The Ultimate Healthy Cook's Kitchen

By Cindy Hatcher
May 04, 2016
Photo: Hector Sanchez
Step inside Cooking Light's brand-new kitchen for a look into how our recipes come to light.
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Creating the Perfect Mix

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Our new kitchen, photography, and video space—part of the new Time Inc. Food Studios in Birmingham, Alabama—hits all the sweet spots. From the beginning, our team was involved in crafting the space to their dream specifications. Since our team moved into the new space in fall 2015, our drive to collaborate, get creative, and perfect the food we bring to you has never been stronger. See how we made the space integral part of our process. We hope you're as inspired by it as we are.

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Keep It Inviting: Elevated Counter Space

Photo: Hector Sanchez

A ledge above the main work area gives guests a separate place to hang out without getting in the way, and it forms a nice visual break. “Having my laptop or tablet nearby is essential to recipe development—and a big part of most cooks’ kitchens these days—so I’ve repurposed a cooling rack to lift my laptop a few inches off the counter to keep coffee spills or flying flour from ruining my work,” says Recipe Tester and Developer Robin Bashinsky.

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Keep It Cool: Marble Pastry Board

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Not just for looks, marble counter insets are an ideal place to roll out pastry or bread dough—the surface is less sticky and naturally helps keep dough temperature down. Mimic this at home by asking your local stone company for marble countertop remnants.

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Keep It Close: Store Utensils Next to Stove

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Think about what implements you use most often, and keep them within easy reach for a quick grab while you cook. Separate wooden and silicone from metal tools, and store stainless items farther from your cooktop to keep them from getting too hot.

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Keep It Manageable: Use Small Squeeze Bottles

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Most cooks need only a tablespoon or two of something at a time, so move heavy glass bottles of oils and vinegars to the pantry, and keep squeeze bottles of smaller amounts within reach.

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Keep It Practical: Stainless Steel Sinks

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Deep farm sinks have been a steady trend in kitchen design recently, but we opted for stainless steel vs. traditional porcelain. They can stand up to the beating they take from heavy recipe production. Outfitting countertops in stainless steel also helps reduce cleaning time.

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Keep It Fun: Personalize Your Workspace

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Open shelving near heavily trafficked workspaces allows for convenience as well as a touch of personality and a splash of color. We rotate current cookbooks, ingredients, and even a few fun tchotchkes that inspire us in the kitchen.

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Keep It Clean: Store in Deep Drawers

Photo: Hector Sanchez

There’s no need to go digging in the back of a dark cabinet; deep drawers easily house common countertop appliances and their associated accessories, allowing for more readily accessible workspace and less cluttered countertops.

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Keep It Separate: Dishwashers with a Third Rack

Photo: Hector Sanchez

A staff favorite is the special third rack in the kitchen’s Bosch dishwashers. It holds oddly shaped or delicate items in a more secure position, taking up less space in the main compartment.

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Keep It Ready: Freeze Whole Grains

Photo: Hector Sanchez

House whole grains in airtight containers, such as zip-top bags or these OXO POP containers. Uncooked grains stay fresher longer in the freezer than in the pantry; cooked ones can go into quick meals.

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By Cindy Hatcher