My Kitchen Essentials

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For the Kids:

Norpro Silicone Ice Pop Makers
Great for freezing smoothies, applesauce and yogurt…just call it a “make-your-own gogurt.”
$15.95 from Amazon		 Ziplock Divided Lunchbox
Inexpensive, leak-proof (from one compartment to the next) and BPA-free.
$6.78 (for 2) from Amazon		 Kid’s Insulated Thermos Cup
Comes in boy and girl designs and keeps beverages cold for 12 hours…plus there’s no waste!
$17.99 from Amazon
Kid’s Insulated Thermos Jar
Comes in boy and girl designs and is great for packing soups, leftovers or oatmeal for school lunches instead of another sandwich.
$15.99 from Amazon		 Insulated Lunch BagInsulated Lunch Bag
I’ve discovered that the Ziplock divided lunch container will fit along with a Thermos cup in the Lands’ End soft sided lunch bags. They will also both fit in some rectangular lunch bags from Target and Old Navy. They will not both fit in (most) Pottery Barn lunch bags.
Starting at $12.99 from Land’s End		 Animal-Shaped Ice PackAnimal-Shaped Ice Pack
My kids think animal (and flower) shaped ice packs are fun, and ice packs are a necessity when the food sits for a couple hours before lunch time.
$5.99 from Amazon
Flexible Ice PackFlexible Ice Pack
In addition to the fun shaped ice packs I usually stick in a couple of these little (more practical) ones as well. These are lightweight and can be cut to any shape.
$8.73 from Amazon		 Silicone Muffin LinersSilicone Muffin Liners
If you have a problem with muffins sticking to the paper liners then worry no more! Nothing sticks to these silicone liners plus they are reusable and can also be used for serving snacks other than muffins.
$8.99 from Amazon		 Set of Round CuttersSet of Round Cutters
These cutters are the “trick” to making a perfect apple sandwich. I slice the apple longways then use a small circle to cut out the core piece. I also use these cutters to shape biscuits and other foods.
$19.95 from Sur la Table
Push Up Molds
Make your own “push ups” with homemade ice cream or peach sorbet.
$4.79 from Amazon
 Snow Cone Maker
Instead of artificial snow cone syrup add organic fruit juice (or concentrate) to shaved ice for a fun treat…don’t forget cute snow cone cups!
$29.00 from Amazon		 Duralex Clear Glass Plates (for kids!)
If you’re trying to move away from plastics in your kitchen these durable plates for kids are great! This is what we use, and my daughters were very excited when they graduated to glass plates (my youngest was 3 when we got them).
$20.68 (for set of 6) from Amazon
Duralex Clear Glass Tumblers (for kids!)
Along the same lines as the plates, if you want to do away with plastic then these glasses, which we use at our house, are also durable enough for kids.
$19.95 (for set of 6) from Amazon		 Tovolo Jewel Pop Molds
My daughters love these little “make your own ring pop” molds!
$10.60 from Amazon		 Cookie CuttersCookie Cutters
“Cookie” cutters can be used for so much more than cookies! We use ours to shape biscuits, sandwiches, cheese, and pancakes.
$12.95 from Amazon

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Kitchen Tools that I Love:

