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!
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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.
Lodge Cast Iron Skillets
My favorite brand of cast iron is Lodge. I have them in various sizes, and probably use the 10 inch one the most. With this pan you have nonstick cooking without any chemicals. And, they are designed for even cooking edge-to-edge.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
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 13-Cup 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. There’s an option to purchase a small work bowl, too.
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/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.
Lemon and Lime Squeezer
This juicer has become my top-dog favorite. It gets every last bit of juice out of lemon, lime, or orange halves! And, the juice is funneled out a small opening, making it easy to measure.
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.
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
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 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.
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.