Kitchen Tools

This week we are going to review what tools / gadgets I find most important to keep my Paleo Kitchen running. Everyone’s needs are going to be a little different so adjust accordingly.

ITEM (What it’s used for / Notes)

• -       Blender (smoothies, blending soups, making mayonnaise and other sauces)
  -       Food processor (used for everything under the sun!)
  -       Vegetable peeler (seems simple but it’s a powerful tool!)
  -       Cutting boards (we’ve acquired 5 over the years and use every single one)
  -       Knives
  -       Measuring cups
  -       Measuring spoons
  -       Food storage containers
  -       Cookie sheet (making cereal, baking meats and veggies)
  -       Muffin tin (making egg cupcakes, muffins, etc)
  -       Tea kettle (heating water for thermoses’)
  -       Thermoses’ for everyone (to take leftovers for meals away from home)
  -       Lunch boxes for everyone (to carry your containers for meals)
  -       Containers to fit in the lunchboxes (this is very important and makes life easier)
  -       Tin foil (used in kids lunches when a container won’t fit, or a ‘sack’ lunch is needed for field trips)
  -       Re usable water bottles (so the kids have drinks at lunch time with their meal)
  -       Olive oil sprayer (you can find at Bed Bath & Beyond- saves on olive oil consumption)
  -       Parchment paper (used for some baking items because they can be awful to clean up after)
  -       Juicer (manual cheap brand from Meijer’s at about $5)
  -       Ice packs (for lunches)

Most of the items above may seem like no brainers if you are going to cook. However you’d be surprised how un-prepared you might be. Prior to Paleo my husband and I did cook from scratch. We had a great deal of tools but I was without a food processor and a juicer. The food processor is one of the top, if not the top, cherished item in my kitchen now.

The food processor is used for: making cauliflower rice, chopping large amounts of vegetables, chopping chicken, making mayo, blending baking ingredients, etc. On prep days (which we’ll get into in a coming post) it easily gets used / washed 4-6 times in one afternoon.

Measuring cups and spoons you need at least one set, however if you have two sets that is awesome! Again on prep days or if two of you are cooking it just makes life easier than sharing or re washing.

Another top item is everyone’s thermoses’ and lunch boxes. We’ve always been a family that packed our lunches. Being able to pack things in the right sized container that fits in your lunch is a must for me. Also being able to send along things whether they are hot or cold is also important in using leftovers or pre prepped food. In our house anything is game for going in your lunch!

Again these are just my suggestions for what we have in our kitchen and use on a daily basis to make meals happen.