These kitchen tools and small appliances have been life savers, allowing for faster and easier cooking. I really do use and recommend each and every one of them!

Scanpan CTX Cookware

I love these pots and pans. They are PFOA-free and are made from 100% recycled aluminum. I find they cook very evenly, are truly nonstick and wash up easily. There are several different lines (I like the CTX because they work on my induction cooktop), so check them all out and see which one best fits your needs.

Le Creuset Cookware and Bakeware

There is nothing like cooking in Le Creuset. My mom had several covered casserole dishes, as I do. I am also partial to the brasier. I prefer the cast iron line – it retains and evenly distributes heat extremely well. The enamel glaze makes clean up a snap.

photo of stainless steel double boiler

All Clad d5 Double Boiler

Every kitchen should have a double boiler, and I love how this All Clad d5 Stainless Steel with Porcelain insert model functions. It heats evenly and slowly, allowing you to gently apply heat when making recipes that need to heat “slow and low,” like melting chocolate or making custards.

close up of 2 half sheet pans

Half Sheet Pans

I’m often asked for recommendations on the best cookie sheets. I always use half-sheet pans. Made of aluminum, they heat evenly and don’t rust. With reinforced steel sides, they don’t warp either. I recommend purchasing together with a companion wire rack (see below).

showing half sheet pan and corresponding wire rack that fits it

Nonstick Wire Rack for Half Sheet Pans

I recommend purchasing these racks for your half sheet pans. Alone, they are the perfect cooling rack. In the pan, they are excellent for crisping bacon and other foods in the oven.

close up of multiple precut parchment paper sheets

Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets (for half sheet and cake pans

These are a complete time saver. Cut to fit perfectly in your pans, they are unbleached, food safe and good to use up to 450 degrees. And, they don’t roll on the edges!

Wusthof Knives

love the feel, weight and shape of these knives. The blades are forged from one piece of high carbon steel and the handles are designed for comfort. Super sharp, they make chopping easy. I use the Classic Ikon series in my home kitchen.

Kyocera Ceramic Knives

I am often asked which knives I use. These Kyocera knives are a favorite. Why? They are light, perfectly balanced, super sharp (and stay sharper longer) and easy to clean. Not only do I love these knives, I couldn’t live without my Kyocera vegetable peeler (see below).

close up of Kyocera y-shaped ceramic peeler

Kyocera Y-shaped Ceramic Peeler

As a left-handed person, often traditional peelers don’t work that well for me. This one is perfect! The Y-shape makes it usable with either hand, and the ceramic blade is super sharp. It’s also easy to clean, and doesn’t rust.

Cuisinart showing various dicing, slicing and grating blades as well as storage container

Cuisinart 13-Cup Elemental Dicing Food Processor

I recently had to replace my food processor with this one, and it is fabulous. Chops, slices, shreds and mixes evenly – and the dicing blade works extremely well. And it comes with two different size bowls, so no need for a separate mini-processor. It even comes with a second, flat top cover to use when you don’t need the feed tube!

KitchenAid Stand Mixer

A must-have, this 10-speed KitchenAid Stand Mixer can handle up to 4 ½ quarts at a single time and features 3 handy accessories – a flat beater, wire whip and a dough hook.

Immersion Blender

Immersion/Hand Blender

This simple, hand-held blender provides smooth, even blending and is lightweight enough for one-handed operation.

Microplane Zester/Grater

Designed to extract the best flavor from food. Excellent for using with hard cheeses, onions, citrus fruits, ginger and much more.

citrus juicer showing various colors available

Lemon and Lime Squeezer

This citrus press makes juicing lemons and limes super easy, and ensures you get every last drop of juice.

close up of white, black and green onion goggles

Onion Goggles

The answer to tear-free chopping, mincing, dicing and slicing! Designed with comfortable foam seal, these googles protect your eyes from all irritating kitchen vapors.

showing spiralized zucchini made with the Paderno spiralizer

Paderno Spiralizer

Why pay extra for spiralized vegetables when you can easily and quickly make your own? I’ve tried a few different brands, and like the way this Paderno model works the best. Several different size blades to pick from, and they all easily store inside the unit.

Cookie Cutters

Round Biscuit and Cookie Cutter Set

Ranging from 3/4 to 3 5/8 inches, these stainless steel cutters are ideal for cutting dough for pastries, cookies and more. They are the same brand (Ateco) my mom used for years.

Flour sifter showing inside and dimensions

Flour Sifter

After trying several different models, this is my favorite flour sifter. The mesh is fine enough to do a good job, plus it’s both easy to use and to clean.

Rolling pin with a cover on it and a 2nd one on the side

Rolling Pin Covers

My mom always had a cover on her rolling pin, so naturally I always do, too. They prevent dough from sticking to the roller – including for cookies, pie crusts, even pie dough. Made of 100% cotton, they are washable and reusable.

close up photo of wood mini tart tamper

Mini Tart Tamper

This little device is a “must have” for pushing puff pastry squares, bread slices, small balls of dough, etc. into mini muffin cups.

Mini Measuring Cups

These little mini beakers are perfect for measuring liquids – from 1 teaspoon to 4 tablespoons. The wider top makes for easy filling and spout aids in pouring.

Food Loops

The first ever heat resistant silicone food trussing tool, designed to replace kitchen string and toothpicks during the food prepping process.