Salad Spinner
We’ve learned that a good bath is necessary before diving into a bowl of fresh, organic, local greens.
$29.99 from Amazon		 Durable Mixing Bowls
The price may sound like an investment, but we’ve had our glass set of mixing bowls (that we use almost daily) since we got married…12 years ago!
$37.99 from Amazon		 High Quality Pots & Pans
Now those mixing bowls sound like a bargain, but you can either buy this set once (because they will last a lifetime) or slowly add one new piece to your collection each year.
$599.95 (for set) from Amazon
Tortilla Press
I never realized how easy homemade corn tortillas were until I got this press!
$19.95 from Sur la table		 Rolling Pin
When making whole-grain flour tortillas I use a good old fashioned rolling pin (and some elbow grease).
$13.28 from Amazon		 Tortilla Warmer
And to keep all those yummy homemade tortillas nice and warm (and soft) nothing could be more perfect than this warmer.
$6.69 from Amazon
Cast Iron Skillet
This type of pan is what I use (and also what is traditionally used) to make both corn and flour tortillas.
$18.97 from Amazon		 Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons & Cups
I seriously have 4 sets because that’s how much I use them…this is another product that will last a lifetime.
$46.95 from Amazon		 High Quality Knives (and Kitchen Shears)
If you plan to do a lot of cooking from scratch you’ll be doing lots of chopping so good knives are a necessary evil.
$289.95 (for the set) from Amazon
Cutting Boards
What good are high quality knives without their counterpart…I use our cutting boards daily and it’s important to get good ones that don’t warp or stain.
Between $13 and $35 from Sur la table		 Mesh Strainer
I wouldn’t know how to make homemade chicken stock without my little mesh strainer and ladle (next on the list) because both tools are necessary for separating the gunk from the goodness.
$22.99 from Amazon		 Soup Ladle
Perfect for pouring homemade chicken stock through a strainer and also great for all those homemade soups that you’ll get out of your stock.
$9.99 from Amazon
Whisk
From making a roux to scrambling eggs to mixing sauces…another necessity.
$10.41 (for 3-piece set) from Amazon		 Olive Oil Sprayer
Since we now use unrefined high quality cooking oils we’ve done away with the store-bought sprays, which means we just make our own.
$19.95 from Amazon		 Ice Cube Trays (with lids)
I bought these trays in the baby food days, but I still use them regularly for freezing small portions of applesauce, chicken stock, pizza sauce and pesto.
$4.99 from Amazon
Freezer-Safe Glass Jars
This school year I’ve been freezing individual portions of homemade soup in small freezer-safe jelly jars for school lunches…my 1st grader takes soup once a week and loves it.
$16.34 (for a set of 12) from Amazon		 Mango Slicer
Confession time…I have no clue how to slice a mango without one of these, but what does it matter since we own one!
$13.99 from Amazon		 Apple Slicer
This one makes apple slicing a quick and easy job.
$9.99 from Amazon
Cooling RackCooling Rack
I use my cooling racks frequently after pulling cheese crackers, cookies, homemade pop tarts and other goodies out of the oven.
$8.98 (set of 2) from Amazon		 Ebelskiver PanEbelskiver Pan
My family absolutely devours the whole-wheat Danish “filled pancakes” that I make in this special pan. What’s not to love?
$31.18 from Amazon		 Potato MasherPotato Masher
Funny enough I never had one of these before our switch to real food and now I use it frequently for everything from refried beans to homemade tomato sauce.
$12.99 from Amazon
Canning Starter KitCanning Starter Kit
If you’d like to take up canning then you’ll definitely need a kit like this to help you get started.
$12.00 from Amazon		 Pizza CutterPizza Cutter
Since pizza delivery doesn’t fall under our “real food rules” you’ll definitely need one of these so you can make and slice your own! We use our pizza wheel for cutting quesadillas as well.
$11.99 from Amazon		  

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My Favorite Kitchen Appliances (Big & Small):

Food Processor
This is probably my most used appliance…plus I got it 12 years ago and it’s still going strong.
$130.53 from Amazon		 Mini Chopper
If I just need to chop something small like fresh ginger or a half batch of pesto I use this instead of getting my big food processor dirty.
$14.00 from Amazon		 Mini Donut Maker
What real foodie wouldn’t be excited about baked mini whole-wheat donuts? Here’s my basic recipe: 1 cup whole-wheat flour, 3 tsp baking powder, 1 egg, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 4 tablespoons oil (I used coconut oil).
$23.09 from Amazon
Hand Immersion Blender
I used to puree soups in batches in my countertop blender (which made a huge mess) then I discovered this hand held version that you can stick right into the pot…worth every penny!
$34.95 from Amazon		 Crock Pot
I use my slow cooker weekly for dishes like refried beans (made from dried beans), whole chicken, and flank steak fajitas.
$39.74 from Amazon		 Panini Grill
I go through phases of obsession with my panini grill…there’s no better way to kick up the standard sandwich!
$53.51 from Amazon
Kitchen Aid Mixer
When I used to make cookies almost daily (before our 100-day pledge) I used my mixer all the time! I don’t use it quite as frequently now, but it’s still great for lots of recipes.
$225.00 from Amazon		 Ice Cream Maker
I am officially spoiled and can never eat ice cream out of a box again…this machine is so easy to use plus you can control the type and amount of sweetener that’s added.
$56.98 from Amazon		 Bread Maker
I think I am finally getting the hang of bread making (don’t expect to get it right the first time), and this is the machine I use…my only complaint is that I have to be there to add raisins when it beeps.
$154.41 from Amazon
Wheat Grinder
I know it sounds like a crazy thing to do, but grinding your own wheat is as easy as grinding coffee, and I think it tastes much better than the store-bought version.
$239.99 from Amazon		 Espresso Machine
This is what I use to recreate Starbucks at home!
$59.99 on Amazon		 Milk Frother
I just got this for Christmas and I LOVE it…totally kicked up my morning maple mocha a few notches. And it makes the best hot chocolate, too.
$99.00 from Amazon
Waffle Maker
I could probably live without this appliance, but my daughters would disagree wholeheartedly…they love homemade waffles!
$29.95 from Amazon		 Pasta Machine
For me making pasta is a labor of love…it’s just an added bonus that it tastes so much better than the boxed stuff.
$59.98 from Amazon		 Dehydrator
I’d never heard of a “dehydrator” before our switch to real food, but now I know just how useful it is for everything from dried apples to homemade fruit leathers to beef jerky.
$55.44 from Amazon

