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CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

Five Kitchen Tools I’m Thankful For This Year

baking tips
November 24, 2016

Five Kitchen Tools I’m Thankful For This Year – These are the five kitchen tools I am thankful for this year.

Five kitchen tools I am thankful for this yearThere are so many things that I’m thankful for this year. My new husband, our new house, our new life together. And of course…all of you, my readers! I am having such a blast with this blog and it’s been so much fun to share my recipes with you and hear all about your experiences recreating them.

Six months ago, I was wishing I could share my passion of food with more people. And here I am, with almost 17,000 views for this month alone! I never thought I’d be here. I am so thankful to each and every one of you, because without you, I wouldn’t have had the strength to continue doing what I love.

Okay, enough with the mushy stuff…let’s talk about some other things I’m super thankful for this year: kitchen tools! A few months ago, I talked about important baking tools for beginners. But now, I want to talk about kitchen tools that help make my life so much easier. These will make some great gifts for the cooks and bakers in your life, if they don’t have them already. So let’s get started!

1. Wooden Spoons

variety of wooden kitchen utensils spread apart

I use these every single time that I cook or bake. Wooden spoons are perfect for stovetop cooking because they won’t scratch the bottom of your pots or pans (like metal will) and they won’t melt under extreme heat (like plastic will). This is the exact set I have. I love this set because it has spoons of every length. I use the really long ones to stir large pitchers of sangria and punches. The shorter ones I use to stir sauces or mix batters. And what’s even better, they last forever! I bought them in 2011 and they work just as good today.

2. Garlic Press

Using a garlic press to press garlic

This is my favorite new tool for 2016. Honestly, I am shocked that it took me this long to buy one. I hate mincing garlic. It takes me forever to get it the small size that I need for most recipes. No more! This press is so amazing because you just place a clove or two in the compartment and just press it and bam! The garlic is now the perfect mince. And it takes 1/10 the time! Love love love this tool. Here’s the one I have from OXO Grips.

3. Citrus Squeezer

green citrus squeezer

This tool is my one of my favorites for the same reasons as the garlic press: (1) it cuts out time and (2) requires much less effort. I hate squeezing lemons and limes with my hands. I just don’t have the strength to get all the juice out. And you better believe I am getting every drop of juice out of that piece of citrus. I could use my juicer but sometimes I only need to squeeze 1/2 a lemon directly into a sauce and I don’t want to wash the whole juicer just for that. Enter: citrus squeezer. This is the one I have from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I love it because it’s sturdy, machine washable, and it has two sizes (one for lemon and one for lime). And it keeps the seeds from getting into your food. Love it!

4. Food Processor

food processor full of vegetables

I used to be resistant to using a food processor. But I just couldn’t deny how much easier it made many of my baking tasks. I use it to evenly crush cookies and crackers for pie crust, make sauces, and chop nuts. Have you ever tried to chop nuts by hand? Those dang nuts go everywhere and make it impossible to chop many at time. Now, I just throw them into the food processor, pulse 3 or 4 times and they’re ready to go! I don’t have a fancy shmancy food processor either. This one is super affordable and perfect for your average kitchen.

5. Cookie Scoop

metal cookie scoop

Last but not least…the cookie scoop. You have probably heard me talk about how much I love this scoop in many of my cookie recipes. And today is no different. This scoop is one of my favorite tools because it helps scoop even portions. This is so important for cookies because your cookies will not finish cooking at the same time if they are different sizes. But I don’t just use it for cookies. I use it for meatballs, ice cream, scooping into muffin tins, anything with a batter, really. It makes cooking and baking much less messy and produces perfect, even sizes. I cannot live without it! They no longer produce the cookie scoop I have, but here’s a similar one.

I hope you found this list helpful! Did you learn anything new? What tools are you thankful for this year? Let me know in the comments below!

Some of the links above are affiliate links, which pays me a small commission for products sold. But all the opinions are wholeheartedly my own. Thank you for supporting Certified Pastry Aficionado!

