Many Chowhound readers and community members live and breathe cooking, and have for more than two decades — so when they talk, we listen. Whether it’s working through a buzzy new cookbook or sharing thoughts on that kitchen gadget everyone’s talking about, Chowhound is where food fanatics go to spill the proverbial tea on what’s what, and (more importantly) what’s good.
That’s why we’re bringing you a list of the top 100 most-discussed cookbooks, cookware, kitchen gadgets, and pantry items—25 per category—on Chowhound. We plumbed the depths of our many food-related threads and community message boards to find out exactly what the Chowhound faithful has been gabbin’ about over the years.
From tried-and-true kitchen workhorses like Vitamix blenders and KitchenAid stand mixers, to cutting-edge cookware, under-the-radar pantry ingredients, and newfangled gadgets that make kitchen life easier, these are the top 100 most talked-about kitchen and cooking products on Chowhound.
Related Reading: The 20 Best Food Subscription Boxes to Gift this Holiday
Keep scrolling to see everything, or use the links to jump to the topic you’re most excited to explore first:
Chowhound’s Most-Discussed Cookbooks
Cookbooks and recipes are probably the single-most discussed topics on Chowhound (with restaurants running close behind). From classics to the newly released, here are the top 25 most-discussed cookbooks on Chowhound.
“The Book of Greens” by Jenn Louis, $27 on Amazon
Amazon
If it’s greens you’re after, you can put your trust in chef Jenn Louis, a known entity in the Portland area where vegetarian cooking is as highly acclaimed—and criticized—as anywhere else in the world. Her compendium of 175 recipes covers 40 types of greens so you never run out of ideas for Meatless Monday.Buy Now
“Sweet: Desserts from London’s Ottolenghi” by Yotam Ottolenghi, $25 on Amazon
Amazon
Speaking of vegetables, Yotam Ottolenghi has made an international splash with his inventive and soulful vegetarian cuisine but he started his career as a pastry chef. In this book, Yotam and his collaborator Helen Goh go “sweet,” tackling baked goods and other confections with dazzling photos and Ottolenghi’s signature creativity, as in his Cinnamon Pavlova with Praline Cream.Buy Now
“BraveTart: Iconic American Desserts” by Stella Parks, $35 on Amazon
Amazon
This book won the 2018 James Beard Award for best baking cookbook and has a near-perfect score on Amazon, so it’s not a huge surprise Chowhounds have enjoyed Stella Parks’ cookbook celebrating classic American desserts like cherry pie, fudge brownies, and even chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.Buy Now
“Cravings: Hungry for More” by Chrissy Teigen, $16 on Amazon
When Chrissy Teigen talks (or tweets) we listen, and when she writes a book we buy it. That includes the follow up to her hit cookbook “Cravings” entitled “Cravings: Hungry for More.” True to form, Teigen’s second book has approachable recipes that you really really want to eat like Banana Bread, and Shake n’ Bake Chicken with Hot Honey.Buy Now
“Nigella Kitchen” by Nigella Lawson, $21 on Amazon
Amazon
Nigella Lawson’s hit cookbook has lots of recipes but unlike most cookbooks, which are categorized by course or protein, these are broken up by moods and moments, as in “Hurry Up, I’m Hungry” for when there’s scarcely time to cook, or “Easy Does it” for feeding friends without losing your sanity.Buy Now
“The Malaysian Kitchen” by Christina Arokiasamy, $23 on Amazon
Amazon
Malaysian cuisine is a beautiful melting pot with familiar flavors, and a cookbook about it could probably go on forever. This popular recipe compendium has a whopping 150 recipes from appetizers to noodles, rice, and lots of hearty mains. Expect a good deal of heat and plenty of seafood, too.Buy Now
“Smith & Daughters: A Cookbook (That Happens to be Vegan)” by Shannon Martizen and Moe Wyse, $22 on Amazon
Amazon
This vegan cookbook hails from the iconic Australian restaurant which bears the same name, fit with ambitious dishes like Mexican meatless meatballs in a saffron sauce, and cashew cheese, tuna, and green pea croquettes.Buy Now
Related Reading: Smith & Daughter’s Tangy Vegan Potato Salad
“Smitten Kitchen Every Day” by Deb Perelman, $21 on Amazon
Amazon
Deb Perelman has built a bit of a recipe and cookbook empire from her small NYC kitchen. This book has a bit of everything from highbrow mango apple ceviche with sunflower seeds to downhome delights like everything drop biscuits with cream cheese.Buy Now
“Dutch Feast” by Emily Wright, $19 on Amazon
Amazon
Generally, one of the only silver linings of colonialism has been the fusion of global cuisines, and the Netherlands is a good example with its many Asian and European culinary influences. In this book, chef and author Emily Wright touches on that influence (and more) from one of the lesser celebrated but no less delicious European culinary traditions.Buy Now
