Must Have Cooking & Kitchen Gadgets

 

Grill Basket

When it comes to preparing quick, healthy meals...  having the right mix of cooking and kitchen gadgets is a must! Here are a few of the many that I keep on hand....



- Clear glass containers: having a variety of clear glass containers makes it easy to store cereals, flour, rice and pasta in clear containers. What I love is it keeping staple grains like quinoa, brown rice and oatmeal in these types of containers, then refilling with bulk grains (keeps the price down). Tip: look for varieties that are dishwasher safe and have tight sealing lids.


Mini strainer

- Grill basket: grilled vegetables or fruit are a great accompaniment to any meal. Having a grill basket, makes it much easier! Tip: select a basket with  sturdy handle. (See example pictured right)



- Mini strainer: a mini strainer is perfect for rinsing cans of beans, fruit and vegetables. Tip: this can double a serving dish for fruit with meals!

- Olive oil sprayer: getting just a little oil in the pan can be a challenge!



Olive oil sprayer

Look for a heavy duty sprayer (See example pictured right), I have found the oil misters do not hold up well! Plus for an added bone, a stainless steel bottle will keep the oil in a dark environment, which helps to protect it from getting rancid. (Available from Williams - Sonoma)

- Ice pop makers (aka Popsicles):  a frozen treat is refreshing and can be healthy too. Keep a set of ice pop makers or paper cups & flat wooden sticks will do. What to do? Try mixing fresh fruit and juice for delicious frozen ice pops. Tip: check out these homemade ice pop recipes from Real Simple magazine.

 

- Rice cooker: with a rice cooker, cooking grains like brown rice, quinoa or farro, is as simple as just adding the grains and water with a rice cooker. (As included in The Skinny Rules, rule #64 must have gadgets. ) Tip: For more kitchen gadget suggestions, check out The Skinny Rules, rule #64.

Note: The products mentioned above are not an endorsement.