As I get back into cooking, I’m struck by what tools make the process easy for me. Here are a few things I’ve been relying on lately.
Slow-cooker
I use this at least once a week. While I can’t count on having time to prepare a multi-course meal, I can usually find time to put ingredients into the slow-cooker and walk away. On Sundays I’ll make a batch of steel-cut oats with almond milk, although the fruits vary from week to week. I take this to work, reheat, and add walnuts for an easy, affordable, healthy breakfast. The one thing I’d change? My slow-cooker doesn’t have a timer function.
Electric kettle
I grew up with stovetop whistling tea kettles, and kept using them for most of my adult life (so far). But a few years ago I got a countertop electric kettle, and I like it so much better. It heats up faster and doesn’t take up a burner on the stove.
Blender
I don’t use this a lot–but Mr. Sandwich doesn’t care for chunky tomatoes, so the blender ensures that sauces are smooth. I also like the immersion blender my brother and sister-in-law gave me a few years ago; while I started using it to make Baguette’s baby food, it’s terrific for blended soups. It doesn’t fill all needs–I could probably use a Cuisinart, but right now I’m not sure where I’d store it in between uses. I’ll get one when I figure that out.
Trader Joe’s Pop-Up Sponges
Cleaning up is part of the cooking process, after all. They last better than mass-market sponges and take longer to get smelly, and they just feel better in my hand. I started buying this type of sponge from Williams-Sonoma, but the ones at Trader Joe’s are much, much cheaper. And apparently they’re compostable, too.
What about you? What are your favorite kitchen appliances and tools?
I love our electric kettle, too! It is my go to solution when our stupid electric stove just will not boil water fast enough.
My other favorite kitchen thing is my handheld mixer, because it makes it easier to make yummy creamed soups. I have a recipe for cream of zucchini soup that doesn’t actually have any cream in it (the “cream” is provided by potatoes) and is soooo yummy. Also fast enough to make in my 20-30 minute dinner making window.
I feel like I have a handheld mixer somewhere. My stand mixer is easier for me to use for most of the things I use the mixer for, but I can’t imagine I would have gotten rid of the handheld
That immersion blender is the best thing ever! Just got one for Christmas and am loving it. Debating whether a stand mixer is really for us – and worth the space in my now way too full kitchen. Need to know about these pop up sponges – no Trader Joe’s near us. And slow cookers rule. Period.