When setting up your kitchen, keep in mind that you don't necessarily need a lot of stuff — you just need the stuff that fits your needs. Before you go shopping, think about the kind of food you like to make. In general, you'll always be better off with multifunctional pieces than with ones that serve only one purpose.

Here are some of our Food Network must-haves, along with recipes to cook in them:

Saute Pan:

• Turkey Piccata
• Spice-rubbed Sauteed Salmon
• Sauteed Vegetable Medley
• Sauteed Broccoli
• Crispy Potatoes with Bacon, Garlic, and Parsley

Cast Iron Skillet:

• Cheesy Cast Iron Skillet Scrambled Eggs
• Creamed Corn Cornbread

Saucepan:

• Baked Rigatoni with Bechamel Sauce
• White Sausage

Gratin Dish:

• Provencal Vegetable Gratin
• Cinnamon Raisin and Chocolate Bread Pudding

Pasta/Soup Pot:

• Spaghetti with Olives and Tomato Sauce
• Chicken Broth

Get the rest of our must-have pots and pans, including recipes.

The Well-Equipped Kitchen

Pots and Pans

The kind of pots and pans you buy depends on your own personal preference. Generally, stainless is the most versatile, though both hard-anodized and nonstick have their fans. Look carefully at cookware sets — while they're often a great deal, they may not include exactly what you need. Our ideal set-up includes:

• 9-inch omelet pan
• 12-inch skillet
• 8-quart stockpot with a lid
• 1.5-quart sauté pan with a lid
• 1.5-quart saucepan with a lid
• 3-quart saucepan with a lid

In addition to that, you might want the following:

• 9-inch cast-iron skillet
• Roasting pan and rack
• Ridged grill pan
• 5-quart Dutch oven
• Steamer insert for saucepan
• Casserole dish

Check out pots and pans in our Food Network Store

Cookbook Corner

Food Network.com may be a great source for recipes, but there are times when nothing beats cracking open a cookbook. And they make great gifts for your food-loving friends.

• Get cookbooks from your favorite Food Network Stars
• Food Network Kitchens 25 Favorite Cookbooks