Top 10 Favorite Tools

a.k.a. Ole Bluey. Yes, I named my mixer. It's amazing the time and personal energy that can be saved with this machine. Just pour the cream in and go away for a few minutes. Come back to a mixing bowl full of whipped cream. Mixing cookie dough is a breeze, to say nothing of combining cream cheese and sugar. Wow.

Food processors are fantastic machines that remove the menial task of dicing and chopping. Each time I bring home a bag of nut meats, such as pecans or walnuts, I chop them in my processor and put them away for later use.

My husband, a former chef, introduced me to the necessary luxury of using good knives. The three knives I use the most are the paring, the bread and the 8-inch carving, all of the Classic style.

I use this cup the most. It's wonderful because I can usually get all of the liquid I need for the recipe in this cup. I basically use my 1 and 2 cup measurers for heating liquids in the microwave. It saves on the treasured coffee mugs, and is excellent for melting butter. (Be sure to cover the cup with a piece of waxed paper.)

These are the greatest storage containers for your pantry dry goods. You can get a lot in a small space because they are stackable. Also with just a glance, I can see if I'm running low on any of my goods, as the containers are see-through.

You've got an hour before guests arrive. Mix your cake ingredients. Pour them into your greased and floured pan. Bake for 55 minutes. Cool in and then out of the pan for a short while. Perhaps drizzle a glaze over the top of the cake, and voila! You've got a homemade cake. Yes, that's why I enjoy using my Bundt Cake Pan, cake in less than 2 hours with only a few minutes prep time.

I especially love my wire whisk and lemon zester. The handle fits into my hand perfectly.

You can never have too many of these bowls. (I have 8 in various sizes.) Not only do they make mixing a breeze, but clean-up is even easier. My bowls are used more than any other tool in my kitchen.

If you love to eat rice, this is a must-have. Put in the rice and then the water. Push a button, and less than 45 minutes later you have rice. I like the fact you can put it on up to 4 hours before dinner, and the rice will be kept warm. I use ours 2 or 3 times a week.

I'll be the first to admit it; I am a messy cook. Cover the floor in flour, sprinkle in a few freshly chopped nuts, and there's a mess. I just reach to the wall next to my fridge and grab this vacuum. Turn it on to the floor setting, and my mess is gone. For quick clean-ups, I use it around the house, too.