Womens Essentials (in the Kitchen)

Ok, Ok, so I don't use a ratchet or a Phillips screwdriver every day...but I do have essential tools always on hand in my 'kitchen workshop'. Good tools, good equipment are key to the type of cooking I do, and in my opinion, they are valuable to ANYone who wants to turn out delicious meals. Yes, I know, 'in olden days' you say, they didn't have a bunch of fancy stuff in kitchens, and you would be correct...to some degree. However, ALL cooks had a favorite piece of cookware, or tool, or even technique that made them 'better cooks', and today 'better cooks' have tools in their belt!
I couldn't begin to tell you how 'blessed' I am to have a man who supports my love of cooking in every single way. He is my greatest fan, he goes the distance in supplying me with literally any item that makes my time in the kitchen easier, and he EVEN does kitchen stores with me. Darling Hubbs has spent countless hours in a kitchen 'remodel', turning our old pitiful farm home kitchen into a lovely and updated fun place to cook. I think he reaps the rewards of his labor, when I serve up several new dishes or when I catch him just 'watching me' and smiling, I feel it's come home.
So, what are several of my 'can't live without' items? Definitely my knives are #1. I use Wusthof and find them perfect weight for my hand. Sharp, sharp, sharp is the happy knife, (and safest) knife to use, dull knives are a huge burden in prepping a meal. #2 would be my pots and pans. I am a HUGE fan of QVC (shopping network), but a bigger fan of their Cooks Essentials and Techniques cookware. Great pieces, exceptional warranty. #3 would be my Temptations ceramic ware. I cook and serve in these beautiful pieces, they are not only perfection for baking, but super simple clean up by hand or dishwasher. #4 favorite is a combo of my "Kitchenaid" small electrics like my hand mixer, stand mixer, and food processor. These pieces are like old friends, and true work horses. #5 a smile maker for me always, and that is my dishwasher. Cannot say enough about my dishwasher, it's just the epitome of goodness. It is a Kitchenaid commercial series and hubbs 'raised' it for me when he built it in, so I barely have to bend to load or unload. Cleans like nothing I've ever seen. #6 without question is my GRILL. A woman and her grill were truly a 'meant to be' marriage. There is no match to equal it's vast abilities. #7 will be my CrockPot. I can't say how overlooked this small wonder can be, but it should be calling your name at least once a week or you're definitely missing sweet rest.
Ok, there are my top seven 'biggies'. I have MANY other key 'ingredients' on my 'essential tool list', some things are so small and would seem insignificant to others, but are definite essentials for this girl. Still, the point is using 'good' tools that are of quality high enough to make your moments in your kitchen 'easier'. Fun in your kitchen will make you a better cook, because cooking isn't about 'perfection', it's about making memories and finding joy in family and friend time.
I have essential tools in all areas of my life, necessary parts to my day that make my time purposed and worthwhile. God taught me about 'essentials'...I've found that I cannot function well for Him if I don't have His precious Word in my heart and on my mind. To make that easier, He gave me the "Bible" to work with in teaching me about Himself, and His Holy Spirit to direct me on necessary paths. And I just thoroughly enjoy sharing that time with Him because He gave me those 'essentials' to work with every day and they make my hours richer.
I hope you find the essentials that make your kitchen time and your life full and complete. And anytime you want to join me in my kitchen and 'hang out' just come in and sit down...sweet family and dear friends are definitely in my 'top 10 Essentials' list.