Thanks so much for your well wishes for my Grandpa this morning! I will be sure to pass along your kind words. Oh were the tears flowing when my mom read through the comments…she was very touched.
I thought it would be fun to change it up a little today and show you some of my most-used kitchen tools. They are tried, tested, and true and I find myself using most of them on a daily basis, or just about. All of the following items have been purchased by myself or were gifts from family members, just in case you were wondering if this was some kind of sketchy product placement or something!
My Most-Used Kitchen Tools
1) The Cookbook Stand.
I don’t know how I ever got by without my cookbook stand! I would say that 90% of the cookbooks I own do not lay flat on the counter, making this stand very helpful when following a recipe. For many years I used to wedge my cookbooks under heavy objects only to have them come flying up and close on me. Then I discovered that I could buy a cookbook stand for about $6 and it would not only hold my book upright, but it would also protect the pages from stains. Score. There are a wide array of cookbook stands on the market to suit every budget and need. I think I purchased this at Benix & Co., but you can also find nice Bamboo ones at Indigo, among other places.
2) Spurtle
I’ve been kicking it old school with my awesome Spurtle. A spurtle is a Scottish stirring stick often used for stirring oatmeal, porridge, and soup. I have grown quite fond of using it when I make oatmeal! You can find this Spurtle at Lee Valley for under $5.
3) Bamboo Spoon
I use my Bamboo spoon the most when making soups, stews, sauces, and chili. I purchased this Bamboo spoon at Crate & Barrel. For some odd reason, I find it very comforting.
4) Pink Spatula
I use this spatula every single day in my kitchen. It is highly flexible, durable, and great for scraping down the side of a bowl. I got it at Goulda’s Kitchen.
5) Microplane Zester
I tend to zest a lot of citrus fruits and the Microplane zester never lets me down. It has a super long blade that grates in both directions for quick zesting and it is also useful for shaving chocolate, spices (like cinnamon sticks or nutmeg), and cheese too.
6) My Cookbook Collection
My favourite cookbooks are never far from reach and I often find myself leafing through the pages on the couch at night or whenever I am looking for recipe inspiration. I hope to do a post on my favourite cookbooks in the near future too.
7) Spoon Stand
First the cookbooks need a stand and now the damn spoon too?! Why, yes they do. If you happen to bake with a lot of sticky or syrupy liquids (think- brown rice syrup), a spoon stand is very helpful for containing the mess. I use my spoon stand everyday in the bakery. You can purchase this one at Benix & Co.
8.) The Vita-Mix
I’ve often said that I have two children: Sketchie and my Vita-Mix.
Actually, I never say that, but I think I might start.
After 2 years of Green Monster making, I finally saved up enough to buy myself a Vita-Mix. The price tag surely hurts, but I didn’t regret my purchase for a minute and I use it 6-7 days a week. I also occasionally bring it for walks in the backyard.
I was also happy to find that it *just* fit underneath my cabinet…
9) Mixing Bowls
Pretty mixing bowls make me one happy baker. I am very fond of the large mixing bowl on the right that was originally Eric’s grandma’s bowl. I buy bright and colourful kitchen tools whenever possible because they really do make the experience more enjoyable!
10) Bodum Loose Leaf Tea Pot
I have gushed about my love for this Bodum Loose Leaf tea pot many times and my love for it continues to grow. It represents a calming daily ritual in my life. The Rudolph cup, from Whole Foods, gets an honourable mention too. It will carry me through until Spring!
11) A Chef’s Mat
A gift from my mother-in-law, this Chef’s Mat has eliminated the horrible heel pain that I used to suffer from after spending long hours on the slate floor. The Chef’s mat is very soft with a gel-like interior and I always make sure to stand on it whenever I am spending long days in the kitchen. You can find this Chef’s mat at Costco.
12) Silpat
I received this Silpat at Christmas and it has quickly become one of my favourite kitchen tools that I own. It is amazing for a non-stick surface when rolling dough or lining a baking sheet.
13) Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
The Kitchenaid stand mixer lives up to its stellar reputation and more. I even polished off the flour just for this photo shoot!
14) Water & Vinegar and Eco-cleaners
One of my goals last year was to stop buying cleaners filled with harsh chemicals. I have been testing a bunch of eco-friendly products and I really enjoy not having to breathe in a bunch of chemicals when I clean. I am very fond of water and vinegar too. It is the only thing I use to clean my hardwood floors.
