Hi there, how the heck are you all doing? I don’t know about you, but I have been doing some truly shocking thinking this past week, like, holiday prep thinking. I’m sure you are all screaming at your screens, “How can you not be thinking about the upcoming festivities, it’s the middle of October?” Well, my friends, I am a hardcore take-each-season, month, holiday-at-a-time kind of gal. I am not dreaming of PSLs in August, side note: I’m never dreaming of those, to be honest. I know I'm few and far between! Or shopping for Christmas before December, which means, I am sometimes…ahem…often scrabbling to get it all organized. I read somewhere that procrastination fuels creativity, so I’m going with that.
Since the weather outside has been mostly awful, and I’ve been procrastinating other things in my life, ie: kitchen remodel, I’ve done a little sliding down my dreamy kitchen rabbit hole to put together a list of my favorite cooking equipment that just makes me so happy to use and will brighten up anyone's kitchen space even if it’s just for show, no cooking required! Since we have some looming events that tend to be geared around food coming at us at a comet speed, I thought I would bring you along on my journey so your future self can be just as delighted when you step into your kitchens to prepare any celebratory feast.
Some of these items might seem a little extravagant, and I’m no Therapist, but I subscribe to the wisdom of “Treat Yourself” making life's little doldrums more manageable. Obviously, purchase responsibly!!! And, if you want to share the love, these make great gifts.
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10. Cuisinart Double Belgian Waffle Maker: This is the best Belgian Waffle maker I have used. It makes two waffles at a time. Has different doneness settings so your waffles turn out to your liking every time, and it makes you feel like you are in a professional kitchen, it’s just fun!
9. Dansk Købenstyle Casserole: Dansk cookware just makes me happy. I love the mid-century, sleek Scandinavian look. I was first introduced to these by my dear friend Joe, as we scoured thrift shops looking for vintage pieces. But you can get brand-new pieces in modern colors. These look great in your kitchen and conduct heat really well with enamel-coated steel.
8. GreenPan Reserve Nonstick Skillets: OK, you will not find your everyday nonstick pan in my kitchen, that’s a story for another day, but I do like the GreenPan. I was given one of these and was skeptical, but with all the people using my pans at my house, I thought one I wasn’t obsessed with would be great. Boy, I was wrong. It is great! It’s ceramic coated and cleans up like a dream.
7. Emile Henry Classic French Ceramic Pie Dish: These are as lovely to look at as they are functional. You probably need one for every pie you must bake! And, they look great on your dinner table or buffet.
6. Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Gooseneck Pour-Over Kettle: I don’t know if you are noticing a theme here, but I really love things that look beautiful out on my kitchen counter but also perform exceptionally well, and the Stagg Pour-Over Kettle does just that. I have it in white like most things in my kitchen. I love the temperature setting so you can get the exact water temp for tea or a coffee pour over.
5. Staub Cocotte: I fell in love with Staub when I was still in the restaurant era of my career working the line at Lark in Seattle. Matte black enamel-coated cast iron, that is durable yet just as beautiful to go from stove to table. I have used other Dutch ovens in the past and nothing compares to these.
4. Staub Multi-Use Braiser With Glass Lid, 3.5QT: Again, my beloved work-horse Staub. This multi-use braiser is just as its name implies, versatile for searing, sauteing, and braising. I use this pan almost every day, and love the glass lid that lets you see what is happening on the inside without lifting the lid.
3. Stackable Bodega Glasses: These are the best glasses ever…I swear on it. I need to find some wood to knock on, but I’m pretty sure we’ve had a set for somewhere in the 5-year range and have not broken one! They come in many different sizes and we use them for everything from wine, and cocktails, to water and juice. Love that they stack and really love the sleek profile.
2. Vitamix: I know there are all sorts of blenders out there, but there really is no comparison to this professional mainstay. If you have never used a Vitamix before you will be amazed at how smooth and silky sauces, soups, and smoothies can be. You won’t be disappointed, or need to replace your blender anytime soon!
1. Vermicular Musui-Kamado Cast-Iron Induction Cooker: And finally, my very favorite piece of equipment is this beautiful induction cooker from Japan. It is modern and lovely to look at and also so versatile. The rice cooking function on this beauty is amazing. They have done all the science to perfect the exact ratio of washing, soaking, and measuring your rice and water for fluffy rice every time that is just perfection. Besides that, it also braises, and sears, and the Dutch oven can also be used on your regular stovetop and oven. It’s a definite splurge, but well worth the expense.
Now go get yourself a treat and one for your bestie!