Love my crockpot too. But the other essential that I have is my mandolin slicer. So quick and easy to slice things now! I'm actually on my second one, which is NOT as good as my first one. Next time I get one, I'll go back to my "V-slicer".
I must preface this by saying I sell Tupperware, so I may not be totally objective.......
I like my kitchen a lot better now that I've organized my cabinets. DH does, too. I took a half day off work and re-did my cabinets with Modular Mates. I still haven't tackled my spices, but that's on my list.....someday.
I also like Tupperware's dishes that you can use to cook in the microwave, including the steamers. My favorites are the ones that seal so they can go from prep, to the freezer, to the micorwave, to the table. I like to make my lunch in portions and then just take one out and reheat it when I need it.
Have to confess, though, that I still can't live without my Ziploc freezer bags!! I use them for sandwiches and chips when packing DH's lunch (and mine sometimes--the girls at work have no mercy on me for that, either!!). I know I could probably use the sandwich bags cheaper, but I like the thickness of the freezer bags.
I do love my crockpot, too, but I don't use it as much in the summer. The other big item I use a lot in winter is the rotisserie. It takes up a lot of space, but it makes amazing roasted chicken.
Steamer bags have saved me. I guess that I am not as great a cook as some of the chicks. I often just want fast and easy. Cooking veggies in the microwave using a steamer bag meets that criteria.
Oh I use a microwave steamer that I have and its pretty awesome. I used to also steam veggies in the microwave by putting a wet paper cloth over them although I wanted something that was reusable so bought a microwave steamer.
I completely agree with the good knives! I bought two fabulous santoku knives in February and they have been a godsend. I also could not live without my corningware. I have two set that I can store tons of leftovers. I live by myself so always have leftovers...and I'm funny about plastic containers, so these I can divide up my leftovers, pop a lid on them and into the fridge or freezer they go.
I am a huge fan of kitchen stuff so it's very hard to stop with just my two favorites.
Yes knives are awesome- I have a great set of knives I got as a wedding gift and my mother always buys the cheapy knives that are total crap. When she comes over she'd always say how nice my knives were for cutting. Finally I gave her a set and was like just USE THEM! Who cares if they cost $50- they are WORTH IT!
Oh gosh. There are SO many things that I have that I find essential to helping me out in the kitchen and that I can't imagine not having. Just a few:
-Excellent knives - in particular my 5" santakou knife from Cuisinart. Oh do I love that thing. I also have knife sharpeners to keep them super sharp.
-My immersion blender.
-My excellent vegetable peeler (I eat a LOT of kirbys, which is similar to the cucumber). It's bright green so it stands out in the crowded drawer that I have it in.
-I have numerous plastic storage containers in all different sizes.
-Just recently bought and LOVE Pyrex glass bowls with plastic lids. They go safely in the oven and are nice enough to serve in.
-Zyliss garlic press. Super fantastic
-A combination grater/slicer
-Cuisinart food processor
-Tongs - I have a lot of these. They are great for mixing all those roasted veggies I cook - and then I have different ones that I serve those veggies with.
-A cast iron stove top grill. LOVE this thing.
I'll throw in another vote for great knives. I love my Wustofs.
Great pans. I've got All-Clad and I will probably own them to the day I kick it.
A digital food scale.
A SodaStream water carbonator. I can have all the sparkling water I want whenever I want with no lugging heavy bottles home.
A little convection oven on the countertop. It's so much faster to heat up than my wall oven and doesn't come close to heating up the kitchen as badly.
Add me to the list for good knives. Also, I love measuring cups and spoons. Also, more recently . . . I have gotten a MAGIC BULLET! I love it. I use it everyday three or four times (at least).
Oh, I forgot about a good veggie peeler. If anyone ever has plans to peel a butternut squash or a sweet potato, you are definitely going to want a good peeler!
A full roast in 30 minute? Yes please! It's the exact opposite concept of a crock pot, so it cooks things very quickly and tenderly. I love them, they're such time savers!