15) Mason/Bell Jars
Mason jars are cropping up just about everywhere these days and for a good reason- they are highly functional and country chic. I love filling my jars with nuts, chia seeds, and granola, using them for smoothies, foodie gifts, and even as pen holders at my desk. The options are endless! Mason jars are also a great way to cut back on all that plastic. I purchased a dozen one-litre jars for about $10 at Canadian Tire.
16) Wusthof knives
My heart went all a flutter for these Wusthof knives- a 20cm Chef’s knife and a 9cm paring knife have made my life much easier.
You are probably surprised not to see any measuring cups on my list. While I use measuring cups daily, I am still on a quest for the perfect set of measuring cups. Any suggestions?
What are your favourite kitchen tools? Anything on your wish list?
love the list…I rely on a lot of the same items…but I really need to invest in a cookbook holder…i can identify all too well with the “wedging a book under something heavy” scenario! :(
can’t wait to see your “favorite cookbooks” list soon!
love,
cathy b. @ brightbakes
A ton of your favorites are mine too! I could not live without my kitchenaid mixer or pretty mixing bowls! I also lived without a spoon stand for a few months – NEVER AGAIN!
I’m reeeally needing a cookbook stand!
Hey Angela,
Love this post, and seeing your great tools.
I have completely taken chemicals out of the house and recently discovered amazing products from Norwex (www.norwex.com). My cleaning time has been cut in half, the cloths for cleaning the windows/mirrors are amazing and never leave a single streak.
No, I don’t work for them or have any association with the, just thought I would share!
I really want to get a cookbook stand too, but was never sure I’d use it much. Sounds like you use yours a ton, so I think I’ll get one soon!
Hope your Grandfather is doing better, glad to hear it’s looking up!
Rachel
Thanks! I will also check our Norwex :)
I am drooling with envy over your kitchen tools! I do have a Vitamix, so I’m super happy about that, but I would love some of the other stuff you have. No suggestions on the measuring cups – mine are just lame plastic ones. I want nice metal ones.
I basically need ALL of your list! Especially the chef’s mat. My feet hurt most nights after standing in the kitchen for so long!
Wow that little wooden stirring stick thingy looks like so much fun :P And I wish I had a chef’s mat too! No wonder you love being in the kitchen so much, you have all these adorable tools!!
Thank you for opening my eyes to the spurtle! Never seen/heard of it. :) Where do you find these things?!?!
Gotta admit. The VitaMix is amazing. A day doesn’t go by that I don’t use mine.
It is from Lee Valley :) And makes fluffy oats…I love it.
voila! http://www.leevalley.com/en/gifts/page.aspx?c=&p=58550&cat=4,104,53214&ap=1
I need a cookbook stand like that. I always end up trying to balance two heavy cans on each side of the cookbook. It doesn’t work very well. :-(
One of my favorite pastimes is lounging on the couch, looking through my vegan cookbooks. And if I’m not at home, I’m at the bookstore perusing their selection.
Oh man… I NEED those knives! so badly! I’m waiting until mine kick the bucket.
and this is a perfect reminder that i’m supposed to pick up a spoon rest/stand next time i’m out1 Thanks! This was uber helpful =)
xoXOxo
Jenn @ Peas & Crayons
This is a great post! I’ve never heard of a spurtle before, but you can be sure that an AVID oatmeal maker and lover like me will definitely be purchasing one in the near future, as well as a spatula/spoon stand. Awesome ideas.
I love my OXO measuring cups, but really I don’t know the difference between a good set and a poor set. Mine are stainless steel and pretty, therefore are better in my mind than plastic measuring cups. Stainless steel > plastic, yes.
Chemex, my rainbow wooden spoon is my favorite, but it goes w/ a slew of other wooden/bamboo spoons I’ve purchased from art fairs over the years, tongs, KitchenAid stand mixer, Le Creuset dutch & french oven & pumpkin shaped pot, silpat, jars & more jars, cookbook stand (It’s actually a stand for a Bible or Koran, please forgive me if this is offensive to you, i’m a deeply spiritual person and have used it for my Bible at times, but it’s simply beautiful and was a gift from a friend and i love it.), blendtec, and my hands for measuring & mixing, colorful set of ceramic knives & cutting boards (1 specifically for garlic & onion cutting and another for everything else).
