Every new real foodie needs a kitchen overhaul. These 11 essential gifts will make real food practical.
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We all have to start somewhere.
The concept of "real food" isn't really new to the world wide web, but it may be to you. Or your sister. Or your friend. And as you (or your sister, or your friend) transition to eating real food versus processed and modernized food, there's a learning curve and that curve very often requires new equipment and ingredients in the kitchen. The good news is that as with all things, real food for the newbies can be slow and gradual and doesn't have to cost a lot of money.
11 Essential Gifts for the NEW Real Foodie
Real food is hands down more nutritious food. It means less processed foods and meals carefully prepared for maximum nutrition. But it also often means a new way around the kitchen. And consequently, it may also mean new kitchen appliances and equipment. I wanted to come up with a handful of items that were helpful to me when I made the transition and a few others that I wished I had.
1 :: Immersion Blender - $$
This baby gets chronic use in our kitchen. Everything from emulsifying oil into egg yolks in the condiment known as mayo, to making mashed potatoes to pureeing baby foods - this lovely kitchen addition is a must! They are relatively inexpensive (depending on how high-tech you want it). Costco routinely carries them or find your immersion blender HERE.
Related: Homemade Mayonnaise
2 :: Nourishing Traditions - $$
The cover says cookbook, but honestly, Nourishing Traditions is more like a reference. A real food encyclopedia. It is rich in information on healing benefits of bone broth, importance of eating offal meats and why soaking and sprouting grains should be done in every kitchen. This recourse is a wealth of ancestral and traditional eating. Oh yeah, it also contains recipes. You can combine this with Nourishing Traditions: Children's Cookbook and Nourishing Broth for the complete nourishing traditions package. Find a copy of Nourishing Traditions HERE.
3 :: Instant Pot - $$$$
Yogurt maker. Slow cooker. Pressure cooker. It bakes. It cooks. It's the ultimate homecook's helper. I recently acquired this kitchen appliance and wish I had it much much sooner. No more eating out, when chicken can be made in under 30 minutes. Find your 6qt Instant Pot HERE or 8qt Instant Pot HERE.
4 :: Coffee Warmer - $
Coffee goes cold real fast, especially when you have littles at your feet. And if you already tossed that radiation-induced microwave to the curb, you need something that will keep your morning cup of java warm. This coffee warmer would make a great stocking stuffer or even a simple I Love You gift. Because you can always say I love you with a warm cup of coffee. Find your Coffee Warmer HERE.
Related: Cleansing and Healthy Herbal Coffee
5 :: Glass Water Bottle with Fruit Infuser - $$
If you're struggling to kick that soda drinking habit, these water bottles can make that transition a bit smoother. I love that they have an infuser to hold all the yummy fruits for subtle flavor. I'm thinking citrus for fall and berries during the summer but check out my post below for more flavorful ideas. These bottles are glass with BPA free infuser. Find your Glass Water Bottle with Fruit Infuser HERE.
Related: 12 Detoxifying Infused Water Combinations
6 :: Stainless Steel Pineapple Corer & Slicer - $$
If you only knew how much pineapple we eat around here. Thank goodness we live in California where pineapple grows only 600 miles down south (kidding, not kidding). This kitchen item is genius, I'm still surprised I don't have one in my arsenal. Find your Pineapple Corer & Slicer HERE.
7 :: Spatulas - $
I love my Le Creuset spatula - I usually don't go for brand name unless there really is value in the actual product, not the name. I love that the silicone is heat resistant (even though I always try to avoid using them in hot foods). But what I love most about these spatulas is the size. They have a large handle and the actual silicone piece is wide and sturdy. Pair these spatulas with a set of wooden spoons such as THESE and you're good to go! Find your Le Creuset Spatula HERE.
8 :: Lodge Cast Iron - $$$
Would you believe me if I said, I am a proud owner of 9 cast iron pieces. Everything from chicken pan (found HERE) to skillet (as seen HERE). NINE wonderful, perfectly seasoned cast iron. It does take a little bit of effort to keep it healthy and shiny, but once you get into the groove, taking care of your cast iron will become second nature. Find Lodge Cast Iron Skillet HERE.
Related: How to Care for Cast Iron
9 :: Simply Organic Gourmet 24 Spices Set - $$$$
Toss those pre-made taco seasonings aside and venture to make your own. It is much cheaper and a whollata healthier to make your own spice mixes. This spice set is well rounded to make all your real food dreams come true but you can also buy spices individually to suit your tastebuds. Find your Gourmet Spice Set HERE.
Related: Homemade Seasonings, Homemade French Onion Dip & Mix, Ranch Dressing Recipe
10 :: Various Sizes Mason Jars - $-$$
Mason jars encompasses all things crunchy and green. And they are so versatile. Use the half-gallon jars to store bone broth. The quart size jars are perfect for culturing homemade yogurt. The pint and a half are my favorite as a drinking glass for my daily herbal infusion. The pint and smaller jars are awesome for mayonnaise, salad dressings and other condiments. Mason jars can also be used as fall decor and crafts. Pinterest is loaded with mason jar ideas. Find your desired mason jar HERE.
Related: The Makings of Bone Broth - 3 Methods (use these half gallon jars to store bone broth), Homemade Yogurt (use these quart size jars for culturing and storing yogurt) 24 Mason Jar Crafts for Fall (not food but...mason jars!)
11 :: Beer Making Kit - $$$
Okay, this isn't exactly an essential item for a new real foodie. But for someone who is slowly making the switch to real foods, this kit looks super fun and doesn't contain any of the nasty preservatives typically found in conventional beer. In fact, beer when brewed properly, can easily be enjoyed without the ill effects and hangover. This reusable kit is complete with grain, hops, fermenter, airlock and glass thermometer. I'm thinking of getting this for the hubs. Find this Beer Making Kit HERE.
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