Here’s a section for all my friends + family who have borrowed or asked me about kitchen tools lately. Feel free to post comments if you would like me to recommend or review any other kitchen essentials. Also, I’d love to see comments with what other kitchen tools you can’t live without.
Stainless steel cookware set. [Cuisinart MCP-12 MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
This set of cookware has made my kitchen. The pots + pans are tri-ply with 18/10 stainless steel surrounding an aluminum core which continues up the sides of the pan, the major difference when compared to other cookware. More or less the same construction as All-Clad, but much more affordable. Very even + quick heating, perfect for browning, amazingly easy to clean. This set has just about everything you need, including 2 sizes of saute pan and interchangeable snug fitting lids.
Pressure cooker. [Presto 307912 6-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker
You have never eaten better beans than the ones that come out of this guy! Shortens cooking times to mere minutes + produces the most tender beans, far tastier than any canned bean out there. A good pressure cooker is the secret to great hummus. It is also a great energy saver compared to conventional methods of simmering beans.
Hand blender [Oster Hand Blender w/Blending Cup]
A hand blender is essential for soups, sauces, smoothies + dressings. Quickly thicken soup, puree till smooth, or whip up a thick tasty salad dressing. An immersion blender is much easier to clean than a traditional blender + works safely on hot liquids… although I do recommend a kitchen apron! I’ve had this Oster model for a couple years + its simple, no fuss. I’ve also used the more heavy duty, multi-function version [Cuisinart CSB-77 Smart Stick Hand Blender with Whisk and Chopper Attachments
Steamer basket [Progressive International 11 Inch Stainless Steel Steamer Basket]
Great for steaming veggies or dumplings easily. Fits into standard 5-1/2 quart wide saute pans.
Rada Cutlery. Very affordable, easy to sharpen, general purpose + specialized knives. They have a knife for just about anything you could want to cut. These are light weight, stainless steel knives – a budget option if you aren’t interested in shelling out for heavier options. I find that their lightness + smaller size handles fit well with my petite hands.
[Rada Cutlery Cooks Utility Knife, Made in USA, Aluminum Handle (R140)
My all purpose chopping knife.
[Rada Cutlery Peel Pare & Slice Gift Set – Tomato Slicer, Peeler, Regular Paring Knife, Made in USA, Aluminum Handles (S18)
This tomato knife is perfect. Large tooth serrated edge + skinny tip = perfect slices + easy coring. This veggie peeler is also really standard, but great for peeling just about anything.
Rada Cutlery Serrated Slicer Knife, Made in USA, Aluminum Handle (R138)
Perfect for big loafs of crusty bread.
Rada Cutlery Quick Edge Knife Sharpener with Hardened Steel Wheels (Designed for Rada Knives), R119
Essential, easy to use.
[Rada Cutlery Bagel Knife, Made in USA, Dishwasher Safe Black Handle (W218)
A bagel knife, not essential but sure makes Spring Bagels for 30 at Easter brunch much easier.
Jane
Pressure cooker is AMAZING. I completely agree that it makes the best tasting beans with amazing texture.
I would also have to say a well seasoned cast iron skillet can be extremely versatile, from browning over the stove to in the oven. It does take some care and time to get it correctly seasoned though, after each use wash with mild soap and warm water. Immediately place on the stove and heat until bone dry, then sprinkle the surface with some oil and let cool. Mine is to the point where you barely have to add any oil when cooking to make it non-stick.