My Top 3 Kitchen Staples

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​An old friend of mine swore by the thought that we all have a room in our homes that we hoard things for. I was convinced I did not fall into that, until the next time I moved and I realized for me, it's the kitchen. Hands down. Since that realization I have done my best to minimize and keep what's truly important.

Considering my belief in food as medicine, I believe in making my time in the kitchen the most efficient possible. I think that's most people's dread, isn't it? Our modern days have made us want to spend as little time as possible doing everything, especially being in the kitchen. I personally just want my food to come out tasty as possible within about the first three tries and I want to know that any mishaps are not occurring over my equipment choices. I love being in the kitchen and love experimenting. Moreso, I love sitting down to a hearty meal that was cooked with love. Knowing it's going to nourish my body brings me joy and bonus: helps put my body in that rest+digest state we need to turn on in order for our nutrients to actually be absorbed!

​Let me tell you though, this was never a mindset I previously had. I've always been one for bargain deals and buying the cheap. Only within the last few years have I fully grasped the concept of investing in things that are of great quality and will last me a long time. To me, these investments directly correlate to my health. I am investing in preventive measures on many different levels. It's something I choose to do for myself, but clearly I get to treat others as well, and that's really the best part! From my kitchen, to yours, here are my top three go-to's when it comes to my kitchen. 

1. Power Pressure Cooker

​When I decided to invest in this guy, I highly underestimated the difference it would make in my kitchen. I went from roasting spaghetti squash for upwards of two hours in my oven each week to a quick fifteen minute steam! All other starchy vegetables can be cooked within minutes, but this thing goes over and beyond steaming. You can roast chickens, make soups, I've even heard of people doing entire casseroles, though I haven't attempted that myself. 

Additionally to a pressure cooker this can serve as a slow cooker, you can also use it for canning (something else I have also not tried), and even browning/sautéing items.

Features include:
••Locking Lid with Glidetrack Technology
••Automatic Steam Release Valve
••Manual Steam Release Button
••Stainless steel housing
••Textured & Non-stick Deep Inner Pot
••6 Quarts

2. ​Fish Spatula

​This is technically a fish spatula, for easy maneuvering and even cutting of the fish on the grill. I personally love using it for pretty much everything. Especially eggs and flippin' pancakes. It's thin, light weight, stainless steel, and easy to wash, plus WAY better than those thick plastic spats. I originally picked this guy up in culinary school and it's stayed with me ever since.

3. Blendtec Classic

Over the years I have used hand-me-down glass blenders, got the Ninja Master Prep Blender as a gift, played around with an immersion blender, and of course tried the classic Magic Bullet and a few knock off brands of that as well. I guess people know my for loving to make smoothies and soups. I never thought any of the above blenders mentioned were bad by any means and I think that had to do with the fact that I had never experienced a really freaking good blender. 

After my best friend invested in a Vitamix, I was convinced it was my time to invest in a really nice blender myself. I had never heard of Blendtec before, but after walking into Bed Bath & Beyond and explaining what I was looking for, the employee convinced my to get this over the Vitamix, particularly because he called over several other employees who agreed, it was better. Who knows if that is really true or not, but I'm telling you - quickest, smoothest, easy-to-use blender I have ever experienced. I've gotten into some hot debates with my grandfather about how a two blade blender could not possibly beat the fancy quadruple stacked double blade of the Nina Master Prep Blender, he's gone as far as to tell me that I was completely ripped off. However, the proof is in the texture for me, and it just doesn't compare. 

I use my Blendtec for baking, sauces, soups, smoothies, "ice cream", bulletproof coffee, and in many cases even as a food processor. I've had it for over two years and it has never steered me wrong. 

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​PIN IT AND NEVER FORGET IT!