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Other Products…including Food:

Thermos
It’s borderline embarrasing how much I love this thing…it keeps my ice water cold for days with no condensation or leaking (exactly what I needed to help me kick the plastic water bottle habit)!
$26.88 from Amazon (worth every penny)		 Glass Storage Containers
If you are moving away from plastics in your kitchen then these are great for storage and nice enough to serve food out of as well.
$40.34 (set of 5) from Amazon		 Salad Dressing Bottle
If you are trying to avoid overly processed store-bought salad dressings then this is for you…it tells you to fill “vinegar to this line” and then “lemon juice to this line” so making your own dressing couldn’t be easier. Just be sure to use olive oil instead of vegetable oil and omit (or replace) the sugar!
$8.51 on Amazon
Grapefruit Spoons
These little serrated spoons are very helpful if you’re a grapefruit lover like us.
$9.95 on Amazon		 Cold-Pressed Olive Oil
For more info on what types of oils we use check out our “No Refined Oils” post.
$16.95 from Amazon		 Ghee (Clarified Butter)
You can actually make clarified butter at home or if you like shortcuts (like me) you can buy it, too. :) It’s good for cooking at high heats.
$13.99 from Amazon
Eco Grocery Bag SystemEco Grocery Bag System
I love these reusable shopping bags because they aren’t scattered all over the back of my car (since they zip up together) and they are sturdy and big enough to hold ALL my groceries!
$24.95 from Amazon		 Alba Natural SunblockAlba Natural Sunblock
This stuff is thick and white, but it does the trick when it comes to protecting your skin without containing a bunch of unnecessary chemicals.
$9.27 from Amazon		 Natural Sunscreen SprayNatural Sunscreen Spray
This sunscreen spray still requires some rubbing, but not as much as the thick, white cream we use as well.
$10.14 from Amazon
Natural DeodorantNatural Deodorant
In an effort to “clean up” our products outside of the pantry I’ve started using this Naturally Fresh crystal deodorant and so far so good! Just be sure to wet it first before using.
$10.99 (for 2) from Amazon		 Quick Cooking Brown RiceQuick Cooking Brown Rice
I’ve found that regular whole grain (brown) rice can take a LONG time to cook…so I highly recommend going the quick cooking route!
$15.97 (for 5 pounds) from Amazon		 Whole-Wheat Pasta
Containing only 1-ingredient this is a very easy and cheap real food to add to your table.
$2.99 from Amazon
Ak-Mak Whole Grain Organic Crackers
Not only are these 100% whole-grain, but they are organic!
$7.99 from Amazon		 Coconut Oil
If you’re not sure what to do with coconut oil just check out our “How to Cook with Coconut Oil” post.
$13.82 (pack of 2) from Amazon		  

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225 comments to My Kitchen Essentials

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  • Debbie
    February 12, 2013 at 1:08 pm · Reply

    I just found your website today and I am SO excited!!! This is EXACTLY what I have been looking for! Thank you so much for publishing this blog! You are now my “home page”!

    • Lori
      March 1, 2013 at 9:46 am · Reply

      I was just thinking the same thing that Debbie posted on the 12th of February. I am overweight (obese is what the Doctor called it), had a mild heart attack last August and am trying desperately to change my eating habits, and lose weight. I wish I could hire someone like you, to come into my home, go thru my pantry and refrigerator and throw out what needs to go…and then take me shopping and help me to get my pantry and fridge started with the right things. Then I can make a list and buy just those things. I’ve been pretty good about avoiding sweets, but I travel for my job and live in hotels alot until I find a place to rent short-term. I’ve practically lived on ‘fast food’ places and would really like to steer clear of them. I NEED HELP, AND AM SO GLAD TO HAVE FOUND YOUR PAGE! Thank you for sharing, I’m trying to print off all of your steps to your 100 days ‘program’.

