These are my favorite products that assist in preparing healthy meals in an efficient manor. As mom that works full time my goal has been to develop cooking methods, strategies and recipes that provide meals prepared from scratch yielding high nutrient value, taste good and minimal preparation. I have passed these along to family, clients and friends over the years.
Breville Convection Toaster Oven : This is the most amazing kitchen appliance- it basically replaced my microwave oven (since no food should ever be cooked or warmed up in there due to the fact it completely denatures all food) almost 20 years ago. It is basically a turbo convection oven and since it’s small it heats up quickly to reheat leftovers, cook food, bake and broil. It can fit a good size tray to cook fries crispy- easy and fast to prepare bacon or sausage in the morning. I have a Wolf stove and I use this a lot because it is fast and easy to use, and the kids can make their own food in it. It is worth the price. The other less expensive brands are not the same quality and do not work as well.
Pots and Pans
All Clad Stainless Steel 4 Qt Fry Pan with Lid
All Clad Stainless Steel 10 inch fry pan with lid
This is a great multipurpose pan for sautéing small to moderate amounts of vegetables to preparing omelettes and eggs. I also reheat in a pan like this because it is quick and non toxic version instead of using a microwave oven.
All Clad Stainless Steel Steamer Insert
This is an amazing accessory that I use with my stainless steel 4 quart pot. This allows you to use the pan by itself or the steamer option. I have been using this for over 15 years and the quality is amazing. I use my steamer several times a week and the versatility of this combination is most functional.
All Clad Stainless Steel 3 Quart Sauce Pan
This is the most versatile sauce pan to use with the steamer insert, for boiling and heating up sauces.
This is great for making fajitas, tostadas, stir fry, fried rice and other one meal in a pan dishes. I recommend using coconut oil because it has a high smoking point so you can cook on a higher heat. The tempered glass lid is great to add a bit of steam for a bit to cook vegetables. This is heavy duty and very easy to clean…also does not need to be seasoned.
Essential Kitchen Tools
Rosle Garlic Press– I found this about 1 year ago when the heavy duty garlic press I got from our wedding registry actually broke. This one from Italy is far superior to any press I have ever used. More of the garlic clove is pushed through, leaving literally just the skin in the tray. It separates into 2 parts to make for easy cleaning- and the handle design is ergonomic and not to difficult to use. Less waste, easy to clean- it’s the best!
Well To BE 6 Blade Vegetable Slicer
This is the BEST vegetable slicer/spiralizer. I have broken 2 other Plastic ones. This is all stainless steel components and blades. East to turn… Must have kitchen item..
Global G -46 7 inch Santoku Knife
This is a very high quality Chef’s knife that is perfect for preparing most vegetables and meat. The blade is very sharp and the handle is ergonomic. I prefer this handle to the typical riveted wood handle. It is also much lighter weight and easier on your hand and forearm.
Global GS -90 5 inch Santoku Knife
Wow. This is another high quality knife that is probably in my “top 2″ ” go to knives. The handle is so comfortable and easy to use. The slightly shorter blade length is perfect size for my hand because it less tiring when I have more chopping to do. It glides through dense vegetables like a carrot and also cuts through bell peppers and onions without tearing it. I am pleasantly surprised how this knife literally feels like an extension of my wrist.
Global 6 inch Utility Scallop Serrated Knife
This is the most amazing knife. It slices with precision, especially tomatoes, bell peppers and pretty much any other vegetable. It also works well with meat. It is in my “top 2 list” of most used knives on a daily basis.
Jaccard Meat Maximizer/Tenderizer
This meat tenderizer with one press pierces 45 holes into the meat to tenderize it. I use it on my meat before I marinate so that it not only is more tender, but more flavorful. This will also help shorten marinating times to just a few hours.
Olive Wood Spatula this is food safe and and will not damage pans.
Stainless Steel Tongs very good for sautéing larger items or using on the grill
Due Buoi Wide Stainless Steel Spatula This is the most versatile sturdy spatula for use on top of a griddle cook top. Sturdy enough to cut through meat and also scrape to clean the griddle. Truly an essential if you have a griddle cook top. I have had mine for over 10 years and it is still as good as the day I bought it.
Cutco Peeler Absolutely the best peeler, sharp and ergonomic
Pampered Chef Mix and Scraper Spatula This is another amazing quality kitchen tool. It is made of silicone and can be used both hot and cold. It is amazing for baking or mixing items and is unbelievable at getting every last bit of mix out of a bowl or pan. It is also dishwasher safe. I have used many different “name brand” spatulas, but this has withstood many tests and many years of use.
Zojurishi Programmable Rice Cooker This Japanese rice cooker is absolutely amazing. It even makes sticky rice. I love that you can actually set a timer for a specific time to be finished. It is easy to use and makes the best rice.
Pyrex Storage Set I have been using various pyrex storage containers for over 20 years. I actually have the original colored mixing bowls from the 1960s. The clear glass storage containers come in circular and rectangle shapes in various sizes that stack inside each other for convenient storage. They are very durable and go from freezer to oven to fridge and also stack well in the fridge. I have needed to replace a few lids, but have been able to order them directly from pyrex online. Food should never be store in plastic because of the estrogens in the plastic. Glass is one of the best ways to store food and also works well in the oven. Even baked on food comes easily off the glass. Pyrex is the best!