Things Page Loves

Here is a list of things that I use most often in my kitchen and why I like them.  Between supportive family members and generous wedding gifts, I’ve been able to collect a good amount of kitchen supplies that help me do what I love to do!

1. Sharp knives.  There are lots of good brands out there, mine are Henckles Pro-S Series.  The cutlery I use most often are the 8 inch chef’s knife, the paring knife, the bread knife, and the steak knives.  Keep your knives sharp, it makes your prep time faster and they’re actually safer.

2. Good pots and pans.  I have a set of anondized Circulon, my favorites being the medium and large saute pans.  I chose the anondized surface both because they are easier to clean, and also because they allow me to use less fats when cooking. 

3. Cuisinart food processor.  Have you seen these things grate cheese?  Amazing!  I also love to throw in random ingredients and come up with sauces, dips, and dressings.

4. Stand mixer.  I got my Kitchen Aid mixer as a luxury Christmas gift a few years back and I don’t know what I ever did without it.  I use it for all sorts of things including mixing batter, whipping cream, and fluffing egg whites. 

4. Aprons.  And I have a few.  But I love them all and they keep my dinner party clothes clean while I prepare food for my guests. 

5. Medium and small (teeny tiny) whisks.  I use these to make cream sauces, de-clump dry ingredients for baking, blend salad dressings, and dissolve sugar in hot water.  Amongst other things.

 

6. Good mixing bowls.  My current favorite is a plastic (lightweight) 3-piece nesting set from Williams-Sonoma in bright green.  Not only does the color make me happy but they have a handle on one side of the bowl and a spout on the other for pouring. 

 

7.  Good measuring cups.  I have two sets for dry foods that I love:  the pop-up kind that are great space savers, and a classic stainless steel All-Clad set from Williams-Sonoma that let me get very exact with my measuring.  For liquids I like the Oxo 2-cup angled measring cup that allows you to read the measurements from above instead of squatting and turning your head upside-down every time.

8. A huge cutting board.  I like having a ton of space to work with when I’m chopping.  Glass is my least favorite simply because they make a lot of noise when you cut on them.

9. A good pepper grinder.  Because store bought ‘ground black pepper’ is just not the same as freshly ground peppercorns.

10.  Baking sheets for cookies.  I’ve mentioned before that I use the non-stick AirBake sheets but, no matter the brand, this style really makes a difference.  The air pocket between the top and bottom layers of aluminum ensures more even baking and lowers the temperature of the direct heat on your cookies.  I haven’t burnt the bottom of a cookie since I got these!

11. Reusable grocery bags.  I have RuMe bags (the ‘Spring in New York’ line) and I couldn’t be happier with them.  Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they are adorable and very well-designed.  They fit over your shoulder, can hold up to 50 pounds, are machine washable, and roll up to fit in a purse.

12. Sigg water bottles.  My husband and I each have one and we love them.  They are cheaper and more environmentally-friendly than using plastic water bottles, and they leave absolutely no taste in the liquid it holds.  My favorite to to take them with me when I travel and refill them at the water fountains in the airports.  Unlike plastic bottles, they are safe to refill, the water is free, and they aren’t disposed of after each use.