We are now on week 4 of our Stay at Home order and one of the biggest things that I have had to adjust for is how much I have to cook now!
I’ve always loved to cook but, I just never felt like I had the time to cook. Now that I do have more time, I’ve realized how much I have leaned on some kitchen appliances to make my life easier and wanted to share my list of essential kitchen tools that all busy moms need!
Cookware & Small Appliances
Dutch Oven
I’ve used the dutch oven for years now and I don’t know what I’d do without it! I make stews, curries, pasta and even french fries in it. Everything cooks easily in it and never burns. It is easily one of my most used tools in my kitchen!
Instant Pot
I jumped on the instant pot train a few years ago but I didn’t really fully appreciate it until recently. I cook so much in it and love that it can cook things so quickly!
I use it as a rice cooker as well which is so nice because you can have perfectly cooked, fluffy rice in about 15 minutes. Much faster than a traditional rice cooker!
Nespresso Vertuo
I just had to add the Nespresso here. Even though it’s not going to help you cook, it will help you get through your day! I love having fresh hot coffee any time of the day so having this at home definitely beats going out to coffee all the time.
Egg Cooker
If your kids love hard boiled eggs like mine do, this is worth the purchase! Yes, you can cook hard boiled eggs in the instant pot but I don’t always have the instant pot handy in the kitchen (I put it away when it’s not in use) and it’s annoying to take in and out just to cook eggs. This egg cooker is small and so easy to use. You can even make poached or scrambled eggs with it!
Vitamix
My trick for getting my kids to eat greens is in smoothies. I can hide all sorts of stuff in their smoothies that they deem delicious. The Vitamix is a great blender that blends everything beautifully and quickly. I also make acai bowls for them with it and they just love acai bowls!
Cookbooks
I like to use cookbooks rather than recipes found on the internet as I don’t like to have my phone/ipad in the kitchen. I’d rather just look at a book and see that I’m following the directions. I’ve gone through quite a few cookbooks but here are my top 3 that I can always rely on to make a delicious meal for my family.
The best cookbooks for quick and delicious meals
Cook it in your dutch oven – super easy to follow and lots of variety.
The Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook – I should warn you that there are no pictures, however this is one of the best instant pot cookbooks I’ve used. I trust all the recipes and have never had on let me down!
Skinnytaste – So I wouldn’t say that these are super easy but if you are a foodie and want to cook really great tasting dishes but made in a healthy way, this is the cookbook for you!
Small tools for the kitchen
Silicone Lids
I use these lids a lot. They are great to cover your food in the microwave or to throw over a pot when you can’t find the right lid (I swear our lids never fit our pans!) Super easy to wash and helps prevent food from splattering everywhere!
Garlic Press
If you love garlic as much as I do, a good garlic press is 100% worth it. I like this one as it’s easy to press but also really easy to clean.
Meat Thermometer
I’m super weary of undercooking my meat so I always use my meat thermometer when I cook. It just helps me have piece of mind that I cooked the meat to the recommended temperature and not try to guess it.
Vegetable Chopper
I love making japanese curry and vegetable soup, but I could do without all the chopping of the vegetables. This tool is great that you don’t have to spend all that time chopping the vegetables into small pieces. Another bonus is that when you cut the onions, your eyes don’t tear up!
Mac and Cheese Cooker
If your kids love Mac and Cheese as much as my daughter, then this is a must have. No more having to pull out your pot and wait for the water to boil. You can make all your boxed mac and cheese in the microwave in less than 5 minutes. My mother in law got us this and it’s one thing that I’m grateful for especially when I have a hungry little one who doesn’t want to wait for her food!
Let me know what is on your list of essentials tools for the kitchen! And if you liked this post make sure to check out my post
5 simple storage solutions for small kitchens
