The Kitchen Docs

Switching up thing here a little bit today. Instead of a recipe, I though I’d share some of my favorite kitchen appliances. I strongly believe that hands are a cook’s best tools. But you need to get a lot more done in a short time that your hands could efficiently accomplish. These appliances are my helpers in the kitchen and make my life easy.

Appliances:

First and foremost is my Kitchenaid stand mixer. I have owned it for almost six years now and use it almost every other day. If you make as much dough (recipe here) as I do, this is a major time and effort saver. I have made countless cakes (find some recipes here, here, and here) muffins (have you seen these or these), pizza dough and cookies (these cutout sugar cookies for Christmas and valentine’s day) in this beauty, just to name a few.

KitchenAid KSM150PSCU Artisan Series 5-Qt. Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield – Contour Silver

The tools you use to create a recipe lend a hand to the final outcome. You do not need super expensive, high-tech gizmos to create magic in the kitchen, but a decent equipment help goes a long way. A good blender is great to have on hand, specially if you are into smoothies (have you tried this super healthy “Call it whatever smoothie“) this blender is a great. it is not as expensive as some of the fancy blenders out there and gets the job done. I have it sitting on my counter and use it almost everyday to make masala, chutneys, vinaigrette, sauces etc. along with smoothies/milkshakes.

KitchenAid KSB1575WH 5-Speed Diamond Blender with 60-Ounce BPA-Free Pitcher – White

I am a sucker for a good crock pot recipe from authentic Indian (butter chicken) to fusion cuisines (like this soup and this one). I absolutely love the ease and convenience of dumping ingredients into my Crock pot and walking into the kitchen with dinner waiting for you.

Crock-Pot 6-Quart Programmable Cook & Carry Slow Cooker with Digital Timer, Stainless Steel , SCCPVL610-S

We discovered this toaster oven few years ago and trust me when I say that it has proven to be a game changer for us. It is great for toasting (duh) but is super for reheating paranthas (this makki ki roti), flatbreads (roti, poori), pancakes (sweet or savory), pizza, muffins (pumpkin or blueberry) and other breads. Unlike the microwave, this toaster oven “toasts” the breads and not render them chewy. Its also great for baking small amounts of food or frozen food. And for under $30, this is awesome from price point of view too.

BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven with Easy Controls, Stainless Steel, TO1705SB

We have an old Braun coffee grinder that was a hand-me-down from my aunt. I use it every week to grind fresh coriander and cumin powders (My Spices 101) along with bigger batches of chana masala (for this chole recipe) and garam masala. I never use it for grinding coffee though because masala and coffee do not mix! The Braun grinder I use is obsolete in today’s markets but the one below is my next coffee/spice grinder. I have used it in friends’ kitchens and loved it and at less than $30, it gets the job done really well. Bonus – the grinder cup is removable and washable.

Cuisinart DCG-12BC Grind Central Coffee Grinder

Another small appliance that we use regularly in our kitchen is the handy dandy hand blender. It has the same functionality as the bigger blender, it is just not as powerful. In addition to the Kitcheaid blender, I love my Cuisinart hand blender to make pretty much everything that I make in the blender. Most of all, you are restricted by the quantity you can blend and also the smooth texture achieved. It is easy to store in a cabinet and does not break the bank!

Cuisinart CSB-75R Smart Stick 2-Speed Immersion Hand Blender, Red

On my radar:

This food processor..<3

Cuisinart DLC-10SY Pro Classic 7-Cup Food Processor, White
What are you some of your favorite kitchen appliances? Let me know and I will add that to my wish list..:)

Love – Vaishali.

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