Here are my absolute favorite kitchen tools. I couldn't imagine cooking without them.
1) Kitchen Aid Ultra Power Stand Mixer
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.
2) Cuisinart Food Processor
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.
3) Wusthof-Trident Knives
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.
4) Pyrex
4 Cup Liquid Measuring Cup
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.)
5) Tupperware Modular
Mates
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.
6) Nordicware
Bundt Pans
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.
7) OXO Good Grip Lemon
Zester
Lemon zest added to any dish makes it taste so fresh. I could
"zest" all day with OXO's zester. The handle fits into
my hand perfectly.
8) Stainless
Steel Bowls
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.
9) Salton
3-Cup Rice Cooker
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.
10) Eureka's The Boss
Lite Cordless Vacuum
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.