Related Reading: Savory Cheese Cookies from Dutch Feast
“Cherry Bombe: The Cookbook” by Kerry Diamond & Claudia Wu, $23 on Amazon
Amazon
From the indie magazine sensation that shines a bright light on women in food comes the brand’s first cookbook. “Cherry Bombe: The Cookbook” includes favorite recipes from some of the biggest stars in cooking including Amanda Cohen (Dirt Candy), Melissa Clark (The New York Times), and Padma Lakshmi (Top Chef).Buy Now
“Food for Life: Delicious and Healthy Comfort Food” by Laila Ali, $16 on Amazon
Amazon
With rather big shoes to fill, Laila Ali—daughter of Mohammad Ali—has done well for herself both as a four-time boxing world champion, and a cookbook author. In this, her debut cookbook, Ali delivers a one-two combo of comforting recipes that won’t bust your training regimen, like oven “fried” chicken and southern greens.Buy Now
Related Reading: Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries with Marinara Dipping Sauce
“Taste & Technique: Recipes to Elevate Your Home Cooking” by Naomi Pomeroy, $25 on Amazon
Amazon
This book, with recipes from James Beard winner Naomi Pomeroy, doesn’t presume you know everything about cooking and serves as equal parts recipe compendium and how-to manual arming the home chef with confidence to nail any one of them.Buy Now
“Polpo: A Venetian Cookbook (of sorts)” by Russel Norman, $33 on Amazon
Amazon
Russel Norman’s Venetian restaurant Polpo took on a life of its own as one of London’s best kept culinary secrets. Like any good secret, it didn’t stay under wraps for long. Norman’s 2012 publishing of these 140 recipes from or inspired by the restaurant is proof.Buy Now
“Phoenix Claws and Jade Trees” by Kian Lam Kho, $25 on Amazon
Amazon
Winner of multiple culinary awards this book on authentic Chinese cooking by Kiam Lima Ko offers recipes but also helpful techniques aimed to demystify and amplify this unique, and diverse cuisine.Buy Now
“How to Eat a Peach” by Diana Henry, $19 on Amazon
Amazon
The recipient of much acclaim from book critics and fellow chefs alike, this book breathes life into the curated menus created by author Diana Henry, transporting the reader to a specific time and place through her personal essays that illuminate these colorful culinary moments in her life.Buy Now
“Kachka: A Return to Russian Cooking” by Bonnie Frumpkin Morales, $24 on Amazon
Amazon
Vodka infusions, delicious dumplings, smoked fish; this cookbook has everything you’d hope for in a book about Russian food. Dive deep into Soviet fare with this bright and bubbly book from the mind of Bonnie Morales, owner of Kachka restaurant (Portland, Ore.).Buy Now
“Baking with Less Sugar” by Joanne Chang, $17 on Amazon
Amazon
Sugar and baked goods have so long gone hand in hand, it’s easy to take their association for granted. Not so fast, says Joanne Chang, author of the hit cookbook “Flour,” whose aptly titled “Baking with Less Sugar” speaks directly to those trying to whittle some of those residual carbohydrates from their daily diet by using more natural sweeteners like fruit juice and honey.Buy Now
Related Reading: 8 Healthy Low-Carb Desserts
“Adventures in Starry Kitchen” by Nguyen Tran, $16 on Amazon
Amazon
You might remember Starry Kitchen, the speakeasy-style restaurant run by Nguyen Tran and his wife Thi out of a Los Angeles apartment in the last decade. It quickly became a sensation, racking up critical acclaim and impossible-to-get reservations. The couple has since left those humble beginnings behind, but their successes have continued, including this collection of 88 Asian-inspired recipes from America’s most famous underground restaurant.Buy Now
“The Zuni Cafe Cookbook” by Judy Rodgers, $23 on Amazon
Amazon
To call The Zuni Cafe a staple of the San Francisco restaurant scene would be a dramatic understatement. With this compendium of recipes, chef and owner Judy Rodgers brings her beloved food into your home with recipes like the famous Zuni roast chicken and espresso granita.Buy Now
“Anthony Bourdain’s Les Halles Cookbook” by Anthony Bourdain, $26 on Amazon
Amazon
The late, great Anthony Bourdain first helmed the kitchen at New York’s no-nonsense French brasserie, Les Halles. The beloved restaurant has since closed but its legacy—and that of its most famous chef de cuisine—live on in this collection of recipes and guide for French classics like roasted veal short ribs, steak frites, escargots aux noix, and foie gras au pruneaux. All written with Bourdain’s undeniable wit and wisdom.Buy Now
“The Breakfast Book” by Marion Cunningham, $20 on Amazon
Amazon
First published in 1987, this book by author Marion Cunningham celebrates that first meal of the day with over 280 recipes ranging from the sweet to the savory, and including breakfast ideas for every sort of occasion, from casual to chichi.Buy Now
