✓ Yes, I actually purchased all of this stuff with my own money.
✓ Yes, I'm only including items I love and use regularly.
✓ Yes, I'm happy to answer any additional questions you have if you contact me here.
✓ Yes, I get a small bump if you buy something you see here. Just click the item name or image to make it rain.
This is my go to for nearly every dessert and many snacks and mains. It's as heavy as an offensive lineman but as versatile as a running back with great hands. I've had mine for 20+ years, and it's still going strong. Highly recommend.
Cuisinart Food Processor (7-cup)
They make a larger one, but this one is plenty for my needs. I use the metal blade the most and the slicer disc the second most. The bowl is large enough for nearly all of my recipes, and its speed and pulse settings are super flexible. Dishwasher-friendly, it never misses a beat.
There's no substitute for a smoker. The grill surface of this bad boy can tackle 4 racks of ribs. The 3-2-1 smoking method gets my vote. I use hickory, mesquite and apple chips most often. I added the grill cover and the adjustable shelf, and I'm glad I did.
This thing is a beast. I haven't found anything yet that it can't handle. Frozen margaritas, salad dressings and more are no match for its variable speed settings and stainless steel blades. Comes with a tamper tool to ensure a smooth mixture. Cleanup is a breeze in its stand or in the dishwasher.
Love this little guy. Easily heats oil to as high as 375 degrees F. Whether I'm making mozzarella sticks or pastries, the wire basket makes it simple. Handles all of my small frying jobs, and I prefer it to a stovetop skillet. Changing out the oil is a breeze, too. It does tend to get a bit greasy on the outside over time.
When you don't feel like breaking out the big mixer, reach for this versatile tool. I use the beater attachments the most. Small and lightweight, this hand mixer has thumb-touch variable speed settings. Great for whipping potatoes, sauces and small batches of frosting.
I have two of these. For most jobs, I use my monstrous 24x18-inch board. I have another 12" round board with feet that I use to chop parsley and other small batches of herbs or veggies. I have a monthly routine where I clean and oil both boards, and they're aging like champs. Love these Boos boards!
Chefs have strong opinions about their knife brands, but I'm quite happy with mine. The block is handy, and the selection in this set is quite versatile. The santoku is probably my favorite, just because I like to say 'santoku'.
Chef'sChoice Electric Knife Sharpener
A sharp knife is a safe knife, and this makes sharpening precise and easy. I hit mine up once a month, and I'm always glad I did. I can sharpen all of my knives in less than 15 minutes, and its preset angles put the right edge on my blades.
This bad boy is surprisingly affordable, and fun to use. Chilis, stews and soups just seem to taste better in this cast iron beauty. On occasion, I'll season it in the oven as directed. No signs of rust or any other issues. I'll have this for a long, long time.
Pampered Chef Stacking Cooling Racks
I'm really glad that I picked these up. Their rubber feet prevent slip, and the fold away neatly for storage. Stacking is handy when you want to cool two batches of cookies.
Revolving Cake Decorating Stand
Decorating a cake is not one of my strengths, but this spinning guy make things a lot easier. It has a heavy cast iron base which accepts the detachable base. Pro tip: throw down a layer of parchment paper if you're going to transfer your finished cake to a serving platter.
I was late to the party with these, but man are they helpful. I throw one of these guys onto a cookie sheet, and I don't have any more sticking problems. They don't interfere with baking times, and clean up is easy.
Stackable and magnetic, these cups and spoons have easy-to-read unit markers. I use at least 3 sets of cups and spoons on gameday, and these are my favorites.
I love the option with these little beauties. The silicone hugs bowls tighter than a defensive lineman, and cleanup is a breeze. The large, flat spatula is my go to, but the other options make regular appearances in my weekend routine. Highly recommend.
Pampered Chef Nylon Pan Scrapers
As you can imagine, I do a lot of dishes. Stubborn, cooked on food is no match for hot water and these scrapers. I like the different profiles of the corners to get into hard-to-reach places. I always keep one within arm's reach of my sink, and they're virtually indestructible.
