The idea of a kitchen witch stirring up a magical brew evokes images of some traditional tools of the craft, the pointy hat, the large cauldron, a big wooden spoon or other stirring device and, of course, a broom. Well, the modern kitchen witch has more options than our ancient forebears and you'll find quite a few differences in our toolkit and perhaps some similarities as well.

Pots and Pans

You can't cook without pots and pans. You will need at the minimum; a frying pan, a sauce pan and a soup pot. All of your pots and pans should be stainless steel, cast iron, copper, enamel or porcelain. Do not use aluminum or "non stick" pots and pans for magical cooking.

I suggest a heavy cast iron frying pan such as this 12-inch beauty from lodge logic. It's a good size for any and all of your frying needs, from sauteing to deep frying. You may pay a bit more for a good cast iron pan versus one of those toxic non-stick pans, but a cast iron pan, proprly cared for, will last for generations. You will use this to make donuts, corn bread, pancakes, fritters, stir fry, sausage and pepper pasta, french toast, fried tofu, omelettes and so much more. The lid for this pan is extra and not necessary for most dishes, but is handy for anything you would like to simmer a bit.
You may also want to get a handle mitt for your pan for just a few pennies more.

Your sauce pan will be used for making sauces and gravies. Such as mushroom gravy and [[cranberry apple sauce]]]. You will also use it for making oatmeal, melting chocolate and more. My favorite saucepan is a glass pyrex pan with a locking lid and a pouring spout. Unfortunately it is no longer available. I suggest a copper or stainless steel pan if you can't find a glass one. The spout is handy for pouring and draining. A double boiler or steamer attachment is also very handy. You'll want a lid no matter what other options you choose, preferably glass. 2 or 3 quarts is a good size.

Your soup pot, aka your pasta pot, should be 6-8 quarts in size and be of stainless steel, copper or enamel over cast iron. This is your "bubble bubble toil and trouble" pot for the most part and you will use it to make cabbage soup, chicken and dumplings, macaroni and cheese, chili and to boil pasta for any number of dishes requiring cooked pasta. You will often serve dishes cooked in this pot right out of the pot, so if you like a pretty table, you should choose a pretty pot.

You may also choose to have a separate pasta pot. If you do, choose stainless steel and look for one with a built in strainer either in a locking lid or as an insert. If you get the insert type, it may be able to double as a steamer.

Stirring and Serving

Spoons used for stirring and serving magical foods should be of stainless steel, silver or wood - hard wood or bamboo. You should never use plastic or nylon for magical cooking. If you are really attached to your plastic spatulas, consider silicone as a more natural alternative. (Though it's still not as good as metal or wood).