{Kitchen Gear I Can't Live Without}

1. Blender. We make smoothies here almost every morning. They're my way of shoving quick, healthy fruits any veggies down my kid's throat before school. Our go-to mix is banana, spinach, and blueberry.

2. Rice Cooker. We use it at least twice a week for perfectly fluffy rice--I wouldn't cook it any other way! This model also comes with a steamer basket, which I'll admit I don't use much because I cheat and buy those microwaveable steamed veggies. I have, however, used it a few times to make killer dim sum!

3. Global Knives. Invest in some good knives. They will last and you will be able to cut shit up like a pro. "Hey, I just cut my finger off--like a BOSS!"

4. Food Processor. Hummus, salsa, mayonnaise, soup, pizza dough, dip, icing--the list of tconcoctions I whip up with this thing is endless.

5. Crock Pot. The king of throw-it-in-and-forget-it-dinners. We use ours to make large batches of shredded chicken to throw in soups, tacos and barbecue sandwiches over the course of the week.

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