  • Jodi Olson
    February 13, 2013 at 9:24 pm · Reply

    Hi, Thank you for your amazing blog! We’ve tried so many of your recipes and love all your advice. Tonight I was going to purchase the Norpro Ice Pop Makers when I started reading the comments on Amazon, many people stated that they felt they stunk, do you feel that they stink or have an odor? My son is dairy and gluten free and I thought they would be great addition to his lunch since yogurt is difficult to do. I didn’t want to invest the money however if they are stinky, so I thought I better ask an opinion I could trust! Thank you for your advice. – Jodi

  • Jennifer
    February 19, 2013 at 2:31 am · Reply

    My son is gluten free dairy free. Do you know if there is a way to make GF puff pancakes?

  • Leigh
    February 24, 2013 at 4:14 pm · Reply

    Thank you for your amazing site and all that you do! You have revolutionized the lunches that my husband and I pack for our daughters. I also feel like we are all eating more healthy foods. Question on the freezer jars: Does it bother you that the jar lids have BPA in them? Have you ever used the Weck type glass lidded jars for freezing? Was wondering what your thoughts are on this.

    Thank you again!

  • Erin
    February 26, 2013 at 6:28 pm · Reply

    I see the apple slicer you use, but which apple corer do you use? I have been wanting to get one to make the apple sandwiches that you do. Thanks for all you do! LOVE your blog!

  • Brianna
    February 26, 2013 at 11:04 pm · Reply

    Hello would you be able to post about freezing foods? When i freeze things tend to get freezer burnt..maybe im doing something wrong?

  • Carrie
    February 28, 2013 at 3:42 pm · Reply

    I have found a lot of the items you have listed on diapers.com or CASA.com (same website) for a little cheaper and they have free shipping on order $49 or more. You also get a discount for your first purchase. I’ve used them for years for baby items but now everyone is getting a little older and we have one starting Kindergarten this coming fall so we are gearing up. Thank you for your ideas they are very helpful and creative! I hope I can be as disciplined as you :-) God Bless…Carrie > (Busy mom of 3 boys 4, 2, and 10 months)

  • Angie Oesterling
    February 28, 2013 at 7:59 pm · Reply

    Hi! I just ran across your site today, and I want to say I’m so excited! You’ve inspired me to use more healthful ways in my home. I’ve been inspired by you and I’m going to study your site and change my life (and my husband’s.) Our kids are raised and out of the house.) Wish I would’ve found a site like this one when they were living at home. I’m excited that what I learn from your site will help with my Type 2 Diabetes. Thanks for helping and encouraging us to live a more healthy life!

  • Laura
    March 3, 2013 at 10:31 pm · Reply

    LOVE your site and nutrition info! In regards to “clean” deodorant, I dislike applying a “wet” stick…Try Arbonne’s Pure Mint Line: deodorant and toothpaste are triclosan, fluoride and paraben free… as well as other clean mineral based makeup skin care and vegan nutrition – totally in line with your principles here :)

  • Alan Gentry
    March 8, 2013 at 3:23 am · Reply

    Love your site.

    Concerning your knive recommendation, for those who are short on the cash, a good Chef Knive and a good pare knive is all that is needed in most cases.

    Alan

  • Amanda micklos
    March 17, 2013 at 2:07 pm · Reply

    Another cookware question! Very interested in making the all clad purchase. It is going to be hard to convience my husband since I told him 9 years ago that the very expensive set we just had to buy would last us a lifetime, lol! Unfortunatley, it has non-stick coating and it is starting to chip and scratch. So after doing some research, I have a few questions. First, people are complaining that they really are not non-stick. Do you find that you have to use butter every time in order to use the pans like non-stick?

    The other question is are they hard to clean?

    Last question, the link that you have to amazon, is that exact set you have? There’s so many different types or models of all clad cookware.

    Thank you so much in advance for any help or insight you might be willing to share!

    Amanda

    • Adrianna
      May 7, 2013 at 2:47 pm · Reply

      Hi Amanda,

      We have the All-Clad set and LOVE it. It is not totally non-stick, but pretty close. We usually use a bit of olive oil (have the misto sprayer recommended elsewhere on this site) and that helps. Anything that does stick comes up pretty easily with a bit of ‘deglazing’. Barkeeper’s friend is a great product for making these pans shine like new after a bit of use, but not something we use every day. They are very easy to clean with soap and water. They are also dishwasher safe and we do that from time to time when we are just overwhelmed with dishes. A chef friend of ours recommended getting an All-Clad stainless set, and adding one 12-inch non-stick skillet. We did that and use it frequently when we make salmon. Almost everything else goes in the large stainless skillet. We also have a small ‘green’ pan (also non-stick, found it at Target) that we use for scrambled eggs (those do stick to the stainless pan).

