Congratulations, Kate - you're the winner of the cookbook giveaway!! I will be sending you a free copy of Julia's new book, unless you'd rather pass the book along to another reader. I'll be sending you a direct message here on Substack, so keep your eyes out!
I'm totally with you on this one, Kate!! Having a trash bowl or my compost bin on the counter with me makes the process so much cleaner, not just physically, but also mentally/emotionally. Great tip!
Knife skills would be my greatest tool for cooking. As far as an item to have on hand, a tube of anchovy paste has been clutch for cooking. It’s easy to control how much you use, not messy, and makes it easier to add some umami to any dish.
I love that you called out knife skills - that's definitely what brings me the most ease as a cook too. Anchovy paste is an awesome secret ingredient- great tip!
Hummus. Store bought hummus. (I especially like roasted red pepper hummus and preserved lemon hummus.) I can use it as a dip, on bread to add flavor to a sandwich, and even as a pasta sauce. I always have it in my refrigerator.
One thing for me that I started using, thanks to you Nicki, is the 12x16 package of flat parchment paper. Life changing actually, rather than fighting with the round roll of parchment, trying to keep it flat, etc. Not a fancy answer, but the first thing that came to my mind :)
(But I must say, I agree with Kate below, a trash bowl really was a game changer for me, also thanks to Rachel Ray.)
Aren't the parchment paper sheets a game changer?! I'm telling you, it's always the little things that make the biggest difference. (There's a life lesson there, I'm sure!) ❤️
Hi Nicki. I look forward to listening to the podcast. I’m always open to any help in the kitchen. I don’t have a lot of fancy tools but what I use the most are these 3 cutting boards that my son gifted me. They’re a really hard plastic? and maybe 1/2 inch thick. They don’t stain and wash very easily so when I’m prepping or cutting food they can easily be washed. They have a texture to them so they’re not slippery either. I always leave one on the counter so it’s out and ready for anything.
I love that you leave one of the cutting boards on the counter so that it's out and ready for you! Julia and I talk about how important those little acts are (in fact, they make all the difference). ❤️
The simple elegance of a trash bowl (thank you Rachel Ray) helps keep my space and mind clear when cooking—something I can always use more of!
Congratulations, Kate - you're the winner of the cookbook giveaway!! I will be sending you a free copy of Julia's new book, unless you'd rather pass the book along to another reader. I'll be sending you a direct message here on Substack, so keep your eyes out!
I'm totally with you on this one, Kate!! Having a trash bowl or my compost bin on the counter with me makes the process so much cleaner, not just physically, but also mentally/emotionally. Great tip!
A large soup pot. It creates ease in the winter months when all I want to do it throw a bunch of ingredients together and made a great soup.
Yes! A large pot is so key (I literally just through together a pot of soup for dinner tonight!).
Knife skills would be my greatest tool for cooking. As far as an item to have on hand, a tube of anchovy paste has been clutch for cooking. It’s easy to control how much you use, not messy, and makes it easier to add some umami to any dish.
I love that you called out knife skills - that's definitely what brings me the most ease as a cook too. Anchovy paste is an awesome secret ingredient- great tip!
Hummus. Store bought hummus. (I especially like roasted red pepper hummus and preserved lemon hummus.) I can use it as a dip, on bread to add flavor to a sandwich, and even as a pasta sauce. I always have it in my refrigerator.
Me too!!! Store-bought hummus is an absolute staple in my kitchen too. So versatile!
One thing for me that I started using, thanks to you Nicki, is the 12x16 package of flat parchment paper. Life changing actually, rather than fighting with the round roll of parchment, trying to keep it flat, etc. Not a fancy answer, but the first thing that came to my mind :)
(But I must say, I agree with Kate below, a trash bowl really was a game changer for me, also thanks to Rachel Ray.)
Sandy
Aren't the parchment paper sheets a game changer?! I'm telling you, it's always the little things that make the biggest difference. (There's a life lesson there, I'm sure!) ❤️
Hi Nicki. I look forward to listening to the podcast. I’m always open to any help in the kitchen. I don’t have a lot of fancy tools but what I use the most are these 3 cutting boards that my son gifted me. They’re a really hard plastic? and maybe 1/2 inch thick. They don’t stain and wash very easily so when I’m prepping or cutting food they can easily be washed. They have a texture to them so they’re not slippery either. I always leave one on the counter so it’s out and ready for anything.
I love that you leave one of the cutting boards on the counter so that it's out and ready for you! Julia and I talk about how important those little acts are (in fact, they make all the difference). ❤️
@Nicki Sizemore, my apologies for busting in without your permission. But I just sincerely appreciate your hard work and @Julias.
Your episodes are simple Devine. I also love cooking and it completely calms my spirit and heart.
Thank you @Nicki Sizemore and @Julia.