I LOVE to cook and bake and read cookbooks for fun.
Early on I was obsessed with kitchen gadgets. I've bought and then rehomed quite a few over the years. If they made it I had it.
If there's a do dad, machine or cookware you're looking at chances are I've used it...from electric pasta machines to the hand crank models, bread machines, crock pots in all sizes, choppers both manual and electric, mixers of all sizes. I was the queen of kitchen sales... williams sonoma should still be sending me a fruit basket each year as a simple thank you
I have a Kitchen Aid stand mixer and use it mainly for holiday cooking now. I've had the same Kitchen Aid hand mixer for 12+ years and use it much more than the stand mixer. Food processors...I've got the standard and a mini, the mini is all I really use for baking and cooking. It's quick and easy to use and clean. I'll use my knives over any food processor but the mini does come in handy. Something I use a ton is my FoodSaver. It's great for marinating, freezing portions & leftovers, and if you're cooking special stuff for WW it's a great thing to have to help it all last longer in the fridge.
I love all gadgets by Good Grips, they last forever (like their veggie peeler).
For pans and cookware Pyrex glass is always a good basic, corningware is a great standard. I found Corningware Creations for a good deal at Kohls ..cute set of round red stoneware. I have a full set of Calphalon that hub got me 8-9 years ago for Christmas, it's NOT nonstick. I don't like the coatings. The one pot I use most though is a Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven, 4 1/2-Qt I found at Marshalls for half the retail price (it's pricey stuff regularly). I use that one pot for a ton.
I have a crock pot I use all the time and another I can't do without is my pressure cooker. I live on homemade soups, stews and chili in the winter, so those 2 are a must for me. Oh, and I'd get myself at least 2 really good cutting boards. One just for meats and one just for fruits and veggies. I personally prefer wood for the friuts and veggies. It's more work to care for it, but I just like the feel so much more. Meats are better on those newer plastic boards, for food safety and all.
Good Luck and HAVE FUN!!