“Lucky Peach Presents 101 Easy Asian Recipes” by Peter Meehan (& Editors), $20 on Amazon
Amazon
Though it is now defunct, the legacy of Lucky Peach—a cult food magazine which captivated the culinary world for years—lives on in its many editorial works, including this compendium of easy Asian recipes (they would later publish both and egg- and vegetable-centric cookbooks) which hit stores and online retailers in 2015. The collection was compiled by Peter Meehan along with the rest of the Lucky Peach editorial gang, and ranges from the simple to the more intricate.Buy Now
“Shaya: An Odyssey of Food, My Jurney back to Israel” by Alon Shaya, $15 on Amazon
Amazon
In this book, which reads both as a memoir and recipe collection, you’ll follow Alon Shaya as he winds his way from Israel through the American south (New Orleans, to be specific) and back again (to Israel) and discover how this journey informed Shaya’s unique and much-celebrated Israeli-Creole style of cooking.Buy Now
“Golden” by Itamar Srulovich and Sarit Packer, $21 on Amazon
Amazon
In a city not always thought of for its culinary prowess, there are still plenty of shining, dare I say golden, examples of excellence. Golden restaurant is one of them, famous in part for the wonderful sweet and savory pastries which emerge from the London restaurant’s kitchen over the course of a day. In this cookbook, you’ll find recipes for favorites like sticky buns, and spiced lamb en croute.Buy Now
“The Pho Cookbook” by Andrea Nguyen, $16 on Amazon
Amazon
Before Andrew Nguyen joined us for a Chowhound Table Talk celebrating her book “Vietnamese Food Any Day” she snagged a single subject James Beard award for this comprehensive pho cookbook. This book looks at the storied past of the warming soup, which helps tell the story of the country it originated, as well as some helpful know-how for making good pho at home.Buy Now
Related Reading: What Is the Difference Between Pho and Ramen?
Chowhound’s Most-Discussed Cookware
There are a lot of cookware brands to sort through these days. It’s hard to know where to start and what’s worth your hard-earned cash, but this list is a good place to start. These are the top 25 most-discussed cookware products on Chowhound.
Staub Perfect Pan, $119.95 on Sur La Table
Sur La TablePerfect? Well, it’s wide enough to sauté with reckless abandon, deep enough to pan-fry without oiling up the entire kitchen, and the enameled cast iron allows for high, even heat distribution, and easy cleanup. Oh, and did I mention it looks beautiful? So yeah, you could say this highly-versatile pan has earned its title.Buy Now
Demeyere 5-Plus 11-Inch Fry Pan, $159.95 on Amazon
Amazon
The price tag may seem a bit high for a frying pan, but Demeyere is one of the brands pro chefs and experienced home cooks absolutely swear by. The 5-ply (five layers of metal) means it’s not only dense and conductive, but also strong and resistant to warping, so in a decade when the pan is still in good shape, it may not seem like such a crazy price.Buy Now
Kamadosan Clay Rice Cooker, $117 on Amazon
Amazon
I can’t stop looking at this rice cooker and I want one in every room.Buy Now
Le Creuset Hard-Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan, $142.99 at Macy’s
Bloomingdale’s
You definitely want a good nonstick skillet in your cupboard but you don’t need to pay much more than $100. That’s because inevitably the nonstick surface will wear out and you’ll have to replace it, but the better quality—like this toughened deep fry pan from French legacy brand Le Creuset—the longer it’ll last. (Especially if you treat it right).Buy Now
Scanpan 10-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan, $81.20 on Amazon
Amazon
Here’s an example of a slightly less expensive nonstick pan that’ll still get the job done. It may not be quite as tough as the Le Creuset, but it’s still made from reinforced aluminum, and a toxin-free nonstick coating for easy cooking, and cleanup.Buy Now
Staub Small Rustic Cocottes (set of 3), $49 on Sur La Table
Sur La Table
If you’re a serial host or hostess, you should have these eye-catching cocottes on hand for French onion soups, stews, and desserts like soufflé. They double as serving dishes for sides, and sauces and are available in white, red, and this rustic turquoise.Buy Now
All-Clad d3 Stainless Steel Weeknight Pan, $179.96 on Sur La Table
Sur La Table
Another versatile “any day” pan with a wide surface for searing and sautéing and high, sloped sides for sauces and stews.Buy Now
Staub 6-Quart Round Cocotte, $247.96 on Sur La Table
Sur La Table
The kind of cookware you leave out on the stove because it’s so fun to use but also it’s just so darn pretty. Enameled cast iron is easy to cook with, easy to clean, and perfect for stews, soups, braises, and other one-pot meals.Buy Now
