Goodies for the kitchen

Having the right gadgets and gizmos in the kitchen can make all the difference in terms of time and 

effort when preparing a family meal or entertaining a group of friends. 

Here are a few things you will see in my kitchen.

ALL-CLAD stainless steel measuring spoons

Salt Keeper

I fill this wood Salt Keeper with kosher salt. The easy top works perfectly for a quick sprinkle of salt on my oatmeal, pasta, or roast chicken.

This is a permanent fixture on my stove during the dark, cold winter months as I prepare a variety of hearty stews and soups. The multi-coat enamel over the cast iron ensures a slow and even distribution of heat.

STAUB 

Anything can go in this pan... fish, chicken, spaghetti sauce, pasta, etc.. 

All-Clad d5 Brushed Stainless-Steel Sautétes

J.K. Adams cutting board

I have a few different cutting boards.  This one is used for anything other than poultry or beef.

Cookie trays, jelly roll pans.. wonderful for cookies and pastries. 

Do you bake with Parchment Paper?

It makes clean up easier and everything (especially cookies) bake more evenly.  I like also like this brand.  I's available bleached or unbleached, FYI. 

I use this little chopper whenever an onion is involved..otherwise I'm crying a river.

This little gadget is small, easy to assemble and when I'm finished chopping it goes right in the dishwasher. When it stops chopping well I toss it and buy a new one (it's fairly inexpensive). 

             Mexican Breakfast Casserole

Emeril Lagasse {recipe}

I prepared this casserole for a brunch we hosted last weekend and it was a huge hit so I wanted to share the recipe. I mixed mild sausage with Chorizo and left out some of the chili powder.   

Instructions call for Poblano Chili.

 To help keep me organized, I prepared the casserole and a few other items the night before.  If I leave everything to the last minute I get a little grumpy so I've learned over the years to choose a menu will allow me to prepare things ahead of time.

The scene..

It was a relaxed evening, my work week was over, a movie was on and I was multi-tasking.. sipping wine, checking my on-line recipes etc.. 

      Layla begging by my feet.

..a warning on chili..

later that evening,

my fingers were kinda itchy and my lips started to burn.  It was the Pablano's  .. I never washed my hands! I cut them up, touched my computer and touched my glass.  

Pablano's aren't that spicy but it's possible I  have a sensitivity or could be mildly allergic.

 How do you do with spice? Do you like it or are you sensitive to it?

Everything was fine the following morning and I resumed meal preparation.

Because this was a brunch and called for cheese.. I turned immediately to brie.

Tina shared this wonderful Brie recipe on her blog last week and I wanted to try it. So easy, you just roll out store bought bread dough and place a wheel of brie in the center. On top of that I put cranberries (dried is all I had but Tina used fresh that she marinated over night) Then I added a brown sugar, slivered almonds, and a little butter, wrapped it up like a little package and baked it for about 25 minutes in a 350 degree oven.  

Simple, delicious, and it was gobbled up instantly.

  

 It's best to eat this right out of the oven.

My sweet friend is diving in .. love that!  We aren't shy when it comes to food!

How is your week going?

xxleslie