My 14 Can’t-Live-Without Kitchen Tools

Hey my little chickens. I dedicate this post to all the cooks out there right now: the comfortable cooks, the nervous cooks, the “I never thought I’d be cooking” cooks…what a time, hm? I was busy giving myself a pasta steam facial the other day (what? just me?) when I couldn’t help by wonder: HOW ON EARTH ARE PEOPLE SURVIVING RIGHT NOW WHO CAN’T COOK? 

Quick background: While it feels like I came out of the womb with a microplane in one hand (ouch!) and a cast-iron skillet in the other (sorry mom, perhaps that was part of my 10 pounds 2 ounces upon birth?), I truly got bubblin’ when I discovered the show Good Eats. I know what I know today mostly because of Alton Brown.

You see, neither of my parents is a particularly enthusiastic cook, so most meals growing up were what we referred to as “plastic chicken” if my dad made it—frozen chicken thighs cooked so long they resembled the bag they originally came in—or “wait, what is this?” if my mom did—swapping vanilla yogurt for sour cream…welcome to my childhood. There were some redeemable moments, however: my dad can make the meanest rice and beans, a skill I’ve yet to master, and my mom’s arroz con salchichas and maduros (rice with vienna sausages and sweet fried plantains) will forever be my go-to comfort food. 

“To know me is to love me listen to me tell you about my potato peeler.”

Apart from that (and sure, a few other things), I had to take matters into my own hands. Fast forward several decades and making food, eating food, talking about food…anything that has to do with food, really, is a love affair. To know me is to love me listen to me tell you about my potato peeler and Staub collection. 

While I’m not going to take the time today to delve into the actual “art” of cooking (but for real though, does ANYONE want a video tutorial on homemade almond milk…still waiting for confirmation), what I do want to do is talk through some of the things in my kitchen that I would sacrifice my post-quarantine freedom for. The “things I’d grab in a fire” stuff. Basically, the tools in my arsenal I use each and every day that I’d recommend to anyone looking to upgrade from that black plastic “all-in-one kitchen kit” they bought back in freshman year of college.

I’m no expert, but if you’re a regular person who couldn’t even remotely begin to tell me who Alice Waters is, this post is for you and your kitchen. There are many, many other things I use regularly that I love, but I don’t want to keep you here all day. Feel free to hit me up on Instagram because I could talk about this all day.

Alright, let’s get cookin’ friends.

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Silpat: Probably 1/2 the week, I’m baking something on my half sheets (Google them, buy what you find with decent ratings) paired with my Silpats. They’re fault-less and never again will I scrub a cookie sheet. Perfect for cookies, potatoes, veggies, sausage…everything. BUY IT

Staub Cocotte: Hey there, good lookin’. I use this, oh, 5 times a week? This is the 4qt, which is great for a two-person household, but I’d size up to the 5.5 or 7 qt version if you have the budget and want more cooking space. This thing will last longer than I will. (Some colors here for $99!) BUY IT

End-Grain Cutting Board: Your knives are begging you for a wood cutting board, okay? They called and told me so. I prefer an end-grain board (as opposed to an edge-grain) because it’s better on your knives, is “self-healing” and, far less important, just looks better, IMHO. NEVER put it in the dishwasher, and make sure to oil it every now and then. BUY IT

Zwilling Knife Set: You do not need a whole knife block. I PROMISE. A good chef’s knife, ideally an 8″ and 6″, are all you need to get through all your chopping. A bread knife, paring knife and santoku are a great place to go from here if you’re ready to expand. I’ve had my Zwilling knives for 9 years, take horrible care of them, and they’re still solid. Definitely worth the investment. BUY IT

Microplane: Ah, the microplane I was born with. No, but really, this thing is wonderful for spices like nutmeg, ginger, garlic cloves, all kinds of citrus zest, and hard cheeses like parmesan. It’s the type of thing you’ll find yourself grabbing for far more than you ever thought possible. BUY IT

Williams Sonoma Glass Nesting Bowls: File these away in the “what on earth did I do before I had these” category. They’re microwave and dishwasher safe (thank goodness) and save a ton of space since they so perfectly stack into each other. I use them for EVERYTHING (including giant salads I eat all myself). BUY IT

Anchor Measuring Set: Aside from the fact that all the markings will eventually fade away if you put these in the dishwasher (handwash only), I’ll let it slide because these are so handy. Stack them into each other to store if you’re short on cupboard space. BUY IT

OXO Can Opener: I went through FOUR different “pretty” can openers before landing on this no-fuss perfect iteration. I’m done trying to get “good looking” kitchen tools, and you should be, too. Note: OXO makes fantastic…everything. BUY IT

OXO Salad Spinner: I spent most of my childhood eating salads complete with a puddle of watery ranch at the bottom. No more, folks. During quarantine, I’ve pulled this out every day to the point that Charles will 100% have salad spinner PTSD after all this is over. BUY IT

Williams Sonoma Strainer: If I had more room, I’d have multiple of these I use them so often. Sifter, bean strainer, pasta colander, kombucha slime eliminator…honestly so helpful. I’ve had this one in particular for years and I’ve put it through the wringer. Still in perfect shape. BUY IT

Dough Scraper: Another one of those things you think you don’t have much use for until you have one and then find yourself screaming WHERE IS MY BENCH SCRAPER twice a week while trying to transfer all those chopped veggies into your pan. Also great for biscuits (see Highlight Reel below for more info). BUY IT

KitchenAid Blender: Have I mentioned I make my own almond milk? No? PAY ATTENTION! This is the best blender for the price (under $100) I’ve found. It’s no Vitamix, but I don’t need that, really. This gets through nuts, ice, frozen fruits…never a rogue chunk at the bottom of your cup, promise. Plus, fun colors! BUY IT

Cuisinart Food Processor: Okay, I do not use this every day because it’s heavy and in a cabinet in my dining room, so it’s just a pain to get out, but I wish I could leave it out on my countertops because it’s so freaking good. It’s no-frills, but there’s a reason you’ll see most food peeps using it. BUY IT

OXO Peeler: The illustrious potato peeler. I mean…what can I say about my kitchen friend? It’s so sharp, you actually need to be careful (I’ve lost a few finger nail tips to this) but it gets through carrots, potatoes, cucumbers, BUTTERNUT SQUASH with ease. 💯 BUY IT

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