After looking at your list I now need/want a spurtle. Thanks for sharing, what a fun post.
I’m totally in love with this post! I love the spoon stand and I’m in need of a cookbook stand like crazy! Hopefully I’ll be able to get everything on this list soon, well maybe not everything lol
I have never seen a spoon stand!
My problem is that I use about 20 spoons when I cook something. I always misplace the spoon and in a rush, just grab another one! If I had a stand… maybe I would avoid all that dish washing afterward.
A spoon stand. That is what I want. Brilliant! (and totally agree with you on the Vitamix. I’ve had mine for 5 years and I use it at least 3 times a day)
Someone’s got a major case of vitamix jealousy (aka….ME!)
I seriously need to get my hands on one of those mighty machines! Someday…..
A lot of these are my faves too, however I love my pasta pot as I use it to steam veggies quite often! It is huge and fits an abundant amount of greens :)
I have that second child of yours on my wish list!! Very soon baby!
xxoo
What is a pasta pot Kris>? Im intrigued…
A pasta pot is a really deep pot that has a strainer that sits in it. So when you finish cooking your pasta you just pull out the strainer. I love mine. I also love my Wok.
Totally agree on many of these… I would add our tea kettle and coffee maker (this makes me seem like a caffeine-addict! I promise, I’m not :))… we are also getting into cast iron items more and more as well. Happy Monday!
My Vita Mix is absolutely positively my favorite kitchen tool. I use it at least once and day and up tp 4 times a day on the weekends. I can’t imagine life without it anymore and when I am away from it (trips and stuff) I cry. Boo-hoo!
I just got some bamboo spoons for christmas and a food processor! I’m very excited to use both. :-)
Love the list! I’m saving for my Kitchen Aid, I’m dying for one!
I got a fantastic cookbook stand for Christmas which immediately became one of my favourite cooking items! I’m also in desperate need of a spoon holder…
Thank you for this list. I would love to have a Vita mixer! I’m curious which food processor you use and if you would recommend it? I’m in the market for one and any recommendations would be much appreciated!
I have a 12 cup Kitchenaid food processor and I am *fairly* happy with its performance, but I have not tried a FP that I have been swept away by yet…
Thank you for your response! I am also looking at the Kitchenaid, but in a 7-cup version. Our counter space is limited, and it took a lot of convinicing for that size! heh.
The vita mix is definitely on my wish list! My favorite kitchen tools include wooden spoons, mixing bowls, breakfast pan and immersion blender.
What is a breakfast pan?
http://www.starfrit.com/Products/kitchen/COOKWARE/Ceram-Eco/Starfrit/Eco%20Breakfast%20Pan/30075.aspx?sc_lang=en
It is a non-stick pan with low edges (very useful for pancakes).
oh nice, thanks!
I got an electric skillet for Christmas and I’m in love with the thing. I thought I’d only use it the odd time we have bacon or pancakes, but I’ve used it an average of 3X a week since Xmas to cook up quick dinners for the hubby and I. It heats up fast, clean up is a breeze, and best of all, I don’t have to gunk up the inside of my newly cleaned oven!
That cookbook stand is now on my wish list along with a tofu press and some new and cute aprons. I love kitchen gadgets and I would give anything for a Vitamix. I guess I need to start saving my pennies!
ahhh how did I forget about my aprons? im a disgrace! hehe
Great list! I love peaking in other people’s kitchens and seeing what tools they like.
Thanks for the pointers. I definately need a cook book stand. Love my VitaMix! I need a cover for my laptop since I am dragging it into my kitchen with me all the time haha.
mmm i think i need a flour cover for my laptop…
I love this post too! I have to say that I finally tried a GM yesterday and LOVED IT.
I also see that you have the PW cookbook on your shelf. I want to buy it but I fear nothing is vegan or veg-friendly in there! What have you found when looking through it?
You are right- there isnt much veg friendly at all…I mainly bought it because it is a beautiful cookbook and I love looking at her beautiful photography. I also bought it so I could try veganizing some recipes, but I wouldnt say that I am able to *use* it much. Her pico de gallo and guac is AMAZING though.
