2018’s Top Kitchen Gadget Picks

Elevate Your Kitchen: Essential Gadgets & Tools Every Home Cook Needs

My favorite kitchen gadgets and tools from the past year! Discover the culinary essentials that truly make a difference.

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Welcome back to gift guide week! I’ve already shared my highly anticipated favorite cookbooks of the year and my annual roundup of beloved items. Today, we’re diving deep into the heart of the home – the kitchen – to explore my most cherished kitchen gadgets and tools. While my kitchen boasts a wide array of equipment, these particular items stand out as my all-time favorites, truly making a difference in my daily culinary adventures.

This carefully curated list presents a diverse selection of kitchen essentials, ranging from significant investment pieces that promise a lifetime of use to fundamental tools that are indispensable for everyday cooking. Many of these reliable companions have been with me for years, consistently performing with the same excellence as the day I first brought them home. While not every item sees daily action, their presence is always appreciated whenever a specific task arises, transforming complicated recipes into enjoyable processes.

Whether you’re shopping for a passionate home cook, an aspiring baker, or simply looking to treat yourself to some well-deserved upgrades this holiday season, this comprehensive gift guide is the perfect starting point. Prepare to discover innovative solutions and timeless classics that will elevate any kitchen and inspire countless delicious creations. Let’s explore the tools that make cooking not just easier, but a true joy!

Homemade Hazelnut Milk: Your Ultimate Guide to Creamy Plant-Based Goodness A simple tutorial for how to make homemade hazelnut milk! There’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly made nut milk, and it’s been far too long since I embraced the simple joy of crafting my own. While store-bought options are convenient, they often come … Read more

Signature Kale Caesar

The Ultimate Kale Caesar Salad: A Modern Twist with Homemade Dressing and Crispy Breadcrumbs If you’re searching for a fresh and exciting way to enjoy a timeless classic, look no further than this sensational Kale Caesar Salad. It’s not just a salad; it’s a complete culinary experience that marries the robust nutrition of kale with … Read more

Whole30 Your Guide To Two Week Survival

Whole30 Journey Update: My Honest Two-Week Experience, Challenges, and Triumphs Wow, it feels incredible to say that I’ve officially crossed the halfway threshold of this Whole30 challenge! In fact, today marks day twenty-one, meaning I’m deep into the final third of this intense nutritional reset. It’s been twenty-one days with absolute zero added sugar, grains, … Read more

Pan-Seared Salmon & French Lentils with Zesty Caper Vinaigrette

Mastering Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Zesty Caper Herb Vinaigrette and French Lentil Salad

This post is sponsored by All-Clad. Prepare to elevate your weeknight dining with this exquisite recipe for crispy pan-seared salmon, beautifully complemented by a vibrant, zesty caper herb vinaigrette and served alongside a robust and flavorful French lentil salad. This dish is a true celebration of fresh ingredients, offering a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will impress without demanding hours in the kitchen.

I am always on the lookout for main courses that are hearty, bursting with flavor, and suitable for any season, especially summer. This particular combination of crispy pan-seared salmon, a bright herb caper vinaigrette, and a hearty French lentil salad perfectly fulfills all those criteria. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings a touch of gourmet elegance to your table with minimal fuss.

While this recipe isn’t strictly a one-pot wonder, it delivers a complete and incredibly satisfying meal. It embodies an elegant yet unpretentious style, making it simple enough to prepare and serve even on the busiest of weeknights. Each component is thoughtfully designed to complement the others, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

The vibrant colors, fresh aromas, and impeccable presentation of this dish evoke the charm and culinary excellence of a classic French bistro or café. It’s a culinary journey that you can enjoy right in your own home.

While this dish truly shines during the warmer months when fresh herbs are at their peak, all the ingredients are readily available year-round, ensuring you can enjoy this delightful meal no matter the season. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself to a wholesome and delicious dinner, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite.

Let’s get cooking and dive into the details of this incredible dish!

Rancho La Puerta: Your Ultimate Guide to a Transformative Wellness Retreat in Mexico and Lasting Health Habits Late last August, my partner Connor and I had the incredible opportunity to spend four nights at Rancho La Puerta. This esteemed, award-winning fitness and spa retreat is nestled just outside San Diego, in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico. … Read more

Thanksgiving Week Highlights

Embracing the Quiet: A Thanksgiving Week of Relaxation, Renewal, and Grateful Reflections The past week has been wonderfully quiet around here, almost unusually so! I intentionally spent very little time connected to the digital world, allowing for a much-needed break from screens and the constant buzz of online activity. While my brain might still be … Read more

Effortless Wholesome Chickpea Curry

Effortless & Nutritious: The Ultimate Easy Healthy Chickpea Curry Recipe There are those moments when culinary creativity strikes out of sheer necessity. For me, this incredibly easy and healthy chickpea curry recipe was born from such a moment during my college days. I was desperate for a new dinner option, craving the vibrant flavors of … Read more

This Throwback Thursday We’re Engaged!

Our Enduring Love Story: From First Spark to Engagement Ring – A Journey of 8.5 Years This week feels uniquely different, imbued with a sense of wonder and profound joy. What usually would be a routine Throwback Thursday post has transformed into something far more significant – a celebration of a monumental personal milestone that … Read more

The Sunday Sentinel

Embrace Autumn: Your Ultimate Guide to Cozy Fall Recipes, Festive Treats, and Smart Living As the leaves begin to turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and a crisp, inviting chill fills the air, there’s no denying that fall has officially arrived. This season brings with it a unique charm, inspiring us to slow down, … Read more