10 Things I Love In My Kitchen
For me, my kitchen is a sacred space. I love my kitchen. The kitchen is where our family comes together. I love to cook for my family and luckily, they all love to eat! Here are some things that I recommend for a great kitchen experience.
1. What’s For Dinner? blackboard
We’ve all been there. You put your grocery haul for the week in the fridge, and inevitably something gets pushed to the back and forgotten.
Maybe it was some green beans; maybe it was a bag of spinach. Whatever it was, you forgot about it because you couldn’t see it and now it’s gone bad. Money wasted.
I got tired of this happening, so I got a blackboard.
I started writing down everything we had by category: meats (with use-by date), dairy, fruits and veggies, fridge stuff (like dips or mac & cheese to bake), freezer items (think frozen pizza and frozen meals like chili and spaghetti sauce), other (breads, etc.) and leftovers (usually with date prepared).
Not only do we waste less food, but I’ve started cooking at home more, and we’ve been eating healthier. Win-win.
2. Cookbooks and cooking magazines
Almost as much as I like to cook recipes, I like to read them! I get that from my grandmother. She read cookbooks the way some people read novels.
As with all things, I have my favorites. In no particular order, they are:
The 4-Hour Chef by Timothy Ferriss. First Tim teaches you how to learn. Then he teaches you how to cook, survive and create. Then he teaches you how to be the best.
Martha Stewart’s Hors D’oeuvres Handbook. First published in 1999, these recipes are still as exciting and elevated as they were then. The beautiful photography is a bonus.
Everyday Food magazine from the kitchen of Martha Stewart Living. Unfortunately, this magazine is out of print but look for used copies. The seasonal recipes are quick, easy and delicious.
Party Receipts from the Charleston Junior League, 1993 edition. This was one of my mother’s cookbooks. It features recipes in all their delicious Southern goodness with a bit of the unexpected — for me anyway. (I’m looking at you, Dad’s Grilled Dove Breasts.
Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child. I jumped on the Julia Child bandwagon several years ago, and I’m so glad I did. The recipes are timeless, and you might just pick up a little bit of French along the way.
Cuisine At Home magazine. I have learned so much from this magazine. Every issue has new tips to learn and techniques to practice. The recipes are always delicious.
3. Drawers! Drawers! Drawers!
A few years ago, I had the good fortune to have what will probably be a once in a lifetime experience — I got to redesign my kitchen from the ground up. Seriously, we took it down to the studs and started over. (I don’t think this would have ever been possible if my father-in-law wasn’t a former cabinet maker who only charged me for materials!)
When it came to the cabinets, I knew immediately that I wanted drawers for most of my bottom cabinets. Why drawers? Two big reasons for me.
One. Everything is more accessible. Drawers pull all the way out so you can see the entire contents. Unlike having to dig under your cabinets and pull everything out to get to that one thing you need in the back.
Two. As someone with bad knees, I love that I can stand up and bend over to look in the drawers as opposed to having to get on the floor to see in the back of my cabinets.
I have drawers for everything. Dog food, trash/recycling, all cooking utensils (none are out on the counter!), wraps and plastic bags, pantry items, kitchen tools (think vacuum sealer, slow cooker, etc.), pots and pans, food storage containers. You name it. I probably have a drawer for it.
4. Pyrex
I collect Pyrex, but I also use my Pyrex. It brings me too much joy to only have it on display. I want to hold it in my hands. I want to see the bright colors while I prepare food for my family. My 20-month-old loves
If I had to pick my favorite pieces, I’d have to say my Butterprint 444, my Green Dot-Squares 444 and my red Hostess 525.
The red piece is particularly special. It belonged to my mother-in-law’s mother and was in pretty rough shape when it came to me. Luckily, I was able to give it some new life!
5. Plastic bins
Plastic bins are so useful in a kitchen. I use them in the fridge, the freezer
My fridge has bins for things we eat a lot of like yogurt, fruit
The bread bin, baby bin and candy box are in the pantry, and there is a meats bin in the freezer.
Keeping these few items contained has made a huge difference in the ease of access to our foods. This has decreased our food waste as well.
6. Bluetooth speaker
If you’re anything like me, you’re definitely in need of some tunes while you’re cooking away in the kitchen. And these days, your best option is a portable Bluetooth speaker. You can find cute ones like this in the $5 and under bins at Target!
7. Lazy Susans
My kitchen has a corner cabinet and in it is a Lazy Susan. At first, I wasn’t a fan, but I quickly learned that I just had to find the right use for it.
Spices did not work on the Lazy Susan. Spice jars are too small and I have too many of them. But the Lazy Susan is perfect for other cooking items such as oils, different kinds of vinegar, cooking wines, cooking sprays, sugars, flavor extracts, etc.
I also found that a Lazy Susan works wonderfully in our coffee station as well. It’s all about finding the proper use for some things.
8. Epicurean Pizza Cutter
We got an Epicurean Pizza Cutter as a wedding gift, and it’s seriously the coolest thing.
I dislike normal pizza cutters that roll back and forth dragging toppings with it. This one simply rocks from side to side to cut your pizza (or sandwich!) and wipes clean in seconds.
They make great gifts too!
9. Vacuum sealer
I love my vacuum sealer. It saves food and money! I was afraid it might be complicated to use, but it’s super easy. It’s only three simple steps: seal one end to make the bag, add your food to the bag, and vacuum and seal. That’s it.
I buy my meats in quantity (link to money-saving post) and vacuum seal before I freeze them. Doing this helps: cut down on freezer burn and food waste, save valuable freezer space and trim your food budget in the long run.
10. WellnessMats mat
Do your feet ever ache after you’ve been standing on a hard kitchen floor cooking dinner? Enter WellnessMats.
My brother gave me one of these for Christmas a long time ago. I still have it and use it and love it! I can definitely tell a difference if I don’t stand on it while cooking.
If you cook a lot, invest in one of these. Your feet will thank you.