Plug-And-Play
Exploring a simpler way to 'kitchen'
I love old sayings, because they are established wisdoms with which you can play and have a little fun. For example, if you really are ‘what you eat’… perhaps how you prepare that food carries some weight as well.
Let's explore…
There are many facets in my frequently-discussed quest to live a more ‘Natural’ life. There are the spiritual and philosophical concepts, of course, along with the ideas I have presented to live ‘local.’ Throw in my firm stances against the various agendas and doctrines which are designed to sever our critical connections with Nature, ourselves, and each other… and said-facets become obvious.
Another aspect is my drive to live more ‘minimalist.’ In that vein, a few years ago I became obsessed with ‘tiny home’ television shows (still want one someday, to be honest), and one of things frequently mentioned in those programs was the ‘plug-and-play’ [P&P] kitchen.
As I am one of those individuals who always tries to find new ways of doing things (or maybe, ‘reclaiming older ways,’ is a better way to put it), while also being an aforementioned ‘minimalist?’ I found the P&P option to be intriguing.
So finally, over the past few months, I have begun earnestly pursuing the creation of a P&P kitchen. And so far, I am loving it.
Now, in the interest of full disclosure, I must be candid about something: I am NOT a ‘good cook.’ That is not some faux-humility, either - that is me admitting to my strengths and my weaknesses. As I have also had more than my fair share of people over the years tell me (quite boldly) that I am no good at cooking, I believed them. As such, I had never been a cook-at-home type of person.
Still… that has not prevented me from trying to get better. And exploring the P&P option has been a godsend in that regard.
The idea behind a ‘plug-and-play’ is that you have a few smaller appliances to use for preparing meals, and you only use them when needed; in other words, when you are ready to cook you plug in the appliance you need, use it… then clean and unplug when you are done. For ‘tiny home’ owners, P&Ps are great for the bitty-bit kitchen areas, in that you can store the appliances away when not in use and save precious counter-space.
Basically, it keeps things simple. I like simple.
It may seem counter-intuitive to claim that more (albeit smaller) appliances means ‘minimalist,’ but consider the context. Setting aside the counterspace argument, major items like giant stoves and ovens not only take up a lot of space, but in many cases you end up owning the additional smaller appliances anyhow, on top of the major items. Relying upon a P&P eliminates need for larger purchases, and encourages one to creatively use what they got.
And - due to that encouragement - I have been getting creative.
As for my own P&P, here are the appliances I have added (thus far) and frequently use…
-- Small air-fryer (the praises of which I previous sang in the last blurb of a ‘The Fact Check’ drop; foods cooked with this are superior to anything nuked in a microwave)
-- Toaster oven (MUCH easier to clean and maintain than the full-size option, with - again - the foods tasting demonstrably better than the microwaved stuff; in fact, since launching my P&P I have not used the microwave once)
-- Electric griddle (another ‘much easier to clean and maintain’ item, and… well, griddles are fun; seriously, this has opened up a whole new world for me)
-- Rapid Egg Cooker (I am now never without hard-boiled eggs as a healthy snack; as I am hit-and-miss at cooking perfect HBEs, this has been a salvation)
-- Koenig-style hot-beverage maker (not only great for coffee and tea but also hot chocolate and apple cider, both vital for enjoying the approaching chilly months)
-- Countertop Hot Plate (a great backup when I have no space on the griddle; this oft occurs when I am ‘griddling’ up a mess of bacon)
All of these have served my ‘cook-at-home’ desire very well. The recipes generally take less time to prepare using these, and being that I am cooking for one? Those oft-intimidating recipes (well, intimidating to me, anyhow) do not seem so daunting with smaller appliances.
In fact, due to the simplicity which comes from using said-appliances, I have actually been preparing various meals that my tastebuds have considered… well, tasty.
That… is new for me. And at my age, it tickles me to no end.
I know, for those who have expertly prepared their own meals for their entire adult lives… this would undoubtedly seem ridiculous. However, as someone who had pretty much bought into the narrative that he was horrible at making foods? The fact that I am cooking - and creating edible, even occasionally delicious, meals in the process - is quite pleasing.
Well, I’ll be danged. Maybe I am NOT ‘Not a good cook,’ after all.
Granted, I am not whipping up four-course, five-star meals. My repasts are simple, lightly-seasoned, and hearty, but the fact those are coming from my own kitchen - my own efforts - means everything.
Besides, since I do not possess a ‘refined palate,’ I am perfectly happy with basic meals. Add to that my almost-obsessive search for natural, locally-grown/raised foods (and my now-solid aversion to restaurants, fast-food or otherwise), and I feel like I am eating better - both temporally and spiritually - than I have in years.
Maybe ever.
And I do not believe I would be at this point without being inspired by the P&P kitchen idea. Thus, I am grateful.
I do understand everyone’s circumstances are going to be unique; if preparing meals for a partner and / or children, for example, multiple burners and large ovens are practically a necessity. And even I am not where I want to be yet - I would still love to score an Instant Pot cooker… and a Foreman grill, too. Yeah, that would be pretty sweet.
But even with what I currently have, I can say that if you are single, or even a couple without children, and you want to pursue a simpler way to ‘kitchen?’ The P&P option is one I can strongly recommend.
Quite simply, it is changing my life.
Thank you so much for reading, and for the subscriptions, ‘likes,’ comments, and restacks. It all plays a vital role in sustaining and growing The Stone Age, thus I value each of you.
Notes…
-- This article is based on a segment first posted in the 07/04/2024 edition of ‘Written In Stone;’ said-segment has been expanded and updated, with new images as well.
-- Unless otherwise credited, all images were generated by the author, using Grok 2 (on X) or Substack’s AI Image Tool.
I agree with Doug and Luc - crockpot / Insta is key. One of my favorite cooking methods is braising, and I'll even share a favorite: pot roast three ways. Braise a hunk o' chuck big enough to have leftovers, portion and freeze. Make three gravies: German sauerbraten (sweet & sour), Italian brasato (red wine), and good ol' Yankee pot roast (standard brown gravy), and freeze. Then depending on your mood, pick one and serve with appropriate sides. Variety couldn't be simpler!
A small crock pot is a must. The only appliance you can turn on, throw stuff in and forget about for most of the day. Hint- they make liners for them you toss when done with minimal clean up.