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My Kitchen Essentials

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Comments

  1. Claire says

    December 11, 2013 at 11:33 am

    Hi there
    I need to buy a strong food processor that would be able to chop up dry hard foods like dried dates and figs. Do you know of one please? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

      December 16, 2013 at 11:54 am

      Hi Claire. The one Lisa uses (Cuisinart above) is very versatile and powerful. She uses it for many things, among them, her lara bars which combine date and nuts: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/07/01/recipe-homemade-larabars-4-ways-including-nut-free/. ~Amy

      Reply
  2. Jen says

    December 07, 2013 at 3:41 pm

    Is the one ingredient pasta a typo? How is it possible for pasta to have one ingredient? Just curious. I thought pasta was flour and egg?

    Reply
    • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

      December 09, 2013 at 1:04 pm

      Hello Jen. Nope, it is correct. It is easy to find a whole wheat pasta with just whole wheat flour (water is a given) on the ingredient list. ~Amy

      Reply
  3. Jessica says

    December 06, 2013 at 5:21 pm

    Is it ok to use baking soda and powder on the 10day pledge?

    Reply
    • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

      December 09, 2013 at 1:00 pm

      Yep. :)

      Reply
  4. Stephani says

    December 02, 2013 at 10:02 am

    I definitely am using this list to add to my Christmas list this year! So excited that we just ordered a bread maker. We're right at the beginning of changing our perspective on food, but I'm sure replacing my husband's daily sandwiches with something made from homemade bread will be a great start!

    Reply
  5. Kathy says

    November 28, 2013 at 6:46 pm

    Hi,
    I have had my Farberware pots since we got married over 40 years ago, they are getting dinged up, so I am wondering what people think is the healthiest type of cookware to use now, so that I can replace them. Thanks for any info or sources you can provide to help me make a decision. By the way, I am so glad I found this blog. I used to eat real food all of the time and then I slowly moved away from it as the kids got active and we had less time. Now, I eat far healthier than I have in years. Thanks!

    Reply
  6. Courtney says

    November 25, 2013 at 11:16 am

    I'm slowly trying to get my family on the real food wagon. I've started making a lot of things that my husband's grandmother makes ( may not be the healthiest but its generally "real"). She does a lot of cooking with powdered milk, what is your view

    Reply
    • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

      November 29, 2013 at 10:49 am

      Hi Courtney. Powdered milk is not an ingredient Lisa uses. She uses milk in its real and whole form. ~Amy

      Reply
  7. Deb Plaskett says

    November 24, 2013 at 10:25 pm

    Where can I purchase King Arthur flour?

    Reply
    • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

      November 27, 2013 at 7:36 pm

      Hi Deb. King Arthur is available in health food stores as well as most larger grocers. You can also purchase it online. ~Amy

      Reply
  8. Eddie says

    November 18, 2013 at 11:56 pm

    Thank you for this list and website. You have help transform our lives!
    Couple questions. What do you use to wash fruits and veggies? (Sometimes we just can't buy organic grapes :). Also, I'm looking for a more thoughtful Christmas gift for my wife this year...any apron recommendations?

    Thanks and keep it up. So many thankful people out there!

    Reply
    • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

      December 02, 2013 at 8:30 am

      Hi there. This product is one that has so many uses, even as a fruit and veggie wash: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/02/26/branch-basics-non-toxic-all-purpose-cleaner-special-deal/. As for aprons, Etsy always has a wide range of very unique things. Also, Pier One, Sur La Table, William Sonoma, and World Market typically have a good selection. :) ~Amy

      Reply
  9. Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

    November 18, 2013 at 7:15 pm

    Hi Sarah. Lisa has evaporated milk on her Earth Fare shopping list, so I think it is a safe choice. Look for an organic whole milk variety. As a substitute, you can mix whole milk with cream to get a similar consistency. ~Amy

    Reply
  10. Sarah M says

    November 04, 2013 at 4:57 pm

    I'm really curious to know what you think about evaporated milk? I've found so many recipes (in other places) that call for it and I'm unsure as to whether it's OK or if there's something else I should substitute? Thanks!

    Reply
  11. Tonya says

    October 25, 2013 at 1:06 pm

    This is my new favorite site! I've partially gong to "real food" because of food sensitivities my son has but this is inspiring me to take it further! Thanks for that. I do want to ask it coconut oil tastes like coconut? I hate coconut but keep hearing about all the nutritional benefits...

    Reply
    • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

      October 28, 2013 at 1:20 pm

      Hi Tonya. You will just have to give it a try. Some people think they can taste coconut and others, like me, really don't notice it. ~Amy

      Reply
  12. Jennifer says

    October 25, 2013 at 9:06 am

    Where is your pressure cooker? Pressure cookers make cooking things like rice super fast and retain most of the nutrients, unlike boiling on the stovetop. (I don't cook meat very often, but a pressure cooker would be perfect for cooking meat also.)

