Favorite Things Part 2: Cooking Equipment and Tools

In Part 1 of my “Favorite Things”, I listed some of my most used building blocks for meals. In Part 2 I will list what some of my favorite cooking equipment and tools are. These things make prepping and cooking a bit more efficient and convenient. It may not be too late to add some of these to your Christmas wish list! *wink wink*

#1 Immersion Blender

I use this every morning. After adding ghee or coconut oil to my tea, I then blend it up for about 20 seconds. This takes away that greasy feeling left on your lips and replaces it with a frothy mustache. 

This is an excellent tool for smoothies, sauces, creamy deviled eggs and mashed potatoes. Easy clean-up and less equipment to work with, unlike a blender. 

Here is the brand I currently own: http://amzn.to/2CFl86q

#2 Food Processor

This is by far one of my favorite food prepping tools! Chopping, slicing, dicing or puréeing! This does it all. I even use it for making certain doughs when baking. I received it as a gift several years ago and I squealed like a little girl who just found a magical unicorn. This cuts down on prep time like a boss!

There are different brands and cup sizes. Also, you can purchase certified refurbished ones on Amazon. Here is a link to a model similar to the one I have: http://amzn.to/2yYQYIV

#3 Garlic Mincer

Remember in my last post I stated that garlic is one of my favorite building blocks when cooking. Well, if you love fresh garlic then you need a garlic mincer. Makes incorporating all that flavor and nutrients super easy! Mine is from pampered chef and I have had it for over 10 years. It is very sturdy and still minces the same as it did the first time I used it. If you do not have a Pampered Chef consultant then check out this highly reviewed one: http://amzn.to/2CFq0IK

#4 Instant Pot

Oh, you knew this was coming. Yep, I jumped on that bandwagon over a year ago and have never looked back. I use mine at least 6 times a week. That is not an exaggeration! I make porridge, cook “hard-boiled” eggs, sweet potatoes, spaghetti squash, soups, stews and roasts! Almost anything! It cuts cooking time in half for a lot of recipes. Need inspiration? Check out Nom Nom Paleo’s Instant Pot recipes on her website but also her new fantastic cookbook, Ready Or Not. Another great collection of recipes is in Jennifer Robins cookbook, Paleo Cooking with your Instant Pot. 

Amazon seems to put the Instant Pots on sale every few weeks it seems. Keep an eye out because I am sure it will go on sale again soon: http://amzn.to/2BfVNUr

#5 Meat-Slicing Knife

We are big meat-eaters around here and so we want to hurry and get that goodness on our plates. You do not want an ugly piece of meat on your plate that looks as if you tore it off the carcass with your teeth, right?! An excellent meat-slicing knife ensures a smooth and easy cut of your meats. The right knife will speed up prep and serving time. This is a tool for every cook...well, if you are a carnivore! 

Here is a great and inexpensive slicing knife: http://amzn.to/2D6PPCo

I hope that you have some of these tools in your kitchen and if not then you may want to consider adding them to help shave off some of the prep time. Makes the whole cooking process so much more efficient and enjoyable!

Let me know what some of your favorite cooking tools are! 

Blessings of Health,

Vita