Shopping Guide

Official links to all of my favorite kitchen gadgets and tools! These are items that I've loved, tested and continue to use in my own kitchen. These are honest reviews and opinions.

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Cutting boards

I love having two available in case one is dirty the other is clean. It also comes in handy when I'm preparing a dish that has both meat and veggies to prevent cross-contamination, they each have their designated work space. These are dishwasher safe and very sturdy. While some say that the material dulls their knives faster, I haven't noticed that.

Knives

The bread knife is so comfortable in my hand it feels like an extension of my arm. Be one with the knife. This one in particular is so sharp, I accidentally took off the tip of my left thumb while slicing bread into croutons in a hurry. Yikes! The chef's knife is a simple one that I use for literally everything! No really, from veggies to meat, slicing, dicing and chopping. I don't actually own a paring knife. I also love that it comes with its own sharpener/protective cover. I don't feel as bad throwing my knives through the dishwasher and dulling.

Pots and pans

A good quality and well seasoned cast iron skillet has so many uses! When I originally bought my pan, I went on a search for the silicon handle covers, so I love that these come in a bundle to save my precious palms. As far as everyday skillets and pots, I prefer to use a non-stick option. The lids being universal and fitting both the pot and pan was important to me since living in a tiny apartment doesn't give me much room to store things. The riveted handle was something my mom pointed out when I was making my decision between these and another Farberware set. The screw on handle doesn't seem to last as long.

Utensils

My absolute favorite set of tongs come in a short and long version. Great for flipping things that are frying and popping you with hot oil. The locking handle makes it great for storing and laying on a spoon rest and not dripping juices all over the counter. The peeler head swivels with the curves of the veggie (how sexy, food porn much?) so you don't have to make as many passes getting the peel. I can't say enough how much I love the OXO comfort grip handles! The ice cream scoop of my dreams! It is perfect for measuring cupcake and muffin batter! Finding rubber spatulas that were one solid piece was a task for me several years ago and now they're more common. The head used to pop off the handle and stick in whatever I was stirring. These are a solid construction and really do get every nook and cranny in the bowl. A whisk that doesn't punish your hand while your arm gets exhausted. Finally. The basting brush necessary for any good Thanksgiving turkey and brushing on egg wash or sauces. It doesn't fray or shed like traditional brushes.

Serving dishes

All white serving dishes, to me, let food shine and be the centerpiece. It is what I came for, is it not? Gravy boats are great to use for sauces too. The oval platter was a Thanksgiving purchase but is wonderful to use year round for other roasts. Square patters are very modern and chic, perfect for appetizers!

Bakeware

Sheet pans for cookies, one pan dinners. Clear pie pans for pies, quiches and cheesecakes. These are tempered glass so they don't easily break and I love being able to spy on the underside of my crusts to check for doneness. Do you know this muffin pan? It lives in my cabinet...and my oven. Two bite breakfast? Manageable sized muffins? Perfect cupcakes? Check!