    Reply
    • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

      October 28, 2013 at 11:38 am

      Hi Jennifer. Many readers have suggested using a pressure cooker. Maybe that will happen sometime. :) ~Amy

      Reply
  13. Abby says

    October 24, 2013 at 6:30 pm

    Do you have any recommendations for baby pouches? My kids arent old enough for the freezie pop variety yet you suggest. We are slowing winning them over to a well-rounded diet with these purees, so I have two questions: 1) I'd be interested to hear if you've researched the healthiest brand (Ella, Plum Organics, Happy Tots, Earth's Best, etc). And 2) I'd prefer to make my own veggie/fruit purees- can you recommend any DIY baby pouch filling kits or (preferably reusable) squeezie pouches? Thanks :)

    Reply
    • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

      October 26, 2013 at 7:51 am

      Hi there. Here you go :https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/07/11/3-ways-introduce-baby-toddler-real-food/. ~Amy

      Reply
  14. laramealor.com says

    October 08, 2013 at 1:40 pm

    looking for a potato slicer , that slices VERY THIN. Would you have any suggestions? Love your list of tools for the kitchen!

    Reply
    • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

      October 10, 2013 at 12:52 pm

      Hi there. I use an inexpensive mandoline and get mine fairly thin but I'm going to have to throw this back out at the readers as we've no real suggestions for this one. I did notice, however, that they range greatly in price starting at around $30 up to $200. ~Amy

      Reply
  15. Heather says

    October 08, 2013 at 10:36 am

    I tried that tortilla press & our tortillas were uneven, incredibly thick on one side & thin on the other. I tried rotating the tortilla to the opposite sides, tried altering the lever, all sorts of stuff. Any suggestions?

    Reply
    • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

      October 18, 2013 at 12:40 pm

      Hello Heather. I often roll my tortillas out a bit after pressing them. They are not typically uneven just not quite thin enough. I get a little better at it each time. It may just take some practice. ~Amy

      Reply
  16. Michelle says

    September 29, 2013 at 3:22 pm

    This is such a great list of appliances and tools for a kitchen. I just moved into a house and have been slowly collecting some of these items to fill my cabinets and drawers up!

    Reply
  17. Peggy says

    September 18, 2013 at 2:12 pm

    HELP..........I am wondering where the glass containers used in the latest video for holding homemade granola were purchased? LOVE the granola, it is used so frequently that the glass container to stay on counter would be PERFECT!!

    Reply
    • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

      September 19, 2013 at 8:15 pm

      Hi Peggy. The containers are from Sur La Table and you can find them in this post: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/11/16/moths-invaded-our-pantrybugs-like-real-food-too/. ~Amy

      Reply
  18. Kelli says

    September 18, 2013 at 8:56 am

    Tammy: I use my food processor for slicing, chopping, shredding, & pureeing. My blender recently broke ( I had it forever) so I was in the market for something I could use to make smoothies. I didn't want something expensive since I already have a heavy duty food processor & a juicer. Everyone recommended the Ninja. It's great for smoothies & worked well for pulverizing hard bread to make breadcrumbs. The chopping blade worked well enough but it's too small for me as I cook for a family of 5. The food processor comes with a much bigger working bowl. So, I guess it depends on size of your family and what your primary use for it is.

    Reply
  19. Tammy says

    September 17, 2013 at 4:15 pm

    I am shopping right now for a food processor or blender. I have heard great things about the Ninja, but can anyone tell me what the difference between a food processor and the Ninja (or any other blender) is? Can one do something the other one cannot? If I can only get one, which one should I get?

    On another note, do you guys do vitamins, probiotics, fish oil, etc in your family? And if so, have you had success in getting ones that are not loaded with sugar that kids will take?

    Reply
    • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

      September 19, 2013 at 7:59 am

      Hi Tammy. This article might help you decipher the difference and sort out your needs: http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/healthy_cooking_blog/food_processor_vs_blender_which_is_the_better_kitchen_tool. Regarding vitamins and supplements, here is a post Lisa did specifically on that subject: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/09/13/why-my-kids-dont-take-vitamins/. Hope these help. ~Amy

      Reply
    • caroline says

      October 01, 2013 at 3:33 pm

      It depends on what you are going to use it for. I use my food processer more than my blender - mostly for dough and chopping vegetables and cheese - way faster than chopping by hand if you don't need exact sized 'pretty' pieces. The blender is more for liquids (smoothies, purees, etc.) I have an Oster blender and it is fine for smoothies and things like that. I don't know how the new ones are, mine was my grandmothers so it is at least 30 years but still going strong except for the seal which got lost somewhere and I am having a hard time finding one the right size to replace it.

