7 Kitchen Loves

I spend quite a bit of time in our kitchen.  Prepping foods and preparing meals is just something I've always done.  I didn't grow up cooking but was basically initiated by fire when I got married.  Growing up we ate 99% of our meals at home and good, home-cooked meals were a staple. It would never have occurred to me to eat out, pick up or simply not cook for the majority of our meals.Also, my love language is service.  So, for me, making foods and favorite meals for my family is how I show love.  I'm not sure they all get that, but at least it makes me feel good!I do not have a ginormous chef's kitchen, but it is very efficient and user-friendly.  I have a few kitchen gadgets that I just love and use ALL THE TIME.1.  VitamixerThis one is a no-brainer.  You know I make a smoothie almost every day.  This is something I keep out on the counter to use, wash and re-use daily.  I am also a lazy cook sometimes.  I can use my Vitamixer for some things instead of lugging out the food processor and all its attachments!.2.  Egg SlicerI know this one might be ridiculous but can I tell you HOW glad I finally made the $7.00 purchase?  Slicing boiled eggs for salads toppings or to throw in chicken salad or most anything is just fun with this little gizmo!3.  Le Creuset 6 qt SaucepotGrowing up my mom had the whole set of Le Creuset.  It was yellow and I just loved those pots and pans!  I have a couple of her pieces and added a few of my own.  They are pricey but I have scored big at TJ Maxx and Ebay for a couple.  The 6 quart size is perfect for just about anything.4.  Yoshi Blade Knife If you spend any time in the kitchen you know good knives are key.  I do have good knives.  Knives that are so sharp they can cut through a penny, industructable knives and top name knives.  However, The Husband picked up this little Yoshi Blade ceramic knife somewhere and I constantly find myself looking for it to cut or slice anything.  It is super sharp and just glides through any and everything!5.  Milk FrotherThis is a recent discovery and I'm now addicted.  It's no secret that I can not drink my coffee black. I have tried and tried.  Also, I love the creaminess of good old fashioned half and half.  Dairy isn't always my friend so I have switched to coconut or almond milk, but don't just love the texture.  This little frother whips it up and makes my morning coffee so, so good.6.  Stovetop GriddleMy sister-in-law turned me onto using a stovetop griddle a while back and I always wondered why I hadn't gotten one even sooner!  I whip this thing out all the time!  I use it for just about everything, from pancakes, protein pancakes, lazy indoor grilling, toasting breads for sandwiches, even vegetables.  You name it.7.  Cast Iron Skillet My all-time favorite thing I've left for last.  One cannot cook without a good cast iron skillet.  I have several in different sizes and from several different places.  I have a favorite that was my grandmother's, a really large one that was my mother's and a super deep one that was even my great-grandmother's.  I also have a cast iron flat griddle that I just love.I could go on.  And if you read here and know me you might be surprised I didn't include my crock pot - which is a huge part of my kitchen.  Since I talk all the time about my crock pot love, I thought I'd give you all a break and spread the love to some other of my favs.Enjoy Your Day!