favorite kitchen tools

It’s not surprise to you that I’m in the kitchen… a lot. Even more so now that summer has started, I find myself in the kitchen for multiple hours a day, relishing the fact that I had not had the freedom to do so during the school year. My favorite time to be in the kitchen is right after breakfast. I love baking something mid-morning only to have the house smell delicious – and the mid-morning nibbles aren’t so bad either.

Before I got married, I always felt confined to others’ schedules when I was in the kitchen. I would go to bake something, only to find that someone else wanted to use the oven. I would want to make dinner, but another family member would be in my way.

It was a pain in the behind.

I counted down the days and hours until I got married just so I could have my very own kitchen. For those of you who will scoff and say I have to share it with the Husband, I will just laugh at you. 1) He doesn’t ever want to use a kitchen appliance as long as he lives and 2) I don’t want him near my precious stuff.  We have an understanding that this is my sacred place – I’m still waiting for my sacred place to be well lit at night time with those can lights though. And if you’ve been a reader for a while, yes – I’m still waiting for them. ::sigh::

One of the most fun parts of having my own kitchen was stocking it with the tools and appliances I wanted. After reader Stacy asked me to share my favorite cooking/baking tools and appliances as she is getting a bridal registry together, I couldn’t resist!

Cutting boards – emphasis on the plural. I began with just one cutting board, which really just didn’t cut it (pun intended). I found myself getting so frustrated with the fact that the one cutting board I had was being washed every five minutes. I have two now, and sometimes I wish I had more.

Measuring Cups – I have two sets as well. I use my measuring cups so often that the measurements have faded away. A sign of a tool that is well loved! Your measuring cups don’t have to be anything fancy. I think ours are the OXO Good Grips brand from Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

 
Garlic Press – Can you believe I never used a garlic press until after I got married? It’s true. It’s also true that it is absolutely one of my top five favorite tools for the kitchen. I love garlic, and freshly minced garlic tops everything. It took me a while to figure out how to clean it – apparently I’m not the brightest bulb (pun intended once again) out there.

Glass Water Pitcher – Technically this doesn’t fall into the “tool” category, but I couldn’t live without my water pitcher. I have it on display in my kitchen hutch, and it always dresses up a dinner party instantly. I got this from Crate and Barrel for $20.

Ball Jars – I use these for everything, I kid you not. Coffee, smoothies, grains, oatmeal – you name it, I’ve used a ball jar for it. I got a pack of 12 from Ace Hardware for about $10, but they sell them everywhere!

 
Spatulas and Wooden Spoons – I love these two items. As you can see by the red stain on my wooden spoon, the last time I used it was when I was making beets. Wooden spoons are great because you can leave them near/in a pot while you’re cooking and they won’t burn/melt/etc.

Colorful Mixing/Serving Bowls – Love Love LOOOVE these bowls. I am honestly obsessed with them. I use them for everything – storage for items I don’t want to have laying around on the counters, during cooking/baking, and they also make a great serving dish. These are from Crate and Barrel.

Cuisinart Chop and Grind – While I do love this little appliance, I have to be honest with you. I wish I would have registered for a full sized food processor. I’m definitely regretting the fact that I only have this mini one at home, but if you are someone who does not do a lot of processing (?), this works wonderfully.

Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick 11-pc Cookware Set – I am so glad we opted to register for high end quality cookware. I love this line, and I definitely enjoy using the very deep sauté pan (far right in back) the most. I use it constantly!

Silpat – I just recently got this as a gift from my mom. I am in love with it. It is a silicone baking mat, and all of my baked goods have been coming out more evenly cooked since I got it!

Kitchen Aid Mixer – I for real do not know how I functioned without this in my kitchen for the first 23 years of my life. I use the mixer at least once a week for baked goods, bread dough, mashed potatoes, etc. I really can’t live without it.  Isn’t it pretty?

Things I didn’t get and wish I had:

• Panini press
• food processor
• Vitamix (I am still accepting gifts)

I hope that was helpful Stacy! Blessings on your upcoming nuptials.

Wow. That sounded even dorkier when I read it out loud.

Question: What are your favorite kitchen tools?

Tagged as: appliances, bakeware, cookware, crate and barrel, kitchen tools, silpat