How well equipped is your kitchen for preparing healthy food? Our featured author this week is Sharon Graham, R.N. of Nutrition777. In Part 1 of her 3-part article, Sharon shares her knowledge and preferences for the appliances that are important to her in preparing healthy meals.
Last evening I walked around the kitchen looking at the various appliances, cookware and kitchen gadgets that I use on a regular basis. I began making a list of what I use most often. It isn’t an exhaustive list, and I certainly won’t be able to share everything on it in this article, but it’s a start!
When asked the hypothetical question of what one thing could I not live without if stranded on a desert island, I’m quick to say, “my Cuisinart!” I’ve used a food processor since they first came on the scene in the 1970’s. There is no faster way to slice, chop, dice, grate or mix than by using a food processor; they truly are a cook’s best friend. If you don’t have one, begin saving for one or consider asking for one for an upcoming gift-giving occasion.
Probably the next most used appliance in our household is the blender. I make smoothies at least five times a week using it. I also use it for pureeing soups and sauces.
I also use a large kitchen mixer for the occasions when I make bread, other types of dough, cheesecake batter or cookies.
To equip your kitchen in a truly healthy manner, a juicer is a must. Fresh vegetable and fruit juices have tremendous nutrient value.
A crock pot is also a must. I have two; a newer one that’s large and oblong in shape, and a very old one that still works great. This past Sunday I slow-cooked a venison roast with barbecue sauce in the newer one. I cooked some sweet potatoes in the older one at the same time. When we came home from church, the kitchen smelled wonderful. All I had to do was make coleslaw (using my Cuisinart) and dinner was ready!
The last appliance I’ll mention for now is the convection oven. Today’s link will tell you more about it. I don’t have, nor do I recommend using a microwave oven. I know that may seem extreme to many of our readers … but love me anyway! Perhaps I’ll do a Daily Gram on the dangers of microwave cooking. NOT a popular subject to be sure.
I’ll continue my “kitchen gadget” discussion next week.
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About The Author: Sharon Graham of Nutrition777 is a nutritional consultant and coach who worked in the traditional medical field as a Registered Nurse for a number of years. She has over twenty-five years of experience in the natural health field as well. She works with several nutritional companies and is certified by the American Nutraceutical Association. Sharon brings a wealth of proven, practical information and methods so that you can achieve your own personal health goals.
Denise collins says:
May 24th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Ah yes the food processor, I don’t think I could manage my kitchen without one of those. Having a young child in the house makes it a neccessity. I find that I am reaching for it at least once a day if not more, its all about saving time on all the little jobs that make up a meal.
Your article made me do some serious thinking about all the appliances in my kitchen and I find your list to be bang on when it comes to the must haves. I look forward to reading some more of your articles.
~Denise