Hi Friends!
I know it's been ages since I've shared a blog post on here and I apologize for that. This past summer/fall I had a social media internship where I was writing constantly. Trying to do that while also writing full blog posts for each recipe I shared became overwhelming. So I got into the routine of posting recipes, instructions, and ingredients on my Instagram page @eatfineonadime which is where I share the majority of my content. So if you're interested I highly recommend following me there! I want to get back in the rhythm of writing blog posts on here occasionally, but don't plan to do it for every single recipe.
Like many of you, I'm approaching that time in life where I will be officially entering the world as an independent adult. This means being responsible for buying my own belongings, kitchen supplies etc, so to me it's important I'm investing in items that are affordable and high in quality. I'm purchasing items on a college student's budget that will last me for at least the next few years, as I don't anticipate having the funds to constantly replace items. On the other hand, you may be established in your life but interested in revamping your kitchen or simply trying out some new gadgets so I put together this list of some of my favorite kitchen kitchen supplies in the hopes that some of you might find it helpful.
1. Cuisinart Multicolor 12-Piece Knife Set
If you could buy just one item off this list, I would suggest these knives. If you know anything about knives you know that they can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. These are under $20 and are seriously phenomenal. You receive 6 knives, each of which come with its' own cover, so you can toss them in a drawer without worry. My three roommates and I have been sharing these knives for the past 2 years (4 people cooking separate meals almost every day of the week) and these knives have yet to dull. They cut super well and the different colors make it easy to identify which knife you need with a quick glance.
2. Crockpot 3-Quart Manual Slow Cooker or Crockpot 4.5 Quart Manual Slow Cooker
The difference between these two crockpots is size! For the extra $3 I definitely recommend the 4.5 quart crockpot. This is the other item I think everyone should have in their kitchen! We didn't have one growing up, but my grandma used hers all the time, which is what got me interested in the first place. Whether or not you are a confident cook, a crockpot is a game changer. There are a million things you can make with a crockpot but almost weekly I use mine to make different types of chicken. Before using a crockpot, I struggled A LOT when it came to cooking chicken, but now it turns out perfect every time.
3. Express Crockpot 8-Quart or Express Crockpot 6-Quart
If you want to do more than slow cook things, this is the crockpot for you. It's Crockpot's version of an Instant Pot. While it still includes the slow cook feature, it also offers a bunch of other incredible features. It cooks poultry perfectly in 15 minutes and makes the best hash browns if you use the brown/sauté feature. The 8 Quart one, though big, is on an incredible discount right now ($40 off) and is actually less than the 6 quart, so it depends how big you want to go and how much you're willing to pay. NOTE - YOU DO NOT NEED A REGULAR CROCKPOT IF YOU BUY THIS! Crockpot's slow cook feature is included in this express pot.
I don't have one of these - it's essentially the same thing as the express crockpot. The only bonus to buying this over an express crockpot is that a lot of recipes online designed for electric pressure cooking are based on Instant pot. This means that there may be times where you'll have to adapt a recipe to the express crockpot though I believe they function very similarly.
5. Power XL 2-Quart Air Fryer or Power XL 5.3-Quart Air Fryer
Just received my first air fryer as a birthday gift and I'm obsessed. If you aren't familiar, an air fryer essentially allows you to cook just about anything without oil, using hot air circulation. You can make crispy Brussel sprouts, healthy chicken tenders, salmon, donuts and pretty much anything else your heart may desire. Plus the clean up is super easy! I have the 2-Quart version which is perfect if you're cooking just for yourself but if you're cooking for more than I'd probably recommend getting a bigger size.
6. Vremi 13 Piece Mixing Bowl Set
If you don't have a ton of storage space in your kitchen this set is exactly what you need. For less than $20 you get a large and small mixing bowl, two types of strainers, and a full set of measuring cups and measuring spoons that are ALL entire stackable! All items are dishwasher safe, and light weight!!! Plus the bright colors make items easy to find in a cabinet. Highly recommend this set!
7. 6 Piece Silicone Cooking Utensil Set or 11 Piece Silicone Utensil Set with Holder or Beautiful Blue 7 Piece Silicone Utensil Set
If you don't have some, you need a set of silicone cooking utensils!!! All three sets are non-toxic and BPA free, plus they are a million times easier to clean than plastic and wooden utensils, they never damage pots and pans, and they can withstand high heat. As someone who often leaves a spoon or spatula in a pan when cooking, knowing that these won't melt if I forget to remove them from a pan is a game changer.
Hopefully you find this post helpful! I plan to update it as I discover new products. Let me know if you have any questions or any of your own recommendations!
XX Delaney
