What’s in my kitchen?
Here’s a list of some of the things I use in my kitchen. Most items will eventually have an accompanying review. Of course if I list it here, I recommend it.
(Items are linked to amazon and I may receive a commission)
Cook Books
Dessert Person by Claire Saffitz
This is my go to cookbook for Desserts, but is also great for breads and some savoring baking dishes.
What’s For Dessert by Claire Saffitz
A newer book for Claire, What’s For Dessert has more simplified desserts for days you you want to take it easy.
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat
This a book every home cook needs to read. Mastering these 4 elements of cooking will allow to elevate almost any dish.
Power Tools
Cuisinart SM-50BK 5.5 Quart Stand Mixer
This is a great alternative to the more expensive Kitchen-Aid stand mixers. Although I’ve never used the Kitchen-Aid equivalent, I doubt the performance difference, if any, is worth the price premium.
Cuisinart MG-50 Meat Grinder Attachment
Although it’s not metal, which would be ideal for a meat grinder, it certainly gets the job done. It’s plenty for a home cook who only uses it occasionally for a few pounds of meat at a time.
Review coming soon…
nutribullet
I don’t use this one too often, but it comes in handy when something needs to be puréed or if I want a smoothie. It’s the perfect size for most recipes that call for something that needs to be blended and just powerful enough for those occasions (I have an older model, perhaps the new one linked is even better).
KitchenAid Digital Hand Mixer 7-Speed
Not everything requires a stand mixer, so a hand mixer is a handy tool. I use this for a quick whipped cream, mashed potatoes, and just general mixing when I don’t wanna take out the big boy. Nice that this one comes with a whisk attachment.
KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor
I only really got this to help me make pie crusts and biscuits, but it really comes in handy for more than that. With its included shredder and slicer, it makes quick work of cheese and carrots. For the price, this is a very good food processor for anyone.
KitchenAid 2-Speed Hand Blender
If you like to make soups, I would say this is a must have. While not the most powerful, it can definitely do most of the jobs you call it for. I’ve made butternut squash soup and mayonnaise with it successfully. It’s hard to complain about the performance for the price.
Review coming soon…
Cutlery & Knives
Misen Chef Knife (breadknife and paring, too)
This is one I use almost every time I cook. You probably have heard a lot about these knives and it’s for good reason. This knife maintains its edge well and is always ready to go. For the average home chef, you can’t ask for much more.
Review coming soon…
Miscellaneous
Extra Large Organic Bamboo Cutting Board with Juice Groove
This is a solid cutting board. Requires some care, though (not too much, just oiling). Honestly, I don’t know what else to say about it. It gets the job done and will definitely last a long time of you treat it right.
Review coming maybe?
OXO Good Grips Bent Icing Spatula
Although I’m still not very good at frosting and icing cakes, these definitely beat out a butterknife or flexible spatula. I couldn’t find the set on amazon, but the bigger one is linked.
Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master Opener
While a little expensive for a can opener (even if it also opens bottles and jars), it’s by far the best can opening I’ve ever experienced outside of electric ones. It works differently than other openers and always results in easy, clean cuts.
Lavatools PT12 Javelin Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer
Every kitchen should have a good thermometer, especially for starters. By using this along with touch and sight, you should be able to get better at estimating the doneness of your food without using a thermometer. The temp reading is always quick and accurate, so this is a choice I can easily recommend.
Pots & Pans
All-Clad D5 Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set
Sure it says dishwasher safe, but no, I do not put these in the dish washer. This set is very well made and probably more than what most home cooks need. In any case, if you know what you’re doing, you should be able to keep them in better shape than these (yes I share) and be perfectly happy with them.
Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Everyone should have at least one cast iron piece of cookware in their kitchen. If you treat it right, it’s pretty non-stick, which people seem to love. On top of that, it handles heat extremely well, providing even heat and holding onto it. This lodge dutch oven one is well made and very versatile with its included lid. You could really cook just about anything in this.
Stargazer Cast Iron 10.5" Cast iron Skillet
Not only is this skillet well made, it’s arguably beautiful. Just like the Lodge cast iron above, it must be seasoned to stay in good condition and maintain its non-stick qualities. While a little on the pricy side, it’s worth it so splurge on something that’ll last longer than you will.