Kitchen Requirements

8. Sometimes a simple thing can unleash creativity you never thought you had. For me, it was a grill pan.

Those who barbecue outdoors year-round may be skeptical of a skillet with funny ridges. But I found a grill pan can change the way you cook.

The first time I lifted a plump chicken breast from the pan and saw those restaurant-quality grill marks, “seared” no longer seemed like such an impressive menu adjective. I can do this myself, I said. And so it was on to tuna and steaks.

But if it was this easy to create a beautiful entree, I thought, then the side dishes must be equally impressive. So I’ve put away the steamer and started throwing the vegetables in the grill pan at the end.

On other occasions, while the grill pan is doing its magic, I have time to whip up a pesto to dress the chicken or steak. Or serve them plain with a side of basil cheese grits or. . . .