• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Let's Dish Recipes

Family friendly recipes from dinner to dessert

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipe Index
  • Shop
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipe Index
  • Shop
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Shop

    As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Over the years, I’ve stocked my kitchen with some must have essentials for cooking and baking. From small appliances to well-used cookbooks, to handy kitchen tools and gadgets, this is a list of my favorite things to use in the kitchen.


    Let's Dish Kitchen Essentials

    -FAVORITE KITCHEN APPLIANCES-

    KitchenAid Stand Mixer

    Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

    One of my favorite kitchen appliances, I use my stand mixer almost every day. I keep this hammered glass bowl on display on my counter and use it for most of my baking. I use the metal bowl for things like whipping cream or making meringue.

    Slow Cooker

    Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

    I'd be lost without my slow cooker. I use it several times a week, and this Hamilton Beach model is my favorite. I love that the crock and lid are dishwasher safe, and this one is large enough to cook for my hungry family.

    6 Quart Instant Pot

    Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

    My Instant Pot is so handy for getting dinner on the table in a hurry. But really love it for making perfect cheesecakes and creme brulee.

    20 Cup Rice Cooker

    Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

    Cooking rice on the stove top is not my forte, so this rice cooker is a must have in my kitchen. It's the only way I cook rice. And this model is large enough to cook rice for a crowd.

    Food Processor

    Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

    I use my Cuisinart food processor to make everything from salsas to appetizers and desserts. This 14 cup model is perfect for all of my cooking and baking needs.

    -FAVORITE POTS AND PANS-

    Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set

    Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

    I've had these Cuisinart pots and pans for over 10 years and I use them almost every day. They're dishwasher safe, and oven safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. One of my must have kitchen essentials.

    Stainless Steel Wok

    Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

    This wok is deeper than a standard saute pan, which makes it perfect for stir fry dishes and cooking in oil. The lid is one of my favorite features. And the large size makes this pan perfect for all kinds of dishes.

    USA Pan Bakeware Aluminized Steel 6 Piece Set

    Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

    All of my metal baking pans are from USA Bakeware. They're heavy duty commercial gauge, non-stick and last forever. They even come with a lifetime warranty.

    6-Quart Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven 

    Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

    Everyone should have a Dutch oven in their kitchen. I'm partial to this beautiful red color. Dutch ovens are perfect for casseroles, soups, sauces, stews, roasts and much more.

    Cast Iron Skillets

    Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

    There's nothing better than a cast iron skillet for browning and searing meat. I also use mine often for pizzas, cobblers and crisps.

    -FAVORITE COOKBOOKS-

    Milk Street: Tuesday Nights

    Over 200 easy, creative and amazingly delicious recipes for busy weeknights. I've loved every single recipe I've tried!

    Dinner Done

    One of my favorite, family-friendly cookbooks of all time! There's a whole section dedicated to meals and desserts mixed and bake in a 9x13 pan. Includes over 150 quick and easy recipes that you'll use again and again.

    Midwest Made

    From cakes, pies and brownies to pretzels and breads, this cookbook is a must-have for any baker who loves authentic, all-American recipes. German, Scandinavian, Polish, French, and Italian immigrant families all influenced the classic Midwest recipes in this amazing cookbook.

    See You On Sunday

    From a former New York Times food editor and restaurant critic, this book is full of delicious recipes that are perfect for gathering with friends and family--any day of the week!

    Magnolia Table: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering

    Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

    One of the newer cookbooks in my collection--every recipe I've tried has been amazing. This book is full of recipes that are perfect for sharing with friends and family. The banana bread is the best I've ever had.

    Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking

    Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

    Every home cook, whether beginner or expert, should have this in their cookbook collections. It's a combination cooking textbook and recipe book that covers all the essentials in a fun, humorous style. I actually read this one cover to cover.

    Taste of Home: Celebrations

    I've been using this cookbook for over 20 years, for both special and everyday occasions. The Decadent Brownie Pie is a family favorite! In addition to over 480 recipes, there are decorating and entertaining tips included.

    Everyday Food: Great Food Fast

    Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

    I've been cooking from this cookbook longer than any other cookbook I own. The recipes truly are fast and delicious, and it has great ideas for using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

    Barefoot Contessa Foolproof: Recipes You Can Trust

    Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

    One of my go-to resources for entertaining. I never worry about trying new recipes from this cookbook, because they really are foolproof.

    -FAVORITE KITCHEN TOOLS AND GADGETS-

    Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls 

    Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

    Every kitchen needs a set of sturdy, high quality mixing bowls. I love the lids that come with this Cuisinart set, so I can mix things up ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.

    Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons

    Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

    I've owned several types of measuring cups and spoons over the years, and I always come back to this stainless steel set. They're sturdy, and I appreciate the variety of different sizes. I actually have a few of these sets--some days I do a lot of baking and don't want to keep washing my measuring cups and spoons.

    Deiss PRO Citrus Zester

    Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

    I've owned so many citrus zesting tools over the years and this one is hands-down my favorite. Not just for citrus--this tool also works on hard cheese, garlic and fresh ginger.

    Spice Organizer

    Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

    This is the best spice organization system I've tried. I have several of these in my kitchen cupboards, and they make finding my spices so easy. I even added labels to help me find the spices I'm looking for even faster.


    Primary Sidebar

    Uptown foodie meets real life at Let’s Dish, where I share all my favorite recipes. Making meal time easy, but doing it in style!
    READ MORE
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    SUBSCRIBE TO LET'S DISH FOR THE LATEST RECIPES

    Footer

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. You can read our disclosure policy here.

    • Privacy Policy & Disclosure
    • Official Giveaway & Contest Rules

    Copyright © 2023 · Foodie Pro & The Genesis Framework