I love spending time in the kitchen. For those of you who don’t, or just don’t have the time, I’d like to share my list of my ‘must have’ items that will save you time in the kitchen.
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1. A SPRAY MOP
Mopping is one of my least favorite verbs. Both the act of doing it, and the word itself. Enter Bona® Premium Spray Mop. It tops my list of must have kitchen items that saves time in having to do this dreaded chore. I include it on a list of kitchen items, because that’s mainly where I use it. However, I also use it in the living, bath, and dining room areas which are travertine tile and hardwood flooring. It’s easy to assemble and has great maneuverability. Perfect for spills, or a quick run through before company. The dual sided, microfiber pad is washable. It includes a bottle of non-toxic solution but I also love that I can fill the canister with plain water for a final rinse. Also, since you can control how much to spray on the surface, less chance of puddling that can be a safety hazard. Go out and get one, and feel like a sophisticate while mopping.
2. MINI FOOD PROCESSOR
A mini food processor or chopper, can greatly save time on meal prep. Our family meals typically include fresh herbs, onions, and garlic…MUCH more than my family prefers so I finely chop them to oblivion in this appliance. I’ve been using the Black and Decker One-Touch chopper regularly since 2014. I can vouch for its longevity, and affordability. However, I fumble getting the safety lid in place, mainly due to my tendency to overfill it. BUT I have my eye on a similarly looking model like the one shown below, it holds a larger capacity, and is BPA-free hmmm……
3. KITCHEN POT AND DISH SCRAPER
Make easy work of scraping baked on gunk from your dishes, pots, and pans with this handy gadget. I use it to remove that stubborn layer left after cooking scrambled eggs, as well as food debris on the countertop and stove.
4. A RICE COOKER
I prefer not having to devote much time to making a side dish. Rice complements chicken and fish nicely and is always a staple in our home. With a rice cooker, you can focus on other meal prep tasks. All you do is add your (rinsed) rice and water, then push a button. Within half an hour you hear a beep telling you it’s ready. Stays warm until ready to serve. I have a Hitachi® model that’s no longer on the market. However, this Zojirushi® model is a close replica so I’d go with it for a future replacement.
5. PROGRAMMABLE COFFEE MAKER
Getting a quick morning caffeine fix doesn’t get any easier with the programmable Zojirushi™ Carafe Coffee Maker. After you’ve programmed it once to a preset brew time, it stores it. From then on, all you do is push the TIMER then START button the night before. It will display the previous time set to brew the following morning, and a green light comes on. I didn’t even know it would be this easy when I purchased it. A nice surprise.
6. A COOKIE PRESS
We enjoy making Christmas cookies around the holidays but it can be a messy endeavor. Especially where cookie dough, cookie-cutters, and children are involved. I’ve found a better way. A cookie press makes it easier for everyone to join in on cranking out a batch, then have fun decorating (and eating!) them.
7. A FRUIT SLICER
Easily squeeze fresh fruit into your family’s diet using a Progressive™ Apple and Pear slicer. Just make one slice off the top of the apple or pear and this gadget does the rest. The attached safety cover protects fingers and aids in getting the slicer through. Older children can even use it…like mine do!
8. PUMP BOTTLE DISHWASHING LIQUID
I wash a lot of dishes by hand and have found pump dish soap dispensers to be much more efficient than those squeeze types, in getting the product out. So, I buy dish soap with that type of packaging. Method® is my preferred brand, both for the dispenser and it being an environmentally friendly product. Found in most supermarkets and on Amazon.
9. A GROUND MEAT CHOPPER
My sister recently introduced me to this utensil. She phoned me while I was loudly breaking up a pot of hamburger meat with a metal spatula. Of course she asked what all the racket was. She suggested I try a meat chopper. I was shocked I hadn’t heard of one since I have EVERY utensil on the market. Easy on the ears as well as your cookware.
10. PARCHMENT PAPER
I’ve moved away from using foil to line a baking sheet to using parchment paper. Layer it on your pan before baking or broiling, then toss. Found in most supermarkets and on Amazon.
I hope you find these kitchen tools to be quite handy. Let me know in the comments below and be sure to share! -Elena:-)