• Gift Ideas + Registry Must Haves

Truthfully, cooking and preparing meals is faster, easier and not as stressful when you have the right equipment. I remember a time when I only had one pot and would wash and dry it in order to prepare one meal. I was officially a kitchen time waster! 

One husband and two kids later, I have sharpened my cooking skills and realized that these four kitchen items were LIFE CHANGING. Not only did they make things easier for me but they also made my time in the kitchen more enjoyable. 

We partnered with Crate and Barrel to share with you what my top 4 essential kitchen must-haves are. Read on to find out what they are and be sure to add them to your Crate and Barrel Wedding Gift Registry. 

set of knives

First off, having a proper set of knives is like having a personal assistant in the kitchen. You'll slice and dice with ease and your time spent in the kitchen will be much more efficient.

We're smitten with Schmidt Brothers  7-Piece Zebra Wood Knife Block Set. Containing every knife you'll ever need from cutting bread to zesting a lemon - this set has you covered. 

Bonus! The view-through magnetic storage block will look uhh-amazing in your kitchen.  Add it your Crate and Barrel Wedding Registry here or buy it online now.

AIR FRYER toaster oven

My Mom doesn't own a microwave and has begging me to get a Toaster Over for years. I was like why do I need one? I have a microwave and an oven! Boy ... was I wrong! I finally got one and realized that having a toaster oven is like having a private little magician on my countertop.  I am so serious about this little machine, that I am going to break it down. 4 reasons why you need to add the Cuisinart Airfryer Toaster Oven to your Crate and Barrel Wedding Registry.

1. Cut Calories Down

Of course, I went all-in bought the one that has a built-in air fryer which uses powerful, ultra hot air for lots of crunch without the calories.  A large, 4 lb chicken requires ONLY one tsp of oil and will come out hot and crispy.  Need I say more?

2. Make Anything And Everything

Here's what they can do - perfectly melt the cheese on your nachos, bake an entire cake as well as a pie, defrost and cook frozen pizzas, broil steaks, bake eggs and our favorite toasted baguette slices with cheese and tomato perfect for dipping. See recipe below. 

Yes, you can cook goodies galore, but you can also reheat leftovers. They won't be soggy and sad from the microwave. They'll be crispy and delicious. 

I also have to add that I live in Boise, Idaho. Currently, it is 101 degrees outside. Turning on the oven is the last thing I want to do. My entire house turns into a burning inferno. Thankfully I have my Toaster Oven on hot days like these. It allows us to have normal dinners as opposed to salads and pre-made food. 

Add the Cuisinart Airfryer Toaster Oven to your Crate and Barrel Wedding Registry here or buy it online now. Trust me, your life will be infinitely better.

This is definitely one of our go-to appetizers when entertaining. Make it easily in your toaster oven.

Ingredients
1 baguette
Plain goat cheese at room temperature
Fresh basil
Sliced cherry tomatoes

Directions
1. Pre-heat toaster oven to 350 degrees
2. Slice baguette into thin, 1/4 inch slices
3. Brush with olive oil 
4. Place on baking sheet for 2 minutes (do not brown)
5. Spread goat cheeses and return to oven for 8-10 minutes
6. Remove from oven and top with basil and tomato

complete set of pots and pans

As I said earlier, at one point in time I only had one pot. I literally took one pot meals to a whole new level. I would boil water to make pasta, wash the bowl and then steam the broccoli in the same pot. A simple meal took twice as long to make. 

I finally broke down and purchased a full set of pots and pans. Truly wondering how I ever managed before ... Learn from me, having a complete set of pots and pans will save you time! Add easy to use-easy to clean pots and pans to your Crate and Barrel Wedding Registry here.

KitchenAid Mixer

KitchenAid Mixers are not only beautiful, but they have tons of useful features. With the right attachments, you are able to use it in more ways than you imagined. Use it as a spiralizer to make tasty zoodles, whip up fresh pasta noodles, use as a juicer, make homemade ice-cream and of course use it to make cookies and cakes and our personal favorite boozy whipped cream (see recipe below)!

Throughout your life, your KitchenAid Mixer will be your workhorse that you can always rely on. No joke, you'll do more with your KitchenAid than you ever imagined. If you haven't added this lifelong friend to your wedding registry, now is the time. 

As promised here is our favorite thing to whip up in our  KitchenAid Mixer. 

Homemade Whipped Cream And Berries

Ingredients
1 Pint of heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup of powdered sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 TBS of your favorite liquor

Directions
1. Pour of cream into Kitchen Aid Mixer    
2. Whip on high
3. Add sugar and vanilla 4. Whip until firm 5. Serve with your favorite berries

I am well aware that there are only 4 things I cannot live without in the kitchen, but as you see, they all pack a mighty punch and can do a whole lot. If you scrolled too fast these are my 4 essential kitchen must-haves from Crate and Barrel. 

1. Good Set Of Knives
2.  Toaster Oven
3.  Full Set Of Pots & Pans
5.  KitchenAid Mixers

• Rentals: Sundrop Vintage
• Wedding Photographers: Lane Dittoe Weddings
• Flowers: French Buckets
• Registries, Gifts & Apps: Crate and Barrel