Did 2017 treat you nicely?
I had a great year that included lots of travel, injuries healed, some fears assuaged and better body awareness.
Here are 7 tools that came into my kitchen this year that I fell in love with.
Let me know in the comments if you have any of these items and what you think.
What are your favorite kitchen items?
Number 1
Danica Studio Cellulose Sponge in the Mystique Print
Isn’t this such an ethereal composition? Magic moth and mushrooms, the moon, and a little twinkle here and there!
It does a bit of magic cleaning too! This sponge is known as a Swedish sponge and is made of both recycled cotton and cellulose (plant fiber). It’s eco-friendly, last 6 months or more, dries quickly and can be sanitized by going in the dishwasher or microwave and also washed with your kitchen linens.
Danica Studios has lots of whimsical prints! You can find some locally here in Austin, TX at wonderful Wheatsville!
Number 2
Lekue Fresh Cooking Silicone Storage Bags
If you are wondering how to store soups and sauces in your freezer without using plastic Ziplocs or glass containers, look no further than these resealable silicone bags. They have a reinforced base so that you can set them on the counter and pour in your liquids. The silicone has some stretch. The side of the bag gives you measurements in cups, mL, and ounces. A plastic slider seals in all of the goodness you have created. The bags themselves can go in the microwave or even in a pot of simmering water for reheating. They are also dishwasher safe even though I have been washing mine by hand.
I’ve used them to store soups, fresh juice, salsa, leftovers, cut up veggies etc. I even have one that I keep in the freezer for extra mushroom stems that I use for making stock. It’s so easy to open and then toss one in and put back in the freezer.
I think some of my Pyrex has met its match!
(video from Lekueusa.com)
Number 3
If You Care Automatic Dish Tablets
This is the only dishwasher detergent I have used this year. The name of the brand gets me every time. I also use their parchment paper a lot! It has consistently cleaned everything with no chalky residue and no synthetic smells emitted during the washing process. My dishwasher is from the 90’s so it goes without saying that this product really works and makes me happy. The less time I spend washing, the more time I can spend cooking!
Number 4
Handmade Spoon Made By My Daughter
Have you ever received a handmade gift from someone that was REALLY NICE?
Something with your aesthetic, made from real materials (not bought a craft store glued on to other stuff made cheaply in a factory in China), and something practical?
My daughter who is now 13, carved this wooden spoon at school and gave it to me for Mother’s Day. I feel fortunate that she is receiving a real education with some practical skills and isn’t glued to a school-issued computer all day. I don’t use it all the time because it has just a simple oil finish. It’s mostly for serving up warm grains.
I will treasure this for a long time! *I try not to get weepy!*
Number 5
Mousco Silicone Spoon Set
These silicone utensils with acacia handles are beautiful and practical. I love the feel of the wood handle. Acacia is a more sustainable tropical wood source and can last a long time. My mom is from the Philippines and acacia wood is very common there. The silicone is flexible, and heat resistant up to 450 degrees.
I use one of the utensils every day! They look good in a group along with my other wooden spoons on the countertop next to my stove.
Number 6
IKEA BITTERGURKA Hanging Planter
I love having herbs growing near the kitchen. I got this planter in October so that some more delicate herbs would survive through the winter, ie. basil etc. When it was full of goodness from the Natural Gardener, I felt so much pleasure just looking at it. I had never grown Stevia before and it was a treat to see the numerous white flowers bloom. The planter itself is two of the same white pieces. A loop on the underside and a hook on the top mean you can continue to add sections. It is now hanging with my other tropical plants in a corner near the sunniest South facing window. Little nasturtium plants that we grew from seeds live their now.
Number 7
This peeler is a happy green color and has the best grippy feel to the handle. The swivel blade makes peeling anything easy. A very pointed tip removes potato eyes in one quick and simple motion. This is one of the best peelers I have ever used!
That’s it for now! I got a new kitchen gadget as a holiday gift from my husband and I feel so excited about it. It will be revealed in 2018 after I have some time to play around with it. You’ll just have to wait to hear about the *JUICY* details!
*This post includes affiliate links.
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