      If you are only going to purchase one or the other I would figure out which one you would use more. I think the Ninja handles chopping better than a 'traditional' blender but sicne I have never used one I'm not sure.

      Reply
    • Meliss says

      October 02, 2013 at 8:05 pm

      Tammy, I had a blender and food processor for years. I recently purchased the Ninja 1100 kitchen system (approx. $200 - so it is an investment) and I love it. It can pretty much do anything a blender and food processor do. It is awesome for making my daughter baby food super smooth, my fruit smoothie in the mornings, and (though I haven't tried this part yet) it can also make doughs, etc. If you really want this I got it for almost half the price by watching for sales on Kohl's online and using a 30% coupon.

      Reply
  20. Mona says

    September 02, 2013 at 9:30 pm

    The Norpro silicone ice pop makers are on sale for $7.30 on Amazon right now! (link below) I just ordered a set and I am SUPER excited... Thanks for the great post!

    http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-431-4-Piece-Silicone-Maker/dp/B0036B9KHO/ref=zg_bs_kitchen_16

    Reply
  21. Michele says

    August 29, 2013 at 9:15 am

    I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the information you have provided! I am also trying to stay away from products made in China, especially anything that would come in contact with our food and drink. Do you know if any of the glassware and silicon items you suggested are made in China?

    Reply
  22. Karen says

    August 26, 2013 at 12:49 pm

    Where do you get the cute toothpick, kabob sticks and monster bags that you use in your school lunches?

    Reply
    • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

      August 28, 2013 at 9:37 pm

      Hi Karen. Here is a link to Lisa's favorite school lunch supplies: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/24/my-favorite-school-lunch-supplies/. :) ~Amy

      Reply
  23. Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

    August 14, 2013 at 7:46 pm

    Hi Leah. Have you seen Lisa's nut free snack list that also includes some brands that keep it real: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/08/22/an-elementary-school-snack-list-%E2%80%93-nut-free/? I also found this one: http://snacksafely.com/snacklist.pdf. Wishing you the best. ~Amy

    Reply
  24. Leah says

    August 13, 2013 at 11:27 pm

    Hello...I appreciate your blog, and I am working to transition my family away from processed foods. One of the reasons that I am interested in changing my family's foods is because my son was diagnosed with a food allergy to tree nuts. Unfortunately, this limitation is also making our transition to natural foods more difficult! My local natural foods stores carry many great natural items, such as spelt flour ("Bob's Red Mill") and sunflower and pumpkin seeds, which my son can have, but EVERY ONE so far is "made in a facility with tree nuts". Since my son has reacted twice to foods with this warning label, these aren't options for us. Do you have any resources on purchasing natural ingredients which are also nut-free? Any assistance you can provide would be appreciated.

    Reply
  25. Heather says

    August 13, 2013 at 9:32 am

    Does anyone remember the canning lids she suggests that are BPA free?

    Reply
    • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

      August 13, 2013 at 2:25 pm

      Hi Heather. You can find the link to the lids in this post: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/01/16/recipe-whole-wheat-cookie-cake/. ~Amy

      Reply
  26. Chastity says

    July 31, 2013 at 3:19 pm

    I would like to thank you for all your hard work and dedication.
    I am overwhelmed (in the good way) by all the information you have on your site. I have tried several recipes and they are fabulous and the refried beans are amazing!! I made them on Monday night and the next day my daughter asked for them again. So, I have a pot of them on now!!
    God Bless your family.

    Reply
  27. Sarah says

    July 31, 2013 at 11:28 am

    Oh my goodness... Who has room for all those appliances?! I can touch all four walls of my kitchen without moving my feet and I manage just fine without half of those pricey gadgets!

    Reply
  28. Martha says

    July 26, 2013 at 1:26 pm

    Nothing can compare to a Ninja! They come in different sizes and powers and are very affordable (bought mine at Wal-Mart). Unbelievable how fast it makes perfect (no chunks, consistant and superfine) smoothies. Took a little practice to learn to properly chop my favorite pico de gallo without turning it into salsa instead, but can do it now in 3 VERY QUICK pulses. Love the super quick frozen deserts (almond milk, ice, fresh fruit, a touch of honey...start to eating in @ 3 minutes and comes out perfectly smooth! I've never had a blender that could handle ice...they always left little chunks. Get on YouTube and search for Ninja blender...lots of everyday people using them and creating new recipes and even a few showing their own test comparisons with other blenders. IMHO...it's the most powerful, versitile and durable blender for the dollar, no matter if you buy the small one or the big kitchen system. And no, I don't have any connection to/with their company.

    Reply
    • Jason Leake with 100 Days of Real Food says

      July 26, 2013 at 1:59 pm

      Thanks Martha the Ninja is definitely on the list of blenders to test.

