection of knives, we have everything you need to take your kitchen to the next level. In 2024, consider replacing:

Cookware

The new year is the perfect time to replace old frying pans, sauce pans, and dutch ovens with versions that will last you for years to come. Otherwise, treat yourself to that piece of specialty cookware you’ve been dreaming of, like a carbon steel wok or a grill pan. Upgrading your cookware will make cooking easier and more enjoyable, helping you to stick to your healthy new year’s resolutions. 

Bakeware

Healthy eating is all about balance, so be sure to make room for sweet treats in your new year’s overhaul. Stock up on all the bakeware tools you need to treat yourself, and take an inventory of things that might need replacing, like old baking sheets, cake pans, and muffin tins. Check out our types of bakeware blog to figure out which tools to get for your unique baking needs. 

Knives

Maybe you’re having a hard time keeping knives sharp, or maybe you’re living in a small space and looking to downsize from your bulky knife block. Whatever the case, the new year is a good time to consider updating your knife collection. In other blogs, we’ve talked about the three essential knives for any home cook, and we have a handy guide to kitchen knife steels for beginners looking to learn how to choose the right knife. Check those out, and stop into Blackstone’s of Beacon Hill to peruse our knife wall and talk through options with our knowledgeable staff.

_{Shun’s Premier Series knives}

3. Get Your Knives Sharpened

The new year is a great time to give new life to old tools. If your current knife collection needs a touch up, have them sharpened at a local knife sharpener. Once they’re good as new, invest in tools like a honing rod, knife guards, and proper knife storage to keep them sharp for longer. If you’re one of those brave souls who wants to sharpen at home, the new year is a great time to learn how to use a whetstone to maintain your knives like a pro. 

4. Meal Prep for Success

Meal prepping is a great way to save money and time. An investment in meal prepping storage will pay off in the long run by allowing you to eat healthier, feel better, and spend less eating out. Souper Cubes are some of my favorite meal prepping tools that I use all the time at home. I use these pre-portioned silicon trays to freeze leftovers like soup, pasta, and sauces in anywhere from ½ cup to 2 cup portions. When I’m ready, I just pop the frozen portions out and stick them into a pot to defrost and eat, saving the rest in a ziploc baggie in the freezer.

_{Food storage covers are a great way to meal prep with the bowls you already have at home!}

Start The New Year With Blackstones

The team at Blackstone’s of Beacon Hill is always working to help our customers get the most out of their kitchens. Stop by our Boston location at 40 Charles Street to chat with our friendly and knowledgeable staff. If you don’t live in town, don’t worry! Check out our website to explore our unique selection of kitchen tools, home decor, and gifts.