What tools do you use in the kitchen that help you with your food prep? What can't you live without?

I love my George Grill! Grilled chicken.

Rice cooker

Ooh, I've recently found a love for my George Foreman grill as well! I've had it for a while, but last week I cooked up whole bunch of chicken breasts on it and it took no time at all and man, they were delicious.

As far as other things, I use my toaster a lot, though that's pretty common. Oh, my microwaveable veggie steamer! That comes in handy when I'm making longer steamed veggies, like say, asparagus. The crock pot is something I recognize as being very useful, though I don't actually put it to practice much. Other than that, I don't guess there are many gadgets I use... oh, well except for maybe my apple corer. I mostly just use the old standbys... a good set of sharp knives, etc.

i second both of those (i use my rice cooker for both its intended purpose and to steam veggies)...oh and my blender/food processor combo with smoothie attachment.
brilliant.

I love my Magic Bullet!

Love it for smoothies and shakes because I only make one serving and you make it right in the cup you drink it from. Only one small blade and one cup to clean.

I also use it to make tuna salad. Chops up the onion and blends everything in one little cup and I pop the lid on and take it with me to work.

I'd be lost without my blender for smoothies, soups, sauces, dips...You get the idea! *wink*

I agree with the blender as well. DH uses it every day for his morning shake. I'm too lazy though and just use a shaker cup

I have an outdoor gas grill. We have fairly mild weather here, so I use it year round. I have a covered patio, so I can usually stand under that while grilling. Even in the snow, I'll be out there!

I have a quesadilla maker.... I LOVE it.. for a quick and fibery dinner I put in some refried beans and lowfat cheese and guacamole, zap some veggies and it's all set!

A really good set of nonstick pans is essential for me - less oil and less cleanup.

I like lining my pans for baking with foil for the same reason - no more burned-on messes that won't come off because I don't use more oil.

GLOBAL KITCHEN KNIVES. They are sooo expensive, but they make food prep ridiculously easy - now I cook in other people's kitchens and have to -bring my own knives- because I am so addicted to the quick/easy chopping.

I'm with Cassie--my Magic Bullet, hands down. I use it for smoothies in the morning, pureeing ingredients for marinades, pureeing veggies to add to sauces, ham salad, omelettes, chicken salad...

And, of course, milkshakes and malts for Jeff

Zyliss garlic press, Cuisinart food processor, ziploc bags!! (and good knives too - I have Cutco ones that I love)

Hubby! He does all of the cooking. I can put together a mean salad, though!

I with you guys on the good knives. Until you use a brand new sharp one, you don't know how easy it actually is to slice veggies, etc. We have the Cutco ones too. But... tomorrow I go for orientation because I start culinary school on Monday. I get to buy my chef whites and... a whole new set of professional knives. I am soooooo excited! I'm actually looking forward to learning proper knife skills.

I have an electric grill (not a George) that I use quite alot and measuring scales. Think my most used items are the set of non-stick pans. Though my most favorite is the telephone - used for making reservations. Hee hee hee