The tools

Tool: Vitamix       Frequency of Use: two-three times a day. More on the weekends.

This one was a recent addition and a game changer. I had always resisted… because who needs a $500 blender right? Well I do, and so do you. The good news is that I bought the almost cheapest one (make sure it has a variable speed, the rest is all gravy), refurbished and second hand so it only cost me $210. If you are not that lucky… get the one on sale at Costco anyway. You won’t regret it.

Tool: Popcorn Maker  Frequency of use: three to four times a week. 
I bought this recently for a zero waste birthday party and have used it regularly since. I got it at the thrift store for under $5… I looked for the oldest, simplest one I could find, figuring it would actually last longer that way. The kids have been loving popcorn in their lunches. I can get popcorn and popcorn seasoning at Bulk Barn (who let you take your own containers). It takes about 3 minutes to pop fresh in the morning and lunch snacks are low salt, low fat, no sugar and cost me pennies. Good deal. 

Tool: Stand Mixer  Frequency of use: two or three times a week
This one is an old friend, and not so necessary. I like to bake and we’ve been through a series of allergies which has made it important to cook at home. This really does make lots of stuff faster and easier and has the added benefit of coming with it’s own very sturdy and satisfying mixing bowl.
Things we make in it: -mix gluten free flour-muffins-arepas-pancakes-bread

Tool: Instant Pot  Frequency of Use: One to two times a week.

The instant pot has replaced tin cans in our house. I had an “old school” pressure cooker before so I was used to cooking with pressure. As a result, the instant pot wasn’t such a surprise, but I sure appreciate being able to set it and walk away. I also think it cooks faster and with higher pressure that the old school one, although I don’t have any proof. Note: It is supposed to replace the slow cooker too, but I’ve found it doesn’t really. I kept my slow cooker. Note 2: I saved money and bought the one without the yogurt button, but I’ve regretted it.

Things we make in it:
-beans… mostly beans once a week. I do a big batch and put two jars in the freezer and we have 3 or 4 meals out of it.
-hard boiled eggs – also cook up beautifully and really easy and make great lunch food
-the occasional other more fancy recipe. There are millions online.

We love tortillas, but tortillas come in small numbers in big plastic packages. Maseca – the most common tortilla flour – comes in paper bags and one big bag can make like 20 recipes of tortillas. Turns out they’re not that hard to make, if you buy the press. Turns out the press is easy to find at any kitchen supply store. And… they taste waaaaaaayyyy!! better than the ones in the plastic bags. There is a learning curve for sure with these so don’t be disappointed if they don’t turn out well your first try. By the time I had made them a couple of times I had a good rhythm down. I can do 20 tortillas in about 10 minutes now – about as fast as finding them in the grocery story. I did get a flat two burner griddle to put over the stove and that speeds up the process a lot because I can cook them 6 at a time. 

Tool Waffle Maker   Frequency of use: once a week

We usually make waffles on Sunday. I do a double batch and the left overs go in the freezer to be “eggo” waffles during the week. They just pop in the toaster and voila! I got this waffle maker cheap at the thrift store as well. It is the sort of thing people get as wedding presents and then never use. Someone else’s trash is my delicious waffles 🙂