Latest posts by Kumiko Ehrmantraut (see all)
- 7 Ways to Support Local This Holiday Season Without Breaking the Bank - October 14, 2021
Let's face it, after working a long day, finding time to spend in the kitchen can be hard. Less time cooking means more time for family, friends, and more time enjoying the things that make life worth living. Whether you're an expert chef or a beginner home cook, we all want to save more time in the kitchen. This doesn't always mean searching high and low for 30-minute meals or focusing on prepping the night before. Here are 6 essentials for a beautifully functioning kitchen that will save you time.
Hand Blender
Source: Life As A Strawberry
A great hand blender is a must in the kitchen. Not only does it not take up room on your countertops (which is great for small spaces) but it can also be used in a ton of different ways. These little compact machines can whip a lot more than just soups. They save you time and make clean up a breeze.
Slow Cooker
Source: Well Plated
My trusted crockpot is my go-to kitchen appliance. Aside from keeping my house cool during the summer versus using the stove, this essential is a great way to use leftover meats and veggies. Pour in a little broth, let it sit throughout the day, and you have a delicious soup waiting for you when you get home. It's also a great tool to use for freezing meals. Make big patches that can be easily heated for weeks to come.
Instant Read Thermometer
Source: Wayfair
Take the guess-work out of the kitchen. If you are cooking whole roasted turkeys or chickens, a reliable thermometer is a must. Most instant read thermometers will offer up a digital read within 7 seconds and are easy to use. Use this essential for baking bread, cooking meat, frying liquid, or even making candy.
Mandoline
Source: Serious Easts
A mandoline can completely transform your kitchen habits – with salads, burger toppings, salad ingredients, and so much more. Quickly slice your favorite root vegetables in a matter of minutes or even create your dream cheese board. Make sure to pick a mandoline that is good quality and has the proper safety mechanisms.
Rice Cooker
Source: Fit Foodie Finds
A busy mom can't live without a rice cooker. This is another essential for making big batches. Freeze your leftovers and use them for another dinner as a side dish. Freshen it up with some fresh peas or pureed sweet potatoes.
Food Processor
Source: The Kitchn – Emma Christensen
Make homemade, healthy peanut butter in a jiffy. This essential is the tool of all kitchen tools. It slices, purees, chops, and grinds. No kitchen is complete without a food processor. Use it to puree soups, prepare salsa, grind meat, and shred cheese without messing with a ton of other gadgets.
What are your favorite time-saving kitchen items that you can't live without?
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