Hey! Glad you are coming to read this super helpful blog post.
If I am being very honest, I think this is the BEST time to buy yourself something that you find pricey during the rest of the year or presents for your loved ones.
I often times like to plan ahead and decide what presents to buy during this time of the year.
I have great links for you that will help you get yourself started on the meal prepping road or just the cooking boat!
Cooking at home not only helps you stay on your budget but also can allow you to eat whatever you like and even consider certain dietary concerns like allergies.
Let's start with this list!
I absolutely love meal prepping as it is a GREAT tool!
I got myself for Prime Day some glass containers. I prefer glass containers vs. plastic as they do not have BPA, they do not melt when you warm up your food which means they last longer and you do not have to buy them frequently. Love buying them during Prime Day or Black Friday as they are on sale and you do not have to spend sooo much on them.
Glass Containers without dividers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09S9P7J98/?coliid=I211EC39A1V18F&colid=3LQTL98EB5TKQ&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
I totally understand eating breakfast before going to work or school can be tricky at times, however preparing it ahead of time can be such a life saver tool! I found these really cute overnight oats containers that come with their own spoon.
Overnight Oats Containers w/Spoon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09G9VWC34/?coliid=I6FE62S2QV0CP&colid=3LQTL98EB5TKQ&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
As part of meal prepping there are also several leftovers. I often times use containers but also utilize reusable bags. I have tried SO MANY brands and unfortunately there are not many long term options as Stasher bags. I usually get them when they are on sale at Whole Foods, but buying these kind of bundles is sooo convenient! Highly recommend you getting these bags. They are life savers and also can be washed in the dishwasher which makes it a lot easier.
If you are a beginner cook, I will strongly recommend you to get some useful stuff that can help you get the job done! Believe me, they do not have to be super pricey or even that fancy!
But here are a few essentials you do NEED to have in order to prep your best creations at home!
I have been a fan of this brand for quite some time now and I can say that their pots and pans are great! Food does not get stuck, they have a thicker layer which allows food to cook thoroughly and not get burnt. If you live on your own, you can certainly start with a few set of pans. Also, this set will help you determine if you do like the brand as much as I do.
Set of Calphalon Frying Pans: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01APP1X2I/?coliid=I2VK3TMRQ7AYH8&colid=3LQTL98EB5TKQ&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it_im
Another brand I do like and are on sale right now if you do want to buy a bigger set of pots and pans: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DL42NR7/?coliid=I2DI6G48O3RU3H&colid=3LQTL98EB5TKQ&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Whether you have your favorite pots and pans, having a cast iron skillet is completely necessary in a well-equiped kitchen! In the past I underestimated the power a cast iron skillet has and how crispy and amazing food can turn out if you cook it there. They can certainly be pricey, especially if you buy a bigger skillet. Buying during this time of the year allows you to get the size you desire or need without over spending.
I do like to have a set of fancier or nice looking baking dishes, especially if you are hosting a party/holiday party.
These are ceramic baking dishes and are from a great quality brand (Staub): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R6P1FQF/?coliid=I3IRHK3MLO9CMR&colid=3LQTL98EB5TKQ&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it_im
Having a great set of knives is usually not a priority for many. While I was first starting my cooking journey I never felt the need to get a good set of knives and ended up cutting myself pretty badly. Although, a good set of knives needs some maintenance too, so getting a knife sharpener
I actually love these knives because you can assign a specific color to the use a specific knife will have. To be completely honest, in order to avoid cross-contamination, having specific colors can turn out to be a great tool! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N9HWFLS/?coliid=I2LR4PILGP40BE&colid=3LQTL98EB5TKQ&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it_im
Although you can have a broad variety of fancier knives, I found these that are an Amazon's Choice! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09G2JQHG5/?coliid=I2KBY2BJ6J59IT&colid=3LQTL98EB5TKQ&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it_im
Another Amazon's Choice set of knives, if you are into brighter colors, these are for you! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08D3LY3VP/?coliid=I4CTUX17B288N&colid=3LQTL98EB5TKQ&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it_im&th=1
Meal prepping, also requires you to have a good set of baking sheets! One pan meals are my favorite because on those lazy days you can have a full balanced meal with minimal effort!
I completely understand when clients tell me about the lack of time to cook very elaborated dinners, however, nowadays there are so many cool kitchen gadgets that can help you cook everything in a shorter amount of time! I have an Instant Pot Multipurpose cooker (pressure cooker, slow cooker, sautée, etc) and I absolutely looove it. Finding out that this brand has their Air Fryer on sale is just a GEM you cannot let go by.
Adding a section for all of my coffee and tea lovers! I found such AMAZING gadgets for you!
There's nothing better than drinking your coffee or tea on a nice mug, am I right? Whenever I make cappuccinos or chai lattes I love using transparent or glass mugs! They just look cuter! Here's a set you can buy! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09642T56D/?coliid=I3F4QS5NEO0FST&colid=3LQTL98EB5TKQ&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
There is nothing worst than drinking cold coffee or tea, right? Or is it just me? Often times when you are at work and you are so focused on your things, you allow your coffee get cold? Do not fear this anymore! I found the best coffee warmer at such an amazing price!! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F5FZVKZ/?coliid=I15F7Q56XNR4J7&colid=3LQTL98EB5TKQ&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it_im
For my tea and pour over coffee lovers, I have the best kettle. You can adjust the temperature depending on how hot you want the water and the best part, you can even maintain the temperature in case you are not using the water immediately. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VPGBHTP/?coliid=I2U495EPF83AN2&colid=3LQTL98EB5TKQ&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it_im&th=1
Finally, for the cappuccino lovers! Frothing milk cannot be easier with this frother. I am so happy with my frother as it allows me to create chai lattes or cappuccinos at home. Honestly, you do not need a super fancy frother as this kind gets the job done! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LYXMFN6/?coliid=I3UPYUS44LO930&colid=3LQTL98EB5TKQ&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Now that everyone is hosting holiday parties at home, I want to share some cheese boards ideas you can get to create the BEST charcuterie boards to surprise your loved
ones. I do have a reel you can watch to get some inspo!
Also, for your holiday parties you do not want to undercook your food! I do not joke when it comes to safe food handling and cooking! There are safe inner temperatures for the different types of protein. I am posting two types of food thermometers for you to choose from. One is a little bit more specialized as it includes more probes for you to check the temperature of different types of food at the same time. The other food thermometer is digital but simple as you can just evaluate one food item at a time.
For all the health-conscious peeps out there, I have amazing options for you to buy! I do promote certain dietary supplements like collagen, vitamin D, pre/probiotics, prenatals. This is the best time to buy them at a more convenient price.
Thank you soooo much for reading all of this valuable information! I hope this list helps you in any way!
Please let me know if you find any of these products!
Comments