1. Rice Cooker: I use my rice cooker at least once a week. Yes, cooking rice in a pot is not hard, but the rice cooker is so handy. I bought mine from Wal-mart for $16, and it can also double as a steamer since it comes with a steamer basket. I even use it to cook my short grain rice for making sushi rice (recipe to come). The rice comes out perfectly every single time. Plus, look at how skinny all of the people are who eat rice on a regular basis. I think that they are onto something. Rice never upsets your stomach, and almost always works as a quick side. I love it. Cody and I even gave his mother one for her birthday. I recommend you get a rice cooker.
2. Pressure Cooker: The pressure cooker is an investment that saves time! It can cook foods so much faster. My favorite thing to make in the pressure is corned beef.I can cook corned beef in 1 hour, carrots and potatoes in 4 minutes, and cabbage in 2 minutes. Now, I am researching other tasty foods to cook turbo-speed!
3. Kitchen Aid Mixer: To be honest, I did not think that I was going to have one of these for another 10 years when we had enough money. Little did I know that Cody told his Mom that I wanted one. She got it for me for Christmas two years ago. I literally cried when I opened it. That is how amazing it is. I use it all of the time to kneed pizza dough or mix cake batter. I love it!
4. Cheese Box Grater: Now, this is a good one. I'm telling you! Grate your own cheese. First, it's usually cheaper. It lasts longer in block form. Also, it melts better! Pre-grated cheese has anti-clumping powder (like cornstarch) on it, so it does not melt as well. PLUS, you can get a little arm workout...do it.
5. Sharp Knives: Seriously! Get some sharp knives or buy a knife sharpener. It will make every meal easier and faster to make.
6. Stick Blender: This guy is the bomb! It can make soups in the pot without having to using a blender. Plus, you can make smoothies; if your cup is big enough, you can even use it in the cup you are going to drink out of.
7. Grill or Grill Pan: Someday I'll have some outdoor space where we can have a grill. It just gives it a special flavor that you can't really get on the stove. With that said, I still love my grill pan. One of our best friends got it for us when we got married, and it has definitely gotten used!
