Five Inexpensive Kitchen Essentials

I have a lot of tools and gadgets in the kitchen that I use a lot and feel like I can't do without.  I couldn't give up my KitchenAid mixer or my MagiMix food processor. You need good quality pots and pans, of course.  A few good sharp knives are essential.   These are all fantastic items but are pricey.  What about the tools in the kitchen that make my life easier but are not expensive?  These are my top five that I would be lost without when I'm cooking!

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Ruth Reichl's Asparagus with Green Sauce

ceramic platter from Fifty One and a Half

Everyone needs a new recipe for asparagus just about now, right?  Asparagus season is great but after a while, you need something new to do with this vegetable.  This sauce is the answer.  It's a breeze to whip up and chances are your guests have never eaten this.  It's a delicious blend of fresh herbs, chopped eggs, capers, vinegar and olive oil. The French and the Italians both have their versions, but this version comes from the Queen of Food herself, Ruth Reichl.   

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Caramel Mousse with Caramel Sauce and Toasted Hazelnuts

 

When I made this incredible caramel mousse recipe previously in order to layer it in a trifle, it was so, so good that I knew I wanted to use it in a recipe all on its own.  This mousse has such a luscious, rich taste to it that you just need a little of it to feel as though you've eaten a lot of dessert. Because of that, you can serve small portions of it piped into small wine glasses or served in these great little tasting spoons that my good friend, Yvonne, gave me. This dessert is perfect for those. 

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