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53 Comments

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Comments

  1. Sharon Wu says

    November 27, 2016 at 11:43 pm

    Great picks babe. I didn’t get anything on Black Friday so I’m praying there’ll be some great deals for Cyber Monday! I want a new garlic press! xo, sharon

    http://www.stylelullaby.com

    Reply
  2. Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry says

    November 27, 2016 at 12:23 pm

    A garlic press is so useful and I love my food processor

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      November 27, 2016 at 9:31 pm

      Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
  3. Platter Talk says

    November 27, 2016 at 11:22 am

    I agree with you. I don’t know why people don’t use wooden spoon more! They are so cheap and make cooking so much easier. Good post!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      November 27, 2016 at 9:31 pm

      Thanks so much! I never used them growing up but then saw them all over the Food Network shows and finally gave in. I’ve never looked back since!

      Reply
  4. Tiffany says

    November 26, 2016 at 1:05 am

    These are excellent picks! Especially the garlic press. I kind of hate mincing garlic and having my hands smell like it for so long! Thanks for the picks 🙂

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      November 27, 2016 at 9:29 pm

      Omg you’re so right! I forgot how much my hands smelled like garlic after mincing it!

      Reply
  5. Cricket Plunkett says

    November 25, 2016 at 8:07 pm

    A good scoop is such a handy kitchen tool! I’m adding some of these to my Chrismas list!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      November 27, 2016 at 9:28 pm

      Awesome! Glad I could inspired new things for your list!

      Reply
  6. Lindsay AFM says

    November 25, 2016 at 7:31 pm

    Such a great list!! I’ve been looking for a new garlic press, so thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      November 27, 2016 at 9:27 pm

      You’re so welcome!

      Reply
  7. DANI CC says

    November 25, 2016 at 4:51 pm

    What a great spread! Wooden spoons and garlic presses are some great kitchen tools to appreciate.

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      November 27, 2016 at 9:27 pm

      Thank you! They sure are!

      Reply
  8. Amanda says

    November 25, 2016 at 10:54 am

    Great selection. I need some quality wooden spoons…not the cheap dollar store variety. The citrus squeezer is great…love mine. I really need a good garlic press. I’d rather do it with a knife rather than clean my old one.

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      November 27, 2016 at 9:26 pm

      Thanks so much! This garlic press is amazing. So well-made and sturdy. And I can just throw it into the dishwasher so I don’t have to spend any time scrubbing it at all!

      Reply
  9. Jen says

    November 24, 2016 at 10:29 pm

    I would love to have a citrus squeezer. Was wishing I had one today.

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      November 27, 2016 at 9:25 pm

      It’s such a life-changer!

      Reply
  10. Savannah says

    November 24, 2016 at 9:50 pm

    I LOVE that you put wooden spoons on this list! They are my absolute favorite and I often choose them over plastic. I really do need to get a garlic press, I spend WAY too much time chopping it by hand. thanks for sharing <3

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      November 27, 2016 at 9:24 pm

      Oh yessss. You will fall in love with the garlic press once you use it for the first time!

      Reply
  11. Dominique says

    November 24, 2016 at 4:48 pm

    I never thought I needed a food processor either! But now I have one I use it all the time! I love the look of your garlic mincer too – mine is so old and broken, I may need to invest in one of those!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      November 27, 2016 at 9:23 pm

      Yesss! That’s so funny that you had the same experience with the food processsor. But it really is so useful!

      Reply
  12. Michelle says

    November 24, 2016 at 4:43 pm

    My best kitchen took this year is a new blender I bought and a garlic presser. Think I’m gonna buy a good processed next year.

    Reply
    • Michelle says

      November 24, 2016 at 5:00 pm

      Typing error! I meant, I think I will buy a food processor next year.

      Happy Thanks Giving!!!

      Reply
      • Sharon says

        November 27, 2016 at 9:22 pm

        No worries!! I have typing errors wayyy too often so I knew what you meant. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

        Reply
    • Sharon says

      November 27, 2016 at 9:21 pm

      Ahhh the blender! Such a good one! I wish I used mine more. I usually just pull it out for smoothies, shakes, and sorbets. But I hope to find more uses for it!

      Reply
  13. Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says

    November 24, 2016 at 4:05 pm

    I LOVE my food processor SO much! I actually just used it to make myself a pumpkin pie that fits with my food allergies! I also can’t live without my blender and of course, my coffee maker! 😉

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      November 27, 2016 at 9:20 pm

      Oh girl…the coffee maker is a MUST! We have one that is so-so but we’re eyeing a new one for Christmas!