      Reply
  29. sepideh says

    July 24, 2013 at 6:05 pm

    Hi there.
    I am searching for a good blender and thought I may found it on ur list, which I couldn't. Do you use any or do do have any recommendations? I heard that Vitamix is great, but that's kinda expensive for me.

    Reply
    • Jason Leake with 100 Days of Real Food says

      July 24, 2013 at 9:20 pm

      We use a Vitamix and love it, but we held out for many years due to the high cost. Eventually I went in with both sets of parents and we all got it for Lisa for a birthday present. They do offer remanufactured units at a discount and you can use this affiliate link for free shipping https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/Vitamix.

      We hope to do a blender comparison in the future because it sure would be nice to know how some of the popular cheaper models compare to the Vitamix!

      Reply
  30. Jennifer B says

    July 23, 2013 at 4:53 pm

    Can I just say that I love this site! I've been gradually buying some of the items from this list and have loved everything so far with one exception. I didn't really like the crystal deodorant, but I found a organic/vegan one!! There is a company in Apex, NC called Shorganics that is amazing (and no I'm not affiliated in any way). I ordered some deodorant on a whim through a produce delivery service (BackYard Produce). I just love their stuff and it gets bonus points for being local. Just thought you guys might like to check them out. :)

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      July 31, 2013 at 2:01 pm

      This is for Jennifer B or anyone else looking for a natural deodorant. I have super sensitive skin and I was finding many of the essential oils in the deodorants irritated me and after two days of using Weleda I thought someone had set my pits on fire! I was just about to give up one a more natural deodorant when one of the blogs I read suggested Primal Pit Paste. I ordered some and life has been wonderful. It really works and no irritation! http://www.primalpitpaste.com/

      Reply
  31. bettylucas says

    July 18, 2013 at 8:28 pm

    i been reading your out put very interestion betty lucas

    Reply
  32. Kim Wride says

    July 13, 2013 at 7:09 pm

    Love this list! I just want to suggest that you try Primal Pit Paste for your deodorant. My family LOVES it because it's ingredients that are familiar, it smells great and it WORKS! :)

    Reply
  33. Anastasia @ eco-babyz says

    July 11, 2013 at 6:58 pm

    Great list, wow! I just compiled a wish list for my real foods kitchen :) http://www.eco-babyz.com/2013/07/real-foods-kitchen-wish-list.html

    Reply
  34. Ashley says

    July 10, 2013 at 8:03 pm

    Holy cow! This is an amazing list! We are slowly but surely transforming into a clean eating family and this gives great advice for a beginner!

    Reply
  35. Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

    June 12, 2013 at 10:45 am

    Hi Maria. Here is the info on the dehydrator: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/11/16/giveaway-filterpro-dehydrator-by-lequip/. This give away is not longer valid. :) ~Amy

    Reply
  36. Maria says

    May 31, 2013 at 11:05 am

    Hi,

    I really got into drying fruits and veggies this past winter, but I got a really cheap dehydrator. After just a few uses, the plastic became bridle and I am kind of concerned to expose my food to heat on obviously very cheap plastic for such a long time. What kind of material is the dehydrator that you are using? I looked on Amazon, but it doesn't say anything in the product description. I have recently switched most of our containers to glass, but I have never seen a dehydrator with glass trays. I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

    BTW, I really, really love this site! I'm here almost every day :) Thanks for sharing your passion about real food and helping and inspiring the rest of us to eat more healthy!

    Reply
  37. Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

    May 29, 2013 at 8:05 am

    Hi Donna. Have you "liked" us on Facebook? Once you do that, you can download the Super Market Cheat Sheet and I think that will be helpful. Here is more information on how to do that: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/03/09/supermarket-real-food-cheat-sheet/. Four of our meal plans are available the same way: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/our-free-meal-plans/. Best of luck on the pledge! ~Amy

    Reply
  38. Donna M. says

    May 28, 2013 at 8:42 pm

    Is there a list of food items that Lisa had so she was ready when starting the Real Food pledge? Like no refined sugar is a rule.....so she made sure she had raw honey, or whatever. I want to start the real food pledge but I feel I need to prepare for it by making sure I have the correct ingredients handy. Thanks! Love this site!!

    Reply
  39. Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

    May 25, 2013 at 6:49 pm

    Hi Alison. I don't think there is a specific sheet that Lisa recommends. I do know we are all trying to avoid non-stick. Here is, perhaps, more than you ever wanted to know about baking sheets: http://www.marthastewart.com/266322/baking-sheets-101. ;) ~Amy

    Reply
  40. Alison says

    May 16, 2013 at 6:46 pm

    What kind of baking/cooking sheets would you recommend?

    Reply
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