1. Paper towels.
Because when water spills everywhere and I’ve dropped the F bomb for the room at large it helps to get the H²O off my hardwoods as fast as possible.
2. Flour sifter.
Despite years of Amish determination – what? pay for a doohickey when I can just as easily sift BY HAND? – I broke down and bought one. And dammit, it does make my baked goods fluffier.
3. Pizza cutter.
You wouldn’t think this thing would be that big a deal. Just cut the pizza, man, whatever. But when there are hungry peeps underfoot whining for food being able to zip-zip-zip and BAM, slices on a plate – that’s the difference between muttering profanities and stuffing those whining yaps with gooey goodness. We own two.
4. Wipeable placemats.
Because few things get my goat like sticky stuff spilled at a meal so not only have I taken the time to make dinner but now I’ve got to run a load of laundry, too. Thanks a lot, Aunt Jemima.
5. A gas stovetop.
Okay, this one’s no joke. Because even if the power goes out – and come on, that sucks the big one – we can still cook stuff. Yes, the choices are limited, but it’s better than cold Vienna sausages out of a can.
6. Great storage.
Have you ever heard anyone say, “Gee, this kitchen’s got way too much storage space”? No? I rest my case.
7. Extra buttery microwave popcorn.
Warm, salty, buttery deliciousness? Yes, please.
8. The stovetop exhaust fan.
Because every once in a while things go a wee bit wrong in the kitchen. Salmon takes a little too long to saute, the broiler gets overenthusiastic, whatever the case may be. Suddenly the room’s smoggy and all that stands between me and that godawful high pitched smoke alarm is this blessed hood fan.
9. Really good nonstick pans.
Did you know there are pans you can actually cook eggs in without them sticking? I mean, sure, the pans are called nonstick but saying is one thing and doing is quite another.
10. Amazon Echo
Seriously, nothing passes the time like Alexa. Checking the headlines and weather first thing in the morning. Streaming NPR and CNN. Rocking out to the Beatles and Imagine Dragons stations. So Much Goodness and all of it hands free. Whoop! Whoop!
Love your list of essential kitchen items! I agree with the paper towels. We go through so many of them, and I use them for throw away place mats, and napkins, too. We finally did get a ‘good’ pizza cutter, and it makes all the difference! I now want to make a list of my own! Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂
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Isn’t it crazy how happy the paper towels make you? Nothing bums me out faster than seeing an empty holder and finding no spares in the cupboard downstairs… can’t wait to read your list!
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I know! I always holler nooo when I drop a roll, and it goes rolling off across the floor. I do save them for wiping spills off the floor, though.
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So I made a crab bisque the other day and it was delicious! But it calls for a roux and I didnt have a flour sifter and was like ” no big!” SUCH A BIG! I had to have my husband come and help me because if you do not have a flour sifter, you need atleast two extra hands!
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Sorry, I got stuck on “so I made a crab bisque there other day” because WHAT? That’s real cooking. But yes, a flour sifter will save you all day long.
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It was so good, but it cost like 60 dollars to make………and seriously, I resent that! lol!
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for 60 dollars, that crab bisque should give me a massage and mow my lawn
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then clean the dishes and whip you up a creme brûlée for dessert
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Now thats a bisque!
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A kettle and a toaster. Always find it curious why you don’t use electric kettles in the US (based on watching TV….). And agree with you about paper towels.
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I hadn’t thought about it but that’s a great question…can’t think of a single place where I’ve seen one. Thanks for reading!
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I firmly nod to your exhaust fan appreciation. Me too.
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It’s a lifesaver.
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I’m good with 1-9 – I’d also like an easy to open garbage can than my dog can’t figure out.
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Our SimpleHuman trash can is one of my sanity saving purchases. I’m a little shocked Gracie hasn’t figured it out yet — I guess her eyes are always on the lifting lid, not the part you step on to open it. Thank heaven for small favors!
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Maddie figured out the pedal quickly and was like “oooh, food.”
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Because she is a Smart Girl!!
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I’m not sure if ping-backs are enabled, so here’s a link to the reblog I did of your hilarious take on gratitude in the kitchen. 🙂
http://sparksfromacombustiblemind.com/2018/09/19/a-list-from-the-kitchen/
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Just finished reading yours and it’s a RIOT!! So much truth…
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I finally got an Echo Dot a few weeks ago – but I think I’m not utilizing Alexa as much as I could. I do have one smart plug for the family room light and another coming todqy for the morning room light. Who know where I might go from there?
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Can you believe I’ve got a couple of smart plugs but haven’t set them up yet? It’s driving my son crazy but when I have some spare time I just can’t seem to make myself tackle new technology…
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It’s really easy if you have the app downloaded.
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You’ve inspired me. By the end of the weekend, for sure.
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Good list. I would add the manual can opener where the little wheel doesn’t invade your can of Vienna sausages. It separates the lid from the can clean and free of a sharp, razor-like edge around the can. No cleanup necessary. No electricity required.
🔹 Ginger 🔹
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A decent manual can opener is a must!!
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i’ m all about the coffee pot. keeps me alive and happy!
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Isn’t it funny that the Keurig didn’t make this list? Must have had a HUGE blank out while writing this one! 😆
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