Tools to Trick Your Friends Into Thinking You Can Actually Cook

Yes, they're a bit pricey, but well worth it. I use this model because I like the ability to lift up the head. Target is constantly having sales on KitchenAid tools, so wait until that happens.

You know when you are pouring batter into a pan and you try so hard to get every last drop out, but a good amount is still left in the bowl? Not anymore. Rubber spatulas will scoop every last bit. I use rubber spatulas when I cook almost everything.

Cooking by time or color is an amateur move. My oven is so inconsistent with cook times, so a thermometer is a lifesaver in the kitchen.

I absolutely love cooking with my cast iron skillet, I swear things just cook better. Tip when cooking steaks: get the oil really hot in the cast iron skillet, put in your steaks seasoned with only salt and pepper, and then add in butter. It may not be "healthy," but I love cooking with butter.

A bad zester is absolutely useless. I've had a bad zester and it did nothing. I recently bought one of these bad boys and it is life changing. Using lemon zest in your recipes really enhances the flavor.

For Christmas I made small cakes that were in the shape of little snow cover houses. They were precious. I sprinkled a little powdered sugar on them and they looked like they belonged in a bakery. Even if you're using boxed cake mix, they will look professional with these types of molds.

I don't have a microwave anymore at home, so in order to melt anything the double boiler works wonders. Honestly, I find it easier to melt chocolate with a double boiler than in a microwave.