This is just a quick post about some of my favorite kitchen tools. You don’t need complicated kitchen equipment to cook with a CSA, but I will share the things I find helpful.
- a good knife that I keep very sharp
- salad spinner – it’s obviously a great way to clean greens and herbs, but this is a great way to soak vegetables like broccoli in salt water (to make sure they’re bug-free) and dry them off for cooking.
- my instant pot. They’ve taken the world by storm, but this is one “gadget” I really like and use. It’s easy to make any kind of grain quickly and easily – I’ve done quinoa and farro so far. It makes amazing rice. I use it to quickly cook dry beans. I use it to make stock from leftover bones. It’s great for stews, chili, and braising meat. I’ve even made an awesome cheesecake with it. It also functions as a crock pot, but I almost always use the pressure setting.
- immersion blender – I use this more than a regular blender. It makes making sauces and soups so much easier. I also used it quite a bit for baby food. I’d pressure cook vegetables, quinoa, and beans in my instant pot and then blend them before freezing.
- Microplane zester – love this for grating cheeses, ginger (I keep it in the freezer), citrus zest and nutmeg.
- coffee grinder – using fresh spices makes such a huge difference in recipes. This is the easiest way to grind them up.
- cast iron skillet – I love it for searing vegetables and steaks. And of course, like any proper Southerner, we have one we only use for cornbread. And never wash it with soap. Ever.
Please share your favorite tools in the comments!