      If you had to start with one pan, I would go with the 3-qt saute pan — great for almost everything. If you like then, then build up from there.

      I hope that helps!

  • Andrea
    March 19, 2013 at 4:26 pm · Reply

    Hi! I was first introduced to this site via a facebook post of a picture of one of your daughters lunches. My daughters are 4 and 7 and have 7 and I am constantly looking for ways to provide them with healthy lunch options. For the past few weeks I have looked your site in an effort to get psyched up enough to do a food challenge :-) My family is “overproccessed” so to get them to change will be MY challenge, but I am working on it. I wanted to know more about cookware. I would love to have the ability to buy every piece of cookware Le Creuset has, but to buy 1 pan would be a challenge. Are there other brands of cookware that you would recommend? I’ve decided to get rid of all our cookware but wanted brands that you trust as recommendations. I’ve read about ceramic/enamel and the more I research cookware the more confused I am getting. If you’ve already answered this question, please for give me. Thanks!

    • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy)
      March 25, 2013 at 12:05 pm · Reply

      Hi Andrea. Welcome and best of luck as you get started! Did you look through our essentials above? The cookware Lisa uses is listed. Hope that helps. ~Amy

  • Alex
    April 3, 2013 at 9:46 am · Reply

    Please refrain from recommending and using Cuisinart appliances. Cuisinart containers contain BPA. I have contacted the company myself to inquire about this and they confirmed it was true. They only have one product which does not use BPA: the PowerEdge 1000-Watt Blender with BPA-Free Jar. Black and Decker food processors like the Mini Chopper you endorse also have BPA.

    I highly recommend BPA-free blenders like Vitamix and Blendtec.

    I am also surprised that you recommend several products that use non-stick coated surfaces. The Environmental Working Group states that non-stick cooking surfaces can be toxic: http://www.ewg.org/search/site/non-stick

    Stainless steel or cast iron pots and pans are the safest and healthiest ways to cook food.

  • Sarah
    April 5, 2013 at 2:14 pm · Reply

    I know alot of you aren’t huge subway fans, but I just wanted to add that the divided ziploc containers fit perfectly into the bags their kids meals come in! I have a few we reuse over and over again and I can even fit in a small ice pack and a juicebox along with the containers. I am still, however, looking for a perfect small juicebox size leakproof water bottle so I don’t have to upgrade to a larger lunchbox. But it’s probably only a matter of time . .

  • Lindsay
    April 12, 2013 at 1:15 am · Reply

    What type of non-toxic dishwashing detergent do you recommend?

  • Jacquie
    April 23, 2013 at 7:15 pm · Reply

    My husband bought me that exact same set of All-Clad pots/pans a few years back and I am ashamed to say I’ve never used them but still use my nonstick yucky ones because I’m afraid of ruining my nice ones. Do you have any advice or articles written addressing cooking with stainless steal?!

    Thanks a bunch!
    Jacquie :)

  • Stacy
    May 2, 2013 at 6:39 am · Reply

    I enjoy many aspects of your blog but find a lot of the product suggestions to be contradictory in nature. You’re mindful to eat whole, non-processed foods but use a lot of plastic to store and/or make your food. It would be nice to see you move away from pushing so many non-essential “things,” like, a donut maker? And keep to the simple art of simple eating (instead of pushing your paid links to Amazon).

  • Alisa
    May 4, 2013 at 12:35 am · Reply

    What are your thoughts about the Tattler Lids containing the same chemicals as in formaldehyde? I was looking into buying some after seeing your site & a couple others mention them. But the idea of them giving of toxins if exposed to high temperatures makes me a little afraid. What if after prolonged use the chemical can be more of a hazard?

  • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy)
    May 13, 2013 at 10:46 am · Reply

    Hello Alisa. I think you have to weigh the pros and the cons and make the decision that is right for you. It is really difficult to find products that are perfect and pose absolutely no downside. You might find this helpful:http://www.commonsensehome.com/comparison-of-jarden-and-tattler-lids/. ~Amy

  • Jennifer
    May 13, 2013 at 10:30 pm · Reply

    I just wanted to let you know that the sunscreen you posted (by Alba Botanica) got a 6 by the EWG. Concerns about its toxicity were rated high on the 2013 sunscreen guide.

  • Alison
    May 16, 2013 at 6:46 pm · Reply

    What kind of baking/cooking sheets would you recommend?

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