NordicWare Baking Sheets (set of 3), $32 on Amazon
Amazon
Ever buy a baking sheet and after four or five uses it starts to bend worse than a politician? Not these. Encapsulated galvanized steel means they are strong like bull, and fully worth the little bit of extra change.Buy Now
Cuisinart 6-Quart Stainless Saute with Cover, $49.95 on Amazon
Amazon
This Cuisinart sauté pan comes in at a slightly lower price point then some on our list but you can still count on even heat distribution and durability from this bonded steel pan with tempered glass lid.Buy Now
Staub Ceramic Baking Dishe , $23.96 on Sur La Table
Sur La Table
A reasonably-priced Staub baking dishe for sweet and savory purposes in a charming, retro pastel hue.Buy Now
De Buyer Copper Skillet, $166 on Amazon
Amazon
Copper cookware—besides being so darn pretty—is for precision cooking. It conducts heat as fast as anything but loses it quickly too making it ideal for delicate proteins you don’t want to overcook or melting chocolate and caramel. You may not use it every day or for everything, but if you can slide one into your arsenal you’ll be happy to have it.Buy Now
Related Reading: How to Care for Copper Cookware
Le Creuset 1.5-Quart Braiser, $159.96 on Sur La Table
Sur La Table
Smaller than a Dutch oven, this cast iron beauty is perfect for braising meats and veggies but shallow enough for a sear too. And it comes in all the beautiful colors of the Le Creuset rainbow.Buy Now
Demeyere Proline 11-Inch Stainless Fry Pan, $200 on Bed Bath & Beyond
Bed Bath & Beyond
An 11-inch surface is as much as you’re likely to need for most pan jobs, and this is one of the better options if you can spring for it. Seven, count ’em, seven layers (most good brands use five) of metal alloy means it’s going to take a small army and a lot of use for this thing to show any real wear or warping. In fact, it comes with a 20-year manufacturer’s warranty from the century-old cookware brand!Buy Now
Tramontina 8-Piece Tri-Ply Stainless Cookware Set, $120-$270 on Walmart
Walmart
For the price point, this 8-piece cookware set receives high marks in verified purchases. It includes the essentials like two different sized frying pans, a sauté pan, two saucepans, and a stockpot.Buy Now
Related Reading: A Comprehensive Guide to Cookware
Williams-Sonoma Round Hammered Wok with Ring, $36 on Williams-Sonoma
Williams Sonoma
Using a big wok takes a couple tries to get used to but once you do, it’s a ton of fun and makes cooking stir-fries a dream. This hammered wok with wood handle has a certain rustic charm, and the ring is key for newbies since a round wok doesn’t balance so well on most stovetops.Buy Now
T-fal Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Cast Iron Skillet, $22 on Amazon
Amazon
This is a perfect starter skillet for cast iron newbies. It’s pre-seasoned so you don’t have to bother with that, and it’s just the right size to cook a few steaks, burgers, or chicken breasts without taking over your cookware storage. Nothing gets hotter and retains heat better than cast iron and it’s a joy to cook with.Buy Now
KitchenAid 3-Ply Copper 12-Inch Skillet, $88 on Walmart
Walmart
If you want that undeniable copper core precision (and cool copper look) but without the eye-popping price, KitchenAid has created a line of more affordable copper cookware and this 12-inch skillet would be a good place to start. Remember, copper cookware is an especially fickle yet fast conductor of heat and takes special attention, but many elite chefs swear by it.Buy Now
Staub Rectangular Baking Dish, $19.99 on Sur La Table
Sur La Table
Even if you’re not an avid baker you should have one quality baking dish in your cookware arsenal. It’s great for savory bakes too like au gratins and casseroles. This lovely Staub baker comes in matte black and a more classic white.Buy Now
All-Clad Stainless Steel Simmer/Saute Pan, $199 on Bloomingdales
Bloomingdale’s
This unique pot from fan-favorite All-Clad was designed specially for simmering soups and stews, though it would make a fine stir-fry pan (if not a little heavy) given its sloping sides which keep the contents inside. Buy Now
Lodge Cast Iron Cookware Set, $69.95 on Amazon
Amazon
Cooking with cast iron has a certain anachronistic charm but it also makes for extremely good eats. Though it may take longer to heat up, it holds heat longer than most other materials too, and seasoned cast iron cookware imparts a depth of flavor to food.Buy Now
Mauvial Copper Rondeau Pan, $398 on Bed Bath & Beyond
Bed Bath & Beyond
You’ll want to dig out one of those 20 percent off coupons for this bad boy. A true showstopper of a rondeau pan with Mauviel’s signature copper sheen.Buy Now
Le Creuset Essential 4.25-Quart Oven with Accessories, $199.95 on Sur La Table
Sur La Table