I think everything you mentioned is on my wish list! Although the most coveted would be the Kitchenaid. It was on my Christmas list, but Santa reminded me that I need my own place first…
I just got a Kitchenaid Stand Mixer for Christmas and have used it everyday since! I can’t imagine my life without it now. My parents are getting thank yous via fresh bread.
I didn’t know the stirring stick had a name but I love mine *and* will now be using the word ‘spurtle’ in conversation as much as possible.
You have the most beautiful kitchen tools
I think my most used kitchen tool is my Magic Bullet!
I wasn’t able to comment this morning, but your Grandpa is in my prayers. I am so happy that he’s making a recovery. You must get your determination and strength from him :)
My favorite kitchen tool is definitely my OXO vegetable peeler. I eat english cucumbers like a crazy person and I use it all the time! Plus, my mom still thinks I’m going to cut myself using a regular paring knife (even though I’m 27), so it makes her happy too.
Thanks Maria! I have an OXO peeler too and it is lovely
I desperately need a cookbook stand, thought I rarely use a cookbook. I would still like to have one though!
You’ll have to add Happy Herbivore’s new vegan cookbook to your collection!! She’s awesome (and a friend of mine!) :)
You should do the corollary: Kitchen Tools I Never Use
haha I was thinking about that….but worried I would offend those that gave me them as gifts…
Spoon stand? That is the best idea ever!! I get so annoyed with the mess I always make with gooey spoons.
I hope your grandfather continues to do well! I understand what you are going through, my grandfather was sick and passed away on Boxing day, it was really really hard.
Wow, what a great list of tools! I actually own like….none of them! Love the cookbook and spoon stand, those are things I would really like to purchase.
Im sorry to hear about your grandfather’s passing. Thank you for your positive wishes!
As a fellow canuck I love seeing No Name brand items on your blog :)
hehe…I love No Name!
A cook book stand is such a good idea! So simple yet I had never thought about it!
I use my Vitamix daily! I would love a kitchen aid mixer too. And a cookbook stand. And a spoon rest. My mom has all these things, and never cooks. So unfair!
I just bought myself a Henckles santoku knife that I can’t imagine life without.
I think you should go shopping in your mom’s kitchen…heh
Enjoyed this post Ange. I too use my vita mix nearly everyday. Such a great piece of equipment. Some of my favorite items I use in my kitchen everyday are:
1) french press (wish I had the stainless steal version)
2) white ceramic measuring spoons (I am with you on measuring cups…)
3) stainless steal copco tea kettle
4) sounds weird, but my plate cover for the micro so food doesn’t go all over it
5) wooden spoon, very similar to yours
I love your list!!! I definitely need to invest in a cookbook stand! None of my cookbooks lie flat!
I just got my very first blender. It’s not as awesome as a vita mix, but I sure do like it.
Instead of measuring cups, I use my trusty kitchen scale and my mixing bowl. It makes my life so much easier. No need to get a bunch of cups dirty. The weight in grams is often listed on the back right with the measuring cups.
I definitely need a cookbook stand! I always end up with food all over my cookbooks from being on the counter while I’m prepping. The spoon stand seems like a great investment as well. I’m always such a mess in the kitchen!
LOVE this list. And very envious of your vitamix!! And a chef’s mat is on my wish list! Have a great week. (and still sending get well thoughts your way for your Grandpa, hope he continues to get better!)
Thanks Roz!
I hardly ever use it…. but I LOVE my cherry pitter. Ironic, since my parents gave it to me for a recipe I can’t make anymore since I went vegan…. but I’m sure I’ll find new uses for it! :-)
I just got a cherry pitter for Xmas! Cant wait to try it out in the summer
Love the list!! FYI The beet bundt cake is not very good…
haha really??? I was wondering! Why did you not like it? Too beety?
Very beety in a a not so good way. The chocolate-beet combo was a weird flavor..
I couldn’t live without my magic bullet.
p.s. I just got a waffle iron for Christmas….got any delicious waffle recipes comin’ my way??
Hmmm Ive made waffles on the blog once…let me see if I can find it
Oh! I forgot! I LOVE my lime/lemon juicer like this one-
http://www.foodnetworkstore.com/ProductDetail.aspx?R=187032&ccaid=FNFROOG187032
Works like a charm!
I have a very similar lemon squeezer!