While we all have our own ideas about our must-have kitchen gadgets and items, we can all agree on certain items every kitchen can’t do without Some are simple tools, others require a bit of power but they are all needed and useful. Here are my must have kitchen items.

1. Wooden spoon - So simple, yet so handy. Wooden spoons stir without scratching. Whether used for stirring drinks or a delicate sauce, there’s one in every kitchen I know.
2. A good set of knives - Dull cheap knives won’t do when it comes to kitchen prep. We have a set of Henkels chef knives, which we love. A good, sharp set of knives is essential for every cook.
3. Whisk - No, you’re not stirring, you’re whisking. A whisk can froth up scrambled eggs or mix up a batch of pancake batter. It combines your ingredients for a smooth, lump free end result.
4. Pots and pans - Everyone argues over what is best. Copper, cast iron, Teflon. We have some of each we use for different things. For instance, we use our no sticks for eggs and the cast iron for frying fish (outside on the back deck, thank you very much.).  We can get into tips for choosing pots and pans at another time, but it should be noted you get what you pay for.  When it comes to your cooking vessels, you don’t necessarily want to go cheap. Do some research to find out the best product for your needs.
5. Stand mixer - I used to use a hand mixer until my mother gave me a professional quality stand mixer for Christmas a few years ago. I will never go back! Not only could I see the difference in my batters and bakes, but I could taste the difference. All my baked goods came out fluffier and more flavorful. Granted, a good stand mixer will cost you a pretty penny, but it’s more than worth it.
6. Spatulas - A good set of spatulas are necessary for mixing, scrambling, folding and scraping. Like the wooden spoon, every home cook I know has several and none can do without.
7. Tongs - This wouldn’t have been on my list before I met my husband, but it is now. I use our tongs cooking AND serving. When I was young we used tongs for two things -spaghetti and ice cubes. Now we use them to flip items on the grill, serve meats and noodles to our guests and more.
8. Baking Pans - I have several different varieties - again something we’ll get more into detail next time. Keep in mind when baking that certain flavors stay in the pans long after washing. So I like to have pans for breads and desserts, roasting pans for meats and ceramic baking dishes for casseroles.
9. Basting Brush - Basting brushes are perfect for buttering pie crusts and pastries and marinating meats. Get one if you don’t have one - you’ll wonder what took you so long.
10. Coffee grinder - Fresh ground coffee is the best, no doubt. A coffee grinder can also be used for grating cheeses and chopping herbs.

What are your must have kitchen items?

Image via stock xchnge

I’ll admit it. The Vacu-Seal was sent to me to review for this blog and another of my blogs, Simply Thrifty. I probably wouldn’t have gone out and bought it because I use (and reuse) ziplock bags and old Chinese food containers to store my food. Was I ever pleasantly surprised!

The first thing I noticed was how lightweight and compact the Vacu-Seal is. It doesn’t take up my precious counter space and fits neatly inside a drawer with no problem. My kitchen is small, I don’t have room for anything on my counters. The compactness of the Vacu-Seal is truly appreciated.

The second thing I noticed was how easy to use. I didn’t even need to look at the instructions, it’s kind of self explanatory. Put the Vacu-Seal nozzel into the valve on the reusable bag, and press a button. Really, it’s that simple.

The Vacu-Seal comes with reusable zipper lock bags so you save some coin on foil, bags or containers. You can use it to marinate food in minutes or to keep your leftovers in the fridge longer. Because the bags are zipper lock, there’s no cutting.

I’m definitely going to enjoy this!

My husband knows how much I love baking and every year throws a few baking gadgets into my Christmas stocking. Here’s this year’s stash, purchased at Crate & Barrel.

• I love the Fiberlux baking mat, perfect for making cookies. My cookie sheets are all brown and stained, so this was quite welcome.
• A pastry cutter for pies and cookies.
• The pastry brush - Now I can brush egg or melted butter on dough without losing brush hairs on my food.
• The adjustable measuring spoon is ever more convenient than hunting up spoons of various sizes.

I’m touched that my husband knows exactly what I need and finds quality products and gadgets to make my life easier. Nice stash this year, eh?