The only kitchen tools you actually need

Hey!

I was scrolling through Instagram yesterday and saw someone's "kitchen essentials" post with 47 different gadgets. FORTY-SEVEN!

It reminded me of when I first started cooking and thought I needed every single tool Williams Sonoma sold to make a decent meal.

Plot twist: I was completely wrong.

After years of cooking (and testing hundreds of recipes), I've realized you can make 90% of amazing, healthy meals with just 8 basic tools.

Here's my actual "essentials" list:

1. One good knife A sharp 8-inch chef's knife will do everything. Forget the 15-piece knife block. One quality knife that you keep sharp is worth more than a drawer full of dull ones.

2. Cutting board Wood or plastic - doesn't matter. Just make sure it's big enough to actually work on.

3. Non-stick pan For eggs, pancakes, and anything delicate. Replace it when the coating starts wearing off.

4. Cast iron or stainless steel pan For searing, roasting, and when you want some browning action.

5. One good pot Medium-sized with a lid. Perfect for soups, pasta, rice, steaming - basically everything.

6. Sheet pan For roasting vegetables, baking, and my famous "dump and bake" meals.

7. Mixing bowls (2-3 different sizes) For prep, mixing, serving. Get ones that nest together to save space.

8. Measuring cups and spoons Because even I don't eyeball everything!

That's it. Seriously.

Every single recipe in my collections can be made with these 8 tools. No spiralizer, no special smoothie maker, no fancy mandoline.

The truth? Great meals come from good ingredients and simple techniques, not expensive gadgets.

I'd rather see you spend $200 on quality versions of these 8 tools than $500 on gadgets you'll use twice.

Speaking of simple cooking...

My breakfast collection is full of recipes that use just basic tools but taste like you spent all morning in the kitchen.

No special equipment needed - just real food that actually tastes good and keeps you full until lunch.

What's the most useless kitchen gadget you own? Hit reply and tell me - I love hearing these stories!

Keep it simple! Sarah

P.S. - The ONE "gadget" I do love? A good digital scale. It makes baking so much more consistent. But even that's optional for most of my recipes!