I strongly believe that one of the first steps in good health is to start eating from your own kitchen, consuming foods mostly made from scratch. Here are some recommendations of my favorite kitchen basics and beyond which I feel makes the kitchen experience that much more efficient and enjoyable! Some of these items are exactly what I have, and others are what I would love to have! Good quality tools are a must when you become dedicated to cooking the majority of your own food.
Measuring Spoons
Similar to the ones I have, simple, sleek and will last a lifetime!
Measuring Cups
Similar to the measuring spoons, stainless steel measuring cups are super durable and enjoyable to work with.
Julienne Peeler Slicer
Ah-ha! Want to look like the boss in the kitchen? Simple tool to make it look like you took long time with prep when really this little gem did all the work!
Digital Kitchen Scale
Never thought I needed one but now years and years later I don’t know how I survived without! I use this so much for cooking but even sometimes to check the weight of my (overstuffed) mail!
OXO Liquid 1-Cup Angled Measuring Cup
This is not the exact liquid measuring cup that I have, but I’ll be switching mine out for this one soon! Made of special Tritan (BPA free) plastic.
OXO Liquid 4-Cup Angled Measuring Cup
I can’t tell you how much I use my 4-cup liquid measuring cup! And with this special design, it will make measuring so much easier.
OXO Set of 3 Liquid Angled Measuring Cups
Or even better! For a few dollars more you can get 3!
Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer
It’s so important to be able to know when fish, meat and poultry are at the appropriate temperature for both food safety and enjoyment, because no one wants dry and overcooked food!
Instant Read Meat Thermometer
A less expensive option than the digital, but still very helpful option for measuring food temperature.
OXO Large Salad Spinner
Take your limp lettuce and give it new life with this great salad spinner! I spin my lettuce, drain the water, pop the lid back on and store it in the fridge. After several hours the turgor pressure in the lettuce will be revived!
OXO Swivel Peeler
Have to have a good peeler, and this one’s the best!
Lemon Zester, and Cheese-Vegetable Grater
From zesting lemons to grating chocolate or cheese, this tool will make your day!
Garlic Peeler and Press #1
Garlic is fantastic for you, so you need tools to make it easy to use!
Garlic Peeler and Press #2
Similar as previous listing except better for those that are weaker in hand/arm strength.
Simple Citrus Juicer
Handy and inexpensive tool for juicing those delicious lemons.
OXO Small Metal Spatula
Our family loves and uses this little jewel so much I had to purchase two!
Small Sieve
Super handy for small jobs like squeezing a half lemon.
Fat Separator
Great helper around the holidays or if you are making bone broth year round.
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
This pan probably gets used in our home every day! I like the larger version of this as well.
Lodge Extra-Large Cast Iron Skillet
Same thing, just the larger version which comes in very useful.
Stainless Steel Pots and Pans Set
A kitchen staple. Stainless steel will not transfer material to your food like some non-stick cookware.
Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
Once I got over the fear of using my Instant Pot it became such a time-saving tool! Not only could I cook food faster but so many delicious recipes available to make in no time at all!
Cutting Boards
What I enjoy about these is the integrated grip so that they are steady on the counter.
Vitamix!!!
Yes! I am excited about this because we use ours at least once daily. Super powerful and very versatile!
Magic Bullet
If you’re not ready for the Vitamix “investment” this is a great place to start, from smoothies, to dressings, to grinding up flaxseed.
ZeroWater Pitcher
I can not emphasize how important good clean water is for your body. If you don’t want to invest in a reverse osmosis system, in my opinion, this is the way to go. And MUCH less expensive, and SAFER, than purchasing water bottles!
ZeroWater Dispenser
Or even better, a dispenser which holds 23 cups of clean water.
Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
A Dutch oven is a great kitchen staple as you can sear poultry or meat on your stove first and then move it to the oven for slow cooking. Many other uses as well! This brand is very reputable and product comes in a variety of sizes and colors. A 4.5 quart may be a good place to start.
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