favorite kitchen tools
If I can find a gadget or an app that makes my life a little bit easier, I'm all for it. I'm lazy like that. The same logic applies in the kitchen. Tools that can make cooking simpler are always on my wish list, especially when I'm cooking on weeknights.
Here are a few of my favorite kitchen tools that's I've found to make a big different in how well (and easily) I cook. These are in no particular order whatsoever, and they vary in price ranges.
heavy duty big kid cookware
Le Creuset cookware is the Cadillac of my kitchen collection. This stuff is what made me feel like I was a real cook. While it's extremely expensive, it's also incredibly durable. If you take care of it, it will last a lifetime. My two favorite pieces are the 4 1/2 quart cast-iron Dutch (French) oven and the deep sauté pan. The Dutch oven is fantastic for soups, stews, and braising. The sauté pan amazing for one-pot pasta dishes and, well, sautéing. Both are oven and stovetop safe, which is helpful. They're alsoheavy AF, so use cautious with them.
Perhaps some day, I'll have an amazing gas range that's worthy of them.
how i feel about my le creuset on an electric range
a great french press and electric kettle
When the Man Friend and I went to France last year (holy shit, it's been a year?!), we became more acquainted with how amazing coffee is in a French press brewer. SInce we usually only have a cup or two each in the morning, Bodum's 8 cup Chambord press and Brentwood's 1.2 liter electric kettle works amazingly well for us. The quality is SO much better than a regular old coffee pot or Keurig, but the clean up is easier than an espresso machine.
the garlic car
No, this isn't its real name (it's actually a GarlicZoom), but it reminds me of a little kid with a toy car. This garlic mincer, while a little pricey for a small gadget, is AMAZING! It minces garlic easily with a three blades, so it's perfect when I'm in a rush and don't have time to mince it myself.
hardcore professional knives
Great cutlery is another spendy purchase I highly recommend. While you don't have to start out with a full set, a good starting point is a paring knife, a utility knife, the 6-inch cook's knife (my personal favorite), and a santoku to start. These knives make quick work of meal preparation. I actually learned some knife skills at a cooking class I attended and it's changed my skill set. Now that I feel more comfortable with them, I find that prep time has been reduced considerably.
flour sack towels
I remember these from growing up and I remember why I loved them so much: they're super absorbent and dry quickly. I don't have to get out more towels to dry dishes when I've had a busy cooking day. These towels also come in sets of three in a variety of colors to match any kitchen. I rotate between three sets, so I've got plenty.
fancy wineglasses
After a wine trip in Portland, the Man Friend and I realized we didn't have any fancy wine glasses. Reidel seems to be one of the best out there. We have several different variations of their glasses, but the stemless Big O Pinot Noir glasses are by far the favorite. They're delicate and beautiful. I definitely want the stemmed version at some point. Any takers? I'll love you forever and ever.
What are YOUR favorite kitchen must-have's? This is just my short list.
