Here, you’ll find ONLY the items I have purchased and used in my kitchen. Each item includes a custom description as to why I’m in love. As I continue to purchase and use items that I feel comfortable recommending to my fellow creators I’ll be sure to update. The fact that you’re taking the time to check out my recs means the world!
Prep Work
Kuhn Rikon, White Original 4-Inch Swiss Peeler, Set of 1 5 years strong and not a dull moment between the two of us. By far my favorite peeler. There's really not much else I can say other than get you one!
Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester Grater, 18/8, Yellow One of my Kitchen Basics. Used for grating Parm, zesting lemons, nutmeg dustings during the holidays and SO much more. Did I mention these babes are made in the USA. Arkansas and Texas to be exact?! I've got this exact one in yellow. 4 years of daily use and no signs of dulling down. WIN.
ZYLISS Susi 3 Garlic Press "No Need To Peel" - Built in Cleaner - Crusher, Mincer and Peeler This bad boy was actually a gift from a girl friend last year. She sent it along with a cookbook as a pick-me-up.... how sweet right?! I'm not gonna lie. I looked at this thing sideways. I have never liked garlic presses because they just don't really work. But being a gift and what not I decided to try it out. SHOCK. Followed by awe. I've used pressed double this price point and been totally disappointed. So the fact that this was under $25 and WORKED, and then has kept working for over a year now. I'm sold. This will be the only garlic press I ever get, buy, send, gift. Period.
Zyliss Easy Control Handheld Slicer So the exact one, from 5 years ago, is no longer in production. The only difference I can tell is that the handle on mine is red. You will (of course) need to be careful with using this guy, as it's essentially a blade used for shaving. This gadget is super compact, lightweight, sharp, and multipurpose. I use him weekly to shave paper thin cucumber ribbons for cocktails, thin ribbons of zucchini and squash for salads, and can easily buzz through several potatoes for chips, gratins, and bakes.
OXO Good Grips Wooden Citrus Reamer This babe comes in handy for all things citrus, especially if you are a fan of pulp. You'll be able to whip up my margs, salad dressing, or mango salsa in seconds.
Fox Run Large Mixing Bowl, 10.25 x 10.25 x 5.25 inches, Metallic I lie. I actually own 8 of these. And also 4 in 2 larger sizes. I need more too LOL These bad boys are the workhorses of my kitchen. They hold scraps. Prepped ingredients who wait their turn to visit the fry pan. You've already seen all my roasted potato pics in a shiny silver bowl... this is that bowl. Multipurpose, light weight, durable. They take a proper beating without any complaint.
Strawberry Huller, Stainless Steel I'm so obsessed with this little dude that I made a whole reel on it. An awesome reel might I add. So while I don't reach for this huller if I'm eating one strawberry, I run to him when I need to quickly core a whole bunch. For pie. Jam. Eating. Whatever it is that you want to do with a whole bunch of strawberries! BONUS kid safe. So your littles can help "prep" and still have fingers at the end. WIN.
Long Tomato Stem Corer, Melon Baller, Stainless Steel, Set of 2 You're right. You don't need 2 tomato hullers. Unless you want help coring tomatoes in the kitchen that is. OR... give one as a stocking stuffer or white elephant gift. Oh the options. I grow tomatoes in a little garden so find this super helpful for prep! Another kid friendly gadget that won't leave you worried about little fingers missing. The pointy bits are indeed sharp, so keep them for the slightly older crew.
GreaterGoods Digital Food Kitchen Scale, Measures in Grams and Ounces When I tell you this revolutionized my baking... I honestly never considered myself a baker because everything came out so subpar. I thought I didn't "get that gene". Apparently, the gene is a proper food scale! I've had this for just over a year and I now confidently say I BAKE. And for the coffee connoisseur, this guy also happens to be perfect for brewing at home!
Mini Berry Colander, 3 Cup, 6 inch, Copper and Stainless Steel I have 2 small berry Colanders, and this is one of them! The other, is a light blue one that was gifted and I haven't a clue what the brand name is. Both work like a charm for not just berries, but also for draining watery veg like cucumbers before adding to sauces!
In The Oven
USA Pan Bakeware Extra Large Sheet Baking Pan and Bakeable Nonstick Cooling Rack Set, XL, Metal Not only is this one of THE workhorses of my kitchen, its made right here in the USofA. Nonstick. Heavy Duty. I sling cookies, biscotti, biscuits, roasted veggies, chicken wings, bacon, blah blah on THIS pan. I'd be lost without it.
For The Stove
Polder Candy/Jelly/Deep Fry Thermometer Stainless Steel with Pot Clip I had never needed one of these until adventuring into the world of homemade caramels last Christmas. I thought, $10 bucks is worth it since caramels and candies can be so particular. I'd also ventured down the path of homemade ice cream and frothy lattes so this just made sense. Being able to have the perfect caramel syrup just sounded like a dream. I never imagined the use I'd get out of this thing! SO glad I purchased!
Imusa Aluminum Hot Chocolate Pitcher (Chocolatera) 2Qt. Bundled with a Wooden Chocolate Mixer - Molinillo 14" 1-Goya Foods Luker Chocolate (Amargo), 8.8 - Ounce Although I bought mine piece by piece, this is an entire set! Including the chocolate you'll need to make your hot cocoa dreams a reality. Might I add... the perfect gift for the foodie in your life who probably already has everything that's under $100.
Lodge Splatter Screen, 13 Inch This 13 incher works wonders on several sized pots and pans. Mine's worked like a champ for 3 years now!
For The Freezer
Ice Cube Trays 4 Pack, Easy-Release Stackable Silicone (Flexible) with Spill-Resistant Removable Lids These are the ice trays I use specifically for juices and oils. Whether it's herbs in water or oil, or freshly squeezed lemon/lime juice... these are perfect for quickly popping one or two out for a drink or to add to a weeknight dinner. Each cube holds 1 Tablespoon so measuring is a breeze. I know the description says stackable and lids. But I want to make sure you saw that part HAHA
Clean Up
Norpro My Favorite Colored Scraper : 4 Count Assorted Colors First discovered these at a local kitchen shop I worked at years ago.... feel free to make some calls to see if your local shop carries them too! If not, you can snag them here with me (another small business). They make fab stocking stuffers too wink wink
I hope you found this resource helpful and honest! And if you’re looking to better understand Kitchen Basics I’ve got you covered over on my How Tos!
Hugs, because handshakes are awkward~
Yesssssss!!! Now I can be very cool like you! I’m adding all these things to my Amazon prime wish list now. Hubby will always know what to get me.