Le Creuset is known for its dazzling colors, perfect design, and durable products. This Dutch oven has a slightly flattened shape compared to other dutch ovens, and comes with two darling bowls and a ladle for serving your creations.Buy Now
All-Clad Stainless Steel Roasting Pan, $99.99 on Sur La Table
Sur La Tableoften
All-Clad is one of the cookware brands that comes up most with our readers. Beyond a sturdy construction, often from multi-ply reinforced and bonded metals, and reliable performance, it looks darn pretty great too. This roasting pan with rack is no exception and with the holidays fast approaching you’ll get plenty of use out of it still in 2019.Buy Now
Mauvial Copper Saute Pan, $99.99 on Cutlery & More
Cutlery & More
Mauviel has been crafting some of the world’s best cookware since 1830, and their signature copper pots and pans are known the world over. This perfectly sized 10-inch pan is your new go-to for precision cooking. Copper take some special care and attention but pays you back handsomely if you use it right. Buy Now
Chowhound’s Most-Discussed Kitchen Gadgets
We love a good gadget. Whether it’s designed to shave precious time off an annoying kitchen task or simply make your finished food tastier or healthier, these are the top 25 most-discussed kitchen gadgets on Chowhound.
IKEA Spice Mill, $6.99 on IKEA
IKEA
Refillable for all your grindable spices like fresh pepper, nutmeg, clove, coriander, and more. Dishwasher safe with the grinding mechanism on top to prevent spillage.Buy Now
Thermoworks Thermapen, $79 on Thermoworks
Thermoworks
With instant and high-accuracy readings, Thermoworks meat thermometers have become a favorite of the professional and home chef, alike. This is the real deal but beware of knockoffs that have flooded the market of late.Buy Now
Phillips VivaTurboStar Air Fryer, $149 on Bed Bath & Beyond
Bed Bath & Beyond
Phillips is leading the charge with high-quality air fryers and this VivaTurboStar is one of their more popular models. It’s large enough to “healthy-fry” snacks for bigger groups and family affairs with a quick-clean basket, easy temp control, and auto turn-off function.Buy Now
Related Reading: The Best Air Fryer Recipes You Didn’t Know You Could Make
Regency Wraps Cheese Cloth, $4.49 on Amazon
Amazon
If you’ve got designs to make your own cheese or tofu or nut milk or finely strain anything, really, quality cheesecloth is something you’ll want to have on hand. You can also use it to extract seeds and pulp from juice, but it’s not sold everywhere so it’s a good idea to stock up while you’re thinking of it. Buy Now
Lamson Walnut Slotted Turner Spatula, $24 on Bed Bath & Beyond
Bed Bath & Beyond
If you cook a lot of delicate fish fillets, crab cakes, or other things that are infamous for falling apart in the pan, this is the turner spatula you need, made from sturdy walnut with a slim, slotted blade to let liquid through.Buy Now
SETO Japenese Chef Knife, $53 on Amazon
Amazon
The best steel comes out of Japan and Germany and this forged steel Japanese SETO chef’s knife handmade in Seki, Japan, gets extremely high marks in verified purchase reviews.Buy Now
John Boo’s & C0. Maple Edge Grain Cutting Board, $33 on Sur La Table
Sur La Table
On a long list of kitchen tools you’d be wise to spend a few dollars more on is cutting boards. Cheaply made boards just don’t last, but this John Boos & Co board crafted from quality white maple absolutely will. Plus it’s reversible so you can have a side dedicated to meats, for instance, and it clocks in under $35 at Sur La Table.Buy Now
Breville Sous Chef Food Processor, $285 on Amazon
Amazon
We all love Breville’s full line of helpful kitchen gadgetry but maybe none more than the Sous Chef food processor which flawlessly chops food to your exact specifications via five different multi-function discs, and three blades. While it’s not cheap, if you use a food processor often this will be a more-than-worthy investment.Buy Now
Rubbermaid Pull Down Spice Rack, $26 on Amazon
Amazon
“Oh my god, I need this!” we all shout together. This smartly designed spice rack fastens inside a cupboard but then pulls out and down via some carefully placed hinges for easy access to all your spices while you’re cooking up a storm.Buy Now
KitchenAid Pro 600 6-Quart Stand Mixer, $300 on QVC
KitchenAid
You may not be surprised to find this icon on a list of the most talked about kitchen tools by our readers. It’s a baker’s best friend, of course, for mixing batters for bread, cakes, pizza, and cookies—and smart attachments turn it into anything from a juicer to a pasta maker, meat grinder, and more.Buy Now
Bob Kramer Carbon Steek Chef’s Knife, $300 on Sur La Table
Sur La Table
