![an open [sketch]book](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HdD3YzhuCut1ArE3LmNgh0RGlDpbiE9u8cZTYWBXFnk0q-bn0wh2u9g-7UuX2W8k9gFhOOOvmJuE9QrkK10wVGdhGoyhooDoOwvKjA3NzFrqEZeOSIjysj7-w4QsSvhpUc_g/s1600/aos_2020logo_banner_blog.jpg)
So, I'm in the process of changing my ways...and earning the nickname 'Baby Crocker' from Edgar. Three things have really helped.
Number 1 : The Crockpot
I've always enjoyed the turn-a-shoe-into-a-filet-mignon-quality of this fine piece of kitchenware...but now that I work exclusively from home, I love to smell dinner all day long.
Number 2 : A Cute Apron
Do I really need it? Probably not. Does it make me feel like I know what I'm doing. It certainly does.
Number 3 : A Glorious Breadmaker
I've been baking bread like a machine....or rather my machine has been baking bread like a machine. Regardless, I love it, Edgar loves it, the two babies-to-be love it....and perhaps more than anyone, Pokey and Reilly love it. No treat would ever encourage them to come back in from a sniff outside the way a pinch of freshly baked bread crust can. I think they might be addicted.
Any other tools of the kitchen you'd recommend?!?
19 comments:
I would recommend a little food processor or blender for smoothies and or pureeing soups. I love mine. And after the baby comes, throwing yogurt and fruit into a blender may be the only way you'll get good nutrition for a few months!
PS - I wish crockputs and bread machines came in those prints!
I love kitchen utensils!! They always seem to have some odd shae that makes them seem otherwordly to me! Potato masher? apple corer? those are some of my favorites to use.
P.S. My best friend bought me a apron for a housewarming gift a few years ago.. I laughed... but it really does give you that "serious business in the kitchen" aura!
I would strongly recommend a KitchenAid mixer! You can bake cakes, blend dough ... everything with it! And you can buy attachments that let you make all sorts of pastas and juices. Definitely a good investment. I LOVE mine.
"I've always enjoyed the turn-a-shoe-into-a-filet-mignon-quality of this fine piece of kitchenware"
hahahaha. You're extra clever lately.
I would recommend a cookbook called Simply in Season (green, spiral bound)--really good recipes that are easy and healthy! I'm something of a simple cook myself and this is my absolute favorite book because people think I'm a cooking genius!
A Zojirushi rice maker (the Japanese style) - The are really, really handy. wash the rice, put in water and hit a button. Exactly my style of cooking.
cute oven gloves Suzanne help ease the pain :) Check out these ones from Dutch design company very popular over here - and very girly!!
http://www.blond-amsterdam.nl/#/en/products/browser/1/0/detail/114
Y'all are great!!!! LOVING the suggestions! Now, I just need some more counter space.
Tim--I do what I can!
Eileen--Thanks for such an inspiring link. I LOVE the products!!!!
Keep the ideas coming!
I just got a crockpot for Christmas so I have been cooking more too! My husband is happy and it really is easy.
Next up for us using the "Artisan bread in five minutes a day" book. I have been hearing great things about it.
my kitchen tools consist of a skillet and a spatula... so there's not much inpiration there.... but i am dying over your vintage fabric illustrated cookware! If only they sold them in prints like that... i'd have to spring for a collection.
I like my pastry blender, which I bought specifically for my favorite scone recipe. Just a stupid little $5 gadget for cutting butter into flour, but it does its job oh so well. As a matter of fact, my roommate uses it for making biscuits, and I may have to search her for it when she moves out.
I will never change my attitude about cooking & we have a crockpot & bread machine. Lol. But I believe that if anything would maybe help me it would definitely be a cute apron!
A hand blender! I love using mine for homemade soups and applesauce.
http://www.cuisinart.com/products/hand_blenders/csb-77.html
-Joy
I don't know that anything beats the crock-pot, even Corey loves to cook with it. However, i do believe my favorite appliance would be the handy dandy waffle maker, yummmm, and i have a feeling your boys will love them too.
See now i want waffles
I came from a line of microwavers, so cooking wasn't a big priority until after the boys came along. When we moved here and I wasn't working full time, I cooked for budget reasons first, entertainment second. Now it's switched around - I love to cook!
My favorite tool is my 5.5 quart cast iron enamel cookpot. Got it on amazing sale and have used it for everything from soup to roasts. I love it because I can sear the meat on the stovetop and then toss it into the oven for an hour and a half, and I look like a genius when dinner's ready.
Same principal as crock pot, but I don't have to think a full eight hours ahead of time - because I'm a Last Minute Louise, this is a good go-to.
Have fun!
I love (LOVE) my crockpot, and yes, having a cute apron makes a huge difference. I had to give away my breadmaker two moves ago and am still missing it. You seem to be on the right track.
As a total kitchen gadget geek, I also suggest: whatever fun OXO gadgets catch your eye, a good set of knives, one of those high-temp resistant silicone spatulas (I use mine almost daily), a nice spoon rest, pretty/fun/handsome towels, pretty/fun/handsome oven mitts (I'm quite smitten by mine --> http://thefridgedoor.blogspot.com/2006/02/puppy-love.html), and lots and lots of fresh produce/herbs.
Have fun!
http://www.amazon.com/Americas-Kitchen-Cookbook-Heavy-Duty-Revised/dp/193361501X
This is seriously my bible. Hundreds of delicious recipes and it teaches you how to cook :)
Definitely grab a silicone spatula and a food processor. The food processor can be a small one. You will use it to make your own baby food (no need to buy pre-made packaged items). The one item I wish I had is an apple corer/slicer. The girls love apples and it is an easy and cost effective way to make a lot of baby food without the hassle of peeling/coring by hand. You can find them for less than $20. Don't forget, with your bread machine, you can make the dough and transfer to other containers for baking. Recently, I have been making lots of rolls for mini sandwiches/sliders. Yum!
Lovely illustrations!! You should start to produce this fabric appliances. I would be you best costumer :D
/Inger Carina
Post a Comment