One of the questions I get a lot on Facebook and Instagram is what my essential tools are in the kitchen. Here is the deal: There are tons of great equipment out there and I am sure we will add to this list at some point, but with the little one attached to my skirt (or sweats!) all day long, I don’t have much time or energy to use everything I would otherwise like to. Besides, I have to admit that I am a little lazy in the kitchen general, and also a minimalist, so I don’t buy a lot of items. When I do, I use them for years. So this is a list of things that I use on a regular (if not daily) basis for years, in order to get quick, healthy, and usually oil-free results.
Transparency/ Disclosure: I’m an Amazon associate. This means that if you purchase an item through a link I provide here, I receive a commission. I would NEVER recommend something I do not use and love, but I want to be honest and clear about the process, so I include this note every time I have Amazon links. Now, back to my kitchen.
Philips Airfryer
I say chips, he says french fries. Either way, he is happy as long as we have them on the table.
Everyone, this baby is hands down our favourite item in the kitchen. I say “our” favourite, because my husband loves it, too. What have I not ‘fried’ with this? From zucchinis to beats (the only way we can eat beets. oops), from potatoes to falafel, from chickpeas to green beans, this poor baby keeps working for our family non-stop! By the way, you do NOT have to use an oil spray, but if you want my recommendation, I *only* use this brand. Check the ingredients, and compare to other brands, and you’ll see.
You might know from the social media that my husband has done the yoursuper detox a few times, and LOVED his results. So we did a bunch of meal-prep, smoothies, salads, and so on. I used Vitamix at least ten times a day, during the 5-day detox!
I am also using their products regularly, adding them to smoothies, overnight oats, puddings. Even the little one loves them! Baking, soups, juices, even my healthy Nutella (again, adding yoursuper products!)- for all that and more, we are using Vitamix. We have been using both the air-fryer and the Vitamix for years. Both of them have moved from place to place, coast to coast with us, and they haven’t aged a bit. It is a great investment is what I am saying. Some things, you just pay for and never ever regret, you know? Thank goodness for that! You can get the one we are using (I believe it is the most affordable option) here. You can also get your 15% discount on anything you purchase from yoursuper.com If you have any questions about these products, do let me know!
Mixed frozen berries, frozen cauliflower, “forever beautiful” mix and cashew milk. Low in sugar, high in nutrition, gorgeous in colour!
Hand-held frother
To be honest with you, I’m using this to mix/ blend/stir powders that don’t dissolve otherwise. If a powder is easily dissolving in water, I get suspicious! The fewer ingredients they have, the harder they dissolve. Some people ask me how I make my favourite coffee alternatives, especially because some of these, like matcha, do not dissolve in water easily. Well, I use my frother. But it does make the drink much (much) foamier. and that’s always a good thing! 
I think Le Creuset is not making the steamer that I am using (it is THAT old). But this one seems similar. I blanch vegetables for the little one, steam for us when making salads or use on toasts (I don’t like raw veggies that much), use the same pot for rice, quinoa, pasta, and soups.
Wok/Frying pan
Finally, the wok. Again, my wok does not seem to be in the market anymore! But the one that I use is too big anyway. The only reason why I love it is that we stir fry regularly, and I can make enough for two meals. What I usually make for my husband is stirfried veggies with rice, or gluten-free pasta. This one seems much smaller than ours, but it might be easier to use and wash!
My coconut bowls
Okay, these might not seem like a necessity but I believe that food presentation is important, not only for our enjoyment of the food (they say “the eyes eat first”!) but also to help prevent overeating/emotional/stress-eating. A good presentation gives dignity to the food, don’t you think? And to us, the foodies:) Also, admittedly, these coconut bowls are too cute to not mention. I mean, just look at them!!
But they also have accessories from bamboo straws to chopsticks, from produce bags to candles. You can even get a cookbook. I don’t have the book (yet) but I LOOOOOVE my coconut bowls and the fork-spoon-chopstick set! Use the code IvyChan10 for a 10% discount!
I will be back with three (plus a bonus) chickpea recipe – one recipe for everyone, including the kiddos! Come back to check them out! Until then, much love from a sunny California!