Noted as one of the greatest knifesmiths in the world, Bob Kramer’s wares have been used by some of the world’s most respected chefs. In fact, Anthony Bourdain’s estate just auctioned his personal Kramer for an astounding $231,000. This chef’s knife is not a budget pick but the carbon steel is formulated to be sharp as heck, and remains that way for a very long time.Buy Now
Eng Grain Acacia Cutting Board, $48 on Home Depot
Home Depot
Speaking of things I like looking at, this strong acacia wood cutting board with a checkerboard pattern and a dark stain is tough enough to cut on and pretty enough to serve apps on.Buy Now
Miyabi Chef’s Knife, $130-$160 on Sur La Table
Sur La Table
Ergonomic handle, precision balance (very important), and tremendously strong steel make this knife a good buy. Spending $100+ on a knife might seem excessive but not if you consider how often you use it.Buy Now
Electric Meat Grinder, $80 on Amazon
Amazon
A meat grinder is for a very specific person, but if you value top-quality ground beef, pork, chicken, and lamb, then grinding it yourself is one way to ensure ultimate freshness. You can also grind meats not always found readily in markers like bison, venison, and others.Buy Now
Handheld Salad Chopper, $12 on Amazon
Amazon
Maybe you’ve seen these in your favorite salad chain. A simple tool but the best way to get that perfectly chopped salad and angled to chop inside a bowl so you don’t have to dirty a cutting board.Buy Now
Related Reading: 6 Cookbooks That Are All About Salad
Nutri-Ninja Pro Single Serve Blender, $59 on Best Buy
Best Buy
We all love our big blenders for powering through a chunky soup or sauce or—if you have the right one making your own flour or nut milk. But for those times you just want to bust out a quick smoothie without waking the whole house, this smaller Ninja single-serve blender is the way to go.Buy Now
Fermentation Weights, $15 on Amazon
Amazon
These were designed specifically to slide into a mason jar and keep the subjects of your pickling project—most likely vegetables—from bobbing up above the vinegar. Simple…yet effective.Buy Now
Ball Mason Jars (12-pack), $15 on Amazon
Amazon
Speaking of pickling, Ball Mason jars are important to have on hand if you’re planning to do some. It may sound like an innocuous choice, but don’t cheap out on the jars. If the lids don’t fit well the whole project can go under.Buy Now
Fine Mesh Skimmer, $15 on Macy’s
Macy’s
A very handy kitchen tool for skimming broth and stock (wait, what’s the difference again?), but also great for fishing dumplings or pierogies out of boiling water. You could even swat a fly with it in a pinch.Buy Now
OXO Good Grips 2-Cup Fat Separator, $10 on Bed Bath & Beyond
Bed Bath & Beyond
Speaking of stock and broth, this nifty device is an easy way to remove the fat from the liquid. Now if we can find something that removes the fat from my hips we’ll be in business.Buy Now
Steel Baster with Cleaning Brush, $11 on Amazon
Amazon
Basters do some messy work and those delicious fats and oils in the pan drippings are not the easiest things to remove, so having a cleaning brush handy—cue this great set sold on Amazon—will turn you into a total master baster.Buy Now
KitchenAid Hand Mixer, $50 on Best Buy
KitchenAid
Stand mixers are great for the big jobs but hand mixers are still the best way to get in a quick mix of mashed potatoes or brownie batter. And when it comes to mixing, KitchenAid is king. This model comes in a true rainbow of fun colors and gets very high marks from our team.Buy Now
KitchenAid Immersion Blender, $59 on Amazon
Amazon
Trying to transfer an entire pot of hot soup or sauce to a blender is truly a fraught exercise and is exactly why someone invented immersion blenders. KitchenAid—no stranger to the blender game—makes this popular model with genius whisk attachment for beating that holiday meringue into submission or eggs for a fabulous quiche.Buy Now
Compost Bin, $42 on Macy’s
Macy’s
If you have a garden but no compost bin we have to question your judgment on all things. You’re wasting powerful nutrients for those plants and sending more to the landfill than needed, but with this sharp-looking compost bin (currently on sale at Macy’s), you’ve officially run out of excuses.Buy Now
Related Reading: Products to Help Reduce Food Waste
Vitamix Eplorian, $289 on Amazon
Amazon
It’s hard to know where to begin with the Vitamix but I will say, once you’ve used an elite blender, like the Explorian, it’s difficult to go back to anything less. Power and precision are the two most important attributes your blender should have, and are essential for soups, smoothies, and sauces at exactly the desired consistency. For that, few machines are better than this one.Buy Now
Chowhound’s Most Discussed Pantry Items
Thought your pantry was fully stocked? Think again. From Spanish squid ink to lemongrass paste, and even something called “coffee flour,” these are the top 25 most-discussed pantry items on Chowhound.
