The utensils I keep nearby
a.k.a. 'what's in my crock'
A few weeks ago, I shared my ‘thoughts on knives,’ including the knives I use on a daily basis, how I keep them sharp, etc. (see below for more). So I thought today I’d expand on that and share the tools I use often enough to keep them in a crock on my counter. In other words, the utensils that are so useful, they’ve earned the kitchen counter real estate they occupy.
Back to the tools. Here they all are! And below the photo, more notes/links (nothing sponsored or affiliate links…just things I actually use). They’re all very affordable (nothing is over $15 and most are much less). Tools don’t have to be expensive to be “good.”
Ladle: no brand preference! Great if you eat a lot of soup. You can always use a liquid measuring cup or a mug if you need to. No idea where I got mine but here’s a good one!
A ‘spider’: like this one! I love this thing so much. I use it to get things out of pots when boiling/blanching/steaming, also very useful if you fry a lot!! Also great as a sorta mini strainer when I want to rinse off a bunch of berries. It’s very useful!
My microplane grater: this is the one I have (and have had for like 15 years…it’s still very sharp and seems to be totally indestructible). Best thing for zesting citrus, grinding nutmeg, mincing garlic and ginger, and great for Parmesan and other hard cheeses.
A large metal spoon: like this one…I am pretty sure I got it at a restaurant supply store over a decade ago…indestructible and so useful.
A large slotted metal spoon: just like the above, but with holes…like this one.
Lots of wooden spoons…no brand preference here, honestly I can’t even remember where I got most of these! They’re old!
Tongs: I have two pairs and use them constantly. One is short and is stainless steel and locks— it’s this one (make sure to get ones that lock! Otherwise their arms are always annoying) and it’s great for everything, including grilling. The other one I have is from OXO and has nylon tips, which is great for anything in a nonstick pan— but don’t use this on your grill!! If you only get one, get the metal one.
A fish spatula: no brand preference here (and here’s a very affordable one)— if I didn’t love nonstick pans as much as I do, I would say you only need this….but I don’t like to use it in a nonstick pan. Otherwise I love it! Use it all the time! Great for scraping roasted vegetables off of a sheet pan, etc.
Rubber spatulas: again, no brand preference. I use these constantly, especially when I’m baking to get all of the batter out of a bowl…or when I’m trying to get creamy things out of containers such as sour cream or yogurt. Heat resistant ones (like this) are great because then you don’t have to worry about anything melting….
Whisks!: no brand preference (here’s a solid-looking, very affordable one)! If you have space, it’s nice to have a couple because if one is dirty with wet/sticky stuff, it’s so nice to just be able to grab another. Not essential to have more than one!
A wide plastic spatula: again no brand preference— best thing for pancakes, fried eggs…anything in a nonstick skillet. I actually don’t know the brand of the one I have, but this one looks good!
A handheld sieve: I use this all of the time!!! To be exact, mine is not in the crock because then everything else doesn’t fit, so I keep it hanging on a screw right next to the crock. Very useful for draining small amounts of things, whether it’s a little pasta or a can of chickpeas.
There are a lot more tools I use in the kitchen….digital scale, measuring cups, mixing bowls, etc. But these are the only tools that live on my counter. I hope seeing this helps you figure out what’s most important to you to have in your toolbox.
Last weekend I had the BEST TIME teaching the Kids Cooking! class. It was so fun (and funny….kids really do say the darndest things). I will for sure be offering more of those in the future!
This weekend I’m doing a fun class about BREAKFASTS TO FREEZE. We will be making:
Breakfast Burritos
Oaty Banana Muffins
Blueberry + Coconut Baked Oatmeal Squares
We’ll make everything together and I will offer instructions on how best to freeze/defrost everything. Join me and make your mornings easier!
»»»» ALL INFO + SIGNUP HERE!!! «««« »»»» CLASS FAQs HERE! ««««
See you back here real soon. xoxoox Julia