Resources & Kitchen Favorites
Welcome to my special resources page! Below you will find the tools, favorite items from the pantry and the equipment I use every day to make, test and take photos of the recipes on this blog.
1. Essential Kitchen Tools & Appliances
These are the kitchen tools that help with cooking faster easier and in a more regular way.
Category
Recommended Item
Why I Love & Use It
Knives & Cutting
8-Inch Chef’s Knife
A sharp high-quality knife is the most important tool in any kitchen.
Large Wooden Cutting Board
Protects your knife blades. Gives a lot of space for preparing food.
Cookware
Enameled Cast Iron Oven (5.5 Qt)
Great for soups, slow cooking, bread baking and one-pot meals.
12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
Best for high-heat cooking roasting and moving from stovetop to oven.
Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Pan
Perfect for making sauces and for heating.
Small Appliances
High-Speed Blender
Important for making soups, sauces, dressings and smoothies.
Food Processor (11–14 Cup)
Helps with chopping vegetables mixing pesto and making dough.
Digital Kitchen Scale
A must for baking! Measuring by weight gives the results every time.
2. Baking & Prep Essentials
Baking Sheets & Wire Racks: Strong aluminum baking sheets (half-sheet size) do not bend when heated.
Silicone Baking Mats / Parchment Paper: Stops food from sticking. Makes cleaning easy.
Mixing Bowls: A set of steel or heat-proof glass bowls for preparing, mixing and marinating.
Instant-Read Digital Thermometer: Helps check the temperature of meat and sugar syrups.
Measuring. Glass Liquid Cups: Reliable and strong for correct amounts of liquid and dry ingredients.
3. Recommended Food Photography & Video Gear
If you want to know how I take photos and make videos for the blog this is the setup I use:
Camera A DSLR or mirrorless camera that has clear color.
Primary Lens: 50mm f/1.8 (a low-cost lens for food) or 100mm Macro (for close-up details).
Lighting: light with white foam boards (to reflect light) and black boards (to make contrast).
Tripod with Overhead Arm: Important for taking overhead shots and clear long-exposure photos.
4. Helpful Recipe Conversions & Guides
Quick Kitchen Cheat Sheet
1 Tablespoon = 3 Teaspoons = 15 ml
1 Cup = 16 Tablespoons = 8 fluid oz = 240 ml
1 Pound (lb) = 16 oz = 450 grams
Oven Temperatures: 350°F = 175°C | 400°F = 200°C
Disclosure Note
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links. If you buy something through those links I may get a payment, with no extra cost to you. I only suggest items that I use, test and like.