Tahitian Vanilla Beans, $27 on Amazon
Amazon
Vanilla consistently proves to be one of my personal favorite flavors in sweet applications, and it seems to be the case for our readers as well. These fancy Tahitian beans come whole (dried) and vacuum-sealed for freshness.Buy Now
Spanish Squid Ink, $12.99 on Amazon
Amazon
For a fast hit of umami and mysterious black hue, squid ink is a really fun ingredient to have lingering around your pantry, especially during Halloween. But it’s definitely not something you’ll want to harvest yourself. Luckily, this Spanish squid ink can add depth of flavor to a sauce, risotto or soup, is reasonably priced, and has a long shelf life.Buy Now
Sir Kensington Organic Mayonaisse, $7.79 on Amazon
Amazon
If you didn’t think mayo could get any better, check out this organic spread from the fancy condiment kids, Sir Kensington’s. This mayo is made with 100 percent USDA certified organic sunflower oil, free-range eggs, organic lemon juice, and a pinch of black pepper.Buy Now
Related Reading: This Vegan Mayonnaise Is Even Better Than the Real Thing
Chili Garlic Sauce, $2.19 on Target
Target
California’s Huy Fong Foods might be most famous for Sriracha, but for my money, the chili garlic sauce is where it’s at, and it seems readers agree with the sentiment. A teaspoon of this doesn’t just add heat—although there is plenty—but also a healthy punch of sweet garlic, too.Buy Now
Runamok Bourbon Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup, $18 on Amazon
Amazon
Bourbon and maple are two O.G. American-made products that take time to produce but are very much worth the wait. They also happen to be awfully complementary to one another, as in this 100 percent pure organic Vermont maple is aged in bourbon barrels, adding a touch of whiskey spice. Drop a splash in your coffee or a more traditional pancake breakfast and thank us later.Buy Now
Star Dust Dipping Powder, $7.50 on My Panier
My Panier
While this might sound like something Hunter S. Thompson might have sprinkled under his tongue in the sixties, it’s actually a medium heat chili lime seasoning that would make any chicken breast or skirt steak pop. You can only get it on this online retailer which carries a slew of interesting small food brands.Buy Now
Montavo Red Wine Vinegar, $19 on Amazon
Amazon
Aged in wooden casks this Red Wine vinegar from Italy makes for deep and delicious sauces, salad dressings, marinades, and more. A low-calorie way to add lots of zesty, flavor to food.Buy Now
Sahadi Whole Cous Cous, $2.50 on Sahadi
Sahadi
This quality whole-wheat couscous is made from durum semolina and cooks up to a perfect al dente to host your favorite Mediterranean flavors or on its own as a hearty side dish.Buy Now
Vermont Creamery Cultured Butter, $9.78 on Instacart
Instacart
Cultured butter is a European style made form fresh cream but with added live bacterial cultures which eventually results in a deeper, richer, nuttier butter that you can use for cooking but is especially good just spread onto a slice of good sourdough.Buy Now
Related Reading: What Is the Difference Between Butter and Ghee?
