By Russ Parsons Los Angeles Times

January 12, 2013

'Smalls'

These are the little things you'll want in a readily available place. In most cases, you'll find that the more you have of them, the better (I'm looking at you, wooden spoon!).

Stainless steel mixing bowls

Flat-end wooden spoons

Tongs

Heat-proof silicone spatula

Frying spatula

Instant-read thermometer

Whisk

Kitchen towels

Pastry brush

Microplane grater

Liquid measuring cups, at least one 2-cup

Dry measuring cups

Metal measuring spoons

"Spider" skimmer

Vegetable peeler

Pepper grinder

Can opener

Metal ruler