      Reply
  14. Just Jo says

    November 24, 2016 at 3:50 pm

    What a great idea for a post – I love the concept of Thanksgiving (even though I’m English). For months now I have been journalling three things I am grateful for every morning and evening and it is really changing my outlook on the world. I love your selection of kitchen goodies – those garlic presses are a great design aren’t they?

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      November 27, 2016 at 9:19 pm

      Aw I love that idea! It’s so important to remember what you’re thankful for. And yes, I love love love my garlic press!

      Reply
  15. Crystal says

    November 24, 2016 at 3:28 pm

    Ohhh sadly, I’m missing most of these. I really want a food processor – hey there’s always Christmas, right? Great post.

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      November 27, 2016 at 9:18 pm

      Haha exactly! Check out the cyber Monday deals! I’m sure you can get one really cheap!

      Reply
  16. Chrissy says

    November 24, 2016 at 1:56 pm

    I love my wooden spoons! I prefer them over any other spoon! And I am addicted to my garlic press and my food processor!
    Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      November 27, 2016 at 9:17 pm

      Thanks Chrissy!!

      Reply
  17. Laurie says

    November 24, 2016 at 1:54 pm

    These are necessary tools in the kitchen. Now you have me thinking about which I need to replace this year 🙂

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      November 27, 2016 at 9:16 pm

      Nice! I’m glad the list inspired you!

      Reply
  18. Kate says

    November 24, 2016 at 12:43 pm

    Great kitchen gadgets. I’m definitely not grateful for my garlic mincer. But if I had a nice new one that actually worked – then I might be!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      November 27, 2016 at 9:15 pm

      The one I have is sooo amazing. It’s really well-made. You should give it a try!

      Reply
  19. Tania Sheff says

    November 24, 2016 at 11:22 am

    I am the most grateful for my food processor. Cannot imagine my life without it!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      November 27, 2016 at 9:15 pm

      Amen to that!

      Reply
  20. Taylor says

    November 24, 2016 at 11:13 am

    I have to agree my garlic press is my favourite! And congrats on all those milestones, how exciting!!! I’m almost surprised you don’t have more pageviews – your photos are stunning and your blog is so professionally set up 🙂

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      November 27, 2016 at 9:14 pm

      Aw thanks so much for saying that! I’m hoping I can continue doubling my page views each month 🙂

      Reply
  21. Sarah @ Champagne Tastes says

    November 24, 2016 at 10:38 am

    I love all these things too! My fav new thing is my espresso maker though.. I’m all heart eyes over it lol

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      November 27, 2016 at 9:12 pm

      Yessss I love my espresso machine too!

      Reply
  22. Ivana J says

    November 24, 2016 at 10:20 am

    Nutri Bullet is my tool of the year, all the stuff you listed are just must have for all kitchens xo

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      November 27, 2016 at 9:08 pm

      Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
  23. GiGi Eats says

    November 24, 2016 at 10:06 am

    My favorite kitchen tool that I am so very thankful for …. Is one that I am showcasing on Tuesday’s video – OH MAN, so so so pumped to show it off, it’s the best thing EVERRRRR!!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      November 27, 2016 at 9:07 pm

      Oh ok cool!

      Reply
  24. Divya @ Eat Teach Blog says

    November 24, 2016 at 9:56 am

    I love my food processor! It actually doubles as a garlic mincer for me, haha. I just buy those pre-peeled cloves and throw them in and let it do it’s magic!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      November 27, 2016 at 9:07 pm

      Haha what a great tip!

      Reply
  25. Candy says

    November 24, 2016 at 9:56 am

    I need to purchase some great wooden spoons to use in my kitchen

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      November 27, 2016 at 9:06 pm

      I love these wooden spoons! They’ve lasted me forever!

      Reply
  26. Harmony, Momma To Go says

    November 24, 2016 at 9:45 am

    I need a new garlic press& I love that smaller food processor!!!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      November 27, 2016 at 9:04 pm

      That garlic press is awesome! Super sturdy and well-crafted

      Reply

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Hi, my name is Sharon. I’m an accountant by day, risk-taking baker and food enthusiast by night. Come join me as I share my favorite recipes and test out new ones along the way!

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