favorite kitchen finds
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A roundup of my favorite kitchen finds, including kitchen cookware and gadgets, organizers and more!
They always say the kitchen is the heart of the home and that could not be more true around our house. We are constantly in the kitchen around here – not only for breakfast and dinner, but for lunch too (since my husband and I both work from home.) Today, I thought it would be fun to share my tried and true kitchen favorites, from cookware to gadgets to organizers!
Caraway Cookware
I didn’t think I could fall in line with a cookware line, but somehow it happened. Caraway Cookware is not only beautiful, it’s also completely chemical-free and non-toxic. Did you know that chemicals (such as Teflon) are in over 95% of cookware? That’s crazy!
Caraway cookware is made with a mineral coating that doesn’t leach harmful toxins into your food, all while releasing up to 60% less CO2 (so it’s better for the environment, too). It does not include things like PFOA, PTFE, other PFAs, lead, cadmium, toxic metals, and is without hard anodization. And Caraway is naturally non-stick, so you can use less butter and oil while you cook. I have their fry pan and rectangular baker (in the color cream) and use both weekly.
Reasons to love their cookware:
As a mom, it just feels good to cook with safe products. And did I mention they’re beautiful, too? These are the types of pots and pans you want to leave out on your stove. And after using their cookware for a while, I’m a firm believer that they are one of the best as they exceeded my expectations in every way. Caraway Cookware has been featured in Oprah Magazine, Hunker, Food & Wine, Dominio, Architectural Digest and more. Game changers!
Pan Organizer
Speaking of frying pans, my cabinet was a mess until I got this little pan organizer. It makes getting pans in and out a breeze. This organizer holds a total of 5 pans and can be used vertically or horizontally in the cabinet. It even supports my heavier cast irons!
Blue Gingko Over the Sink Strainer
Confession. This over the sink strainer lives on my sink. I didn’t realize how much I would use it when I initially bought it, but after pulling it out over and over again during the day, I realized it should just stay there.
We use it daily to wash fruits and veggies. I can just set the produce in there, rinse it, and then let it drip dry. I’ve also used this to catch peels before they go down the drain. You can also use this as a small dish dryer. It’s dishwasher safe and expands to 19 inches long, so it should fit most sinks. They have other colors too so you can find one to go with your kitchen!
Gizmo Snap N Strain
This is one of my favorite kitchen gadgets. Truth be told, I don’t love to cook, but with two kids and a husband I pretty much have to. This makes life easier and more enjoyable. We make pasta at least once a week in our house and with this Gizmo strainer I don’t have to dirty up a giant colander.
I just snap this on to any pot or pan and drain the pot right into the sink with two hands. It’s not just for pasta though – I’ve also used this to drain vegetables and meat grease. It fits on all my pots and pans (sometimes I really have to squeeze it on there but it works). And it’s dishwasher safe to boot! This strainer will fit in the dishwasher without taking up a ton of space.
Ok, apparently I’ve been living under a rock. I had no idea the difference this meat tenderizer makes! I think chicken tastes a little better when it’s flattened a bit. It’s easier for me to cook that way, too. This meat tenderizer is easy to hold and has both a textured and a flat side. When you’re done – you just throw it in the dishwasher! I use it weekly.
I know what you’re thinking; another gush about the Instant Pot. But it is worth mentioning because it’s truly one of my favorite kitchen appliances! And I recently spoke to a neighbor who still hasn’t tried it! So I know some of you IP rookies are out there. I use it for just about EVERY dinner. I make soups, stews, rice, hard boiled eggs, polenta, mac and cheese and more – it’s just so versatile. I still haven’t even used all the features (I see you, yogurt) and I love it. Wholeheartedly recommend you give it a try! And once you fall in love, check out this set of accessories.
Expandable Bamboo Utensil Organizer
It’s the little things in life. Like opening a drawer and seeing a beautiful bamboo cutlery organizer in there. I used to have a cheap, gray plastic utensil organizer that didn’t even fit my utensils. They would be half in the slot and half out. Because I thought who really cares. It turns out, I do.
I was sick of looking at it. It was oddly depressing to look at. We open our silverware drawers multiple times a day, why not give ourselves something pretty to look at while we’re in there? This organizer is not perfect, but it almost is. It expands to fit your drawer and it fits all my silverware no problem! It’s just a nice little step up for our silverware drawer. Hoorah.
File this little item under the “that’s so cool and fun”. If you are entertaining and putting out a veggie or fruit tray, this wavy veggie slicer makes everything look a little bit fancier. I mostly use it for cucumbers, but it can make a lot of different things; strawberries, cutting eggs for egg salad, waffle fries, and pickle chips. My kids seem to eat more of these things when they are wavy. Who knew?
I’m always striving to do my part for this planet. That means less paper and plastic products around the house. I’m not perfect by any means but I do try. I decided to give these Stasher Bags a try to get rid of so much plastic baggy use. And I was quite surprised how much I love them.
They are seriously airtight – never had an issue with leakage. You can use them in the freezer (for meats, fruit etc), as well as the microwave, dishwasher and even sous vide! The one con is they are pricey. But if I buy a few every year, and keep dishwashing them, I’ll be good to go fairly soon and get rid of plastic bags once and for all.
Bread Box
I love this bread box! It’s pretty enough to keep out on the counter, but I store mine away in the pantry. I pulled it out to take pictures because our pantry is windowless and I wouldn’t be able to get a good picture of it in there. This thing holds a lot of bread – I tried to get a picture of that below.
We are carb lovers in this house and keep a variety of breads around at all times, like english muffins, baguettes, sandwich bread, tortillas etc. Our breads were just thrown haphazardly on the shelf before. This just bundles them up so nicely and keeps things looking perrrrrttttyyyy. Is it annoying to have to keep opening a lid to get bread out? Not to me. I much prefer the neatness factor.
Palm Pot Brushes
These Palm Pot Brushes have a very natural, hygge look to them. They look pretty sitting out on your counter, but more importantly, they do a great job scrubbing your pans without scratching. I keep mine sitting in a little clay dish I found at a gift store. Every day, I put a drop or two of dish soap in there and it’s ready to go from morning until night. I also dishwash mine but they come three in a box so they will last a while regardless.
So that wraps up this post on my kitchen favorites for now. I’ll keep adding to this list if something new comes up!
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Have a great week!
Xo Karen