Paella or “Bomba” Rice, $10 on Sur La Table
Sur La Table
We’ve written plenty about paella before, and one of the key elements to a good one—if you ask most Spanish chefs worth his or her weight in chorizo—is the rice. Bomba rice is the rice to use as it both holds plenty of delicious and flavorful broth like a sponge but is also able to caramelize, creating that oh-so-tasty soccorat on the bottom of the pan.Buy Now
Lousiana Crawfish Boil Seasoning, 11 on Amazon
Amazon
It may not be prime crawfish boil season but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep some shrimp crawfish and crab boil seasoning on hand for whenever the moment strikes.Buy Now
California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $8 on Target
Target
A little birdy told me that Italian olive oil imported from Greece and Italy is not as well-regulated as California. This could explain why our readers are into this California blended EVOO which you can snag for less than $10 for 17 ounces at Target.Buy Now
Rind Superfood Snacks (pack of 3), $19 on Amazon
Amazon
Now, this may not be a pantry ingredient in the truest sense of the word but you’ll be glad to have a few bags of these around for quick snacks with exactly no bad stuff added. Just dried fruit rinds and skins (where a lot of the nutrients are), and adds a nice sweet pop to summer salads.Buy Now
Lemongrass Stir-In Paste, $23 on Walmart
Walmart
Are you a lemongrass addict? Don’t worry this is a safe space. It’s one of my favorite flavors and having a little stir in paste blended with oils and lemon juice is the easiest, breeziest way to add this delicate flavor to soups, stir-fries, or sandwiches.Buy Now
Coleman’s BBQ Sauce (2 pack), $12.99 on eBay
Coleman’s is known for its mustard but they made a limited-edition BBQ sauce made with their famous mustard and it had our community chattering. While you can’t really get it anywhere other than eBay, Coleman’s was kind enough to share the BBQ sauce recipe on their website to whip up at home.Buy Now
Hempe Hemp Tofu (7-pack), $70 on Amazon
Amazon
I still remember being coerced into eating tofu as a child by my mom’s vegan friend so it does come as a bit of a shock to know there is a tofu substitute. So meta, you guys. Hemp tofu strikes similar tofu chords with regard to texture and taste to the original stuff but is completely safe for a soy-free diet.Buy Now
Organic Chicken Stock, $6.99 on Thrive Market
Thrive Market
When the stock is the base of your soup, sauce or a key player in your risotto or another dish, make sure it’s a good one like this organic chicken stock sold exclusively Thrive Market.Buy Now
Liquid Egg Whites, $6.49 on Instacart
Instacart
If you’re on a high protein, low-fat diet egg whites are one of the better foods to incorporate as much as possible for easy breakfast and mid-day snacks. These organic valley egg whites are pasteurized and ready to hit the pan. (No cracking required).Buy Now
Related Reading: Why Do We Call Deviled Eggs ‘Deviled’?
Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, $10 on Amazon
Amazon
The uses are endless for ACV and include salad dressings, marinades, sauces and more. This time of year, consider making fire cider to ward off colds and keep your immune system chugging. This stuff is a superfood and it’s no wonder there’s interest in it year after year.Buy Now
Miso Salmon Grilling Rub, $1.95 on World Market
World Market
Where my umami-heads at? This miso rub gets right down to business perfect for fish of all sorts, but especially a rich oily salmon filet and fresh lemon to cut it all. Perfection.Buy Now
Coffee Flour, $9 on Amazon
Amazon
Coffee flour is made from the oft-discarded fruit of the coffee plant that surrounds the bean and can be used in bread, muffins cookies and added to smoothies or a roasted citrus flavor.Buy Now
Related Reading: The Best Coffee Subscriptions for Every Type of Coffee Drinker
Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, $21 on Amazon
Amazon
Vanilla extract is one of those things it’s just wise to spend a little extra money on. The good stuff can make a dish great while the cheap stuff just falls flat. Nielsen-Massey is the decidedly good stuff and, in addition to their classic vanilla, have this Madagascar Bourbon extract to play with.Buy Now
Maldon Sea Salt, $5.49 on Amazon
Amazon
A full flavor salt harvested from the coastal town of Maldon, England this is a perfect finishing salt for just about anything, really. Its rich richness melts into food in a way other salts don’t and you’d be wise to have a box on hand at all times.Buy Now
Pomi Chopped Italian Tomatoes, $2.99 on Target
Target
Nothing worse than getting all set up to knock out your famous Sunday marinara and realizing you don’t have crushed tomatoes. Pomi shelf-stable boxed and bottled tomatoes are a favorite to have on hand in those moments and you’d be wise to stock up while you’re thinking of it.Buy Now
Ortiz Anchovy Fillets, $13 on Amazon
Amazon
Anchovies make for an easy weeknight meal chopped and tossed with pasta garlic, and good olive or on top of the flatbread with shaved parmesan. A good jar of Ortiz Anchovies or “Anchoas” in oil will be your new go-to pantry favorite.Buy Now
from Food News – Chowhound https://ift.tt/2rMLrHP
via IFTTT
No comments:
Post a Comment