My Top 10 Favorite Kitchen Tools

Hey friends! I’ve compiled a list of my favorite kitchen tools for you to peruse. Some of them are fancy (the decision to invest in a Vitamix was not one I took lightly), and some cost less than ten dollars. I use every item on this list at least once a week, and some of them I use more than once a day! I’ve linked them all for your convenience, though you can purchase most of these items at multiple stores. Take a look and let me know what your favorite kitchen tools are in the comments or on Instagram @havenspanyer! Happy cooking! 

1. Vitamix A2300 Blender

My Vitamix is possibly my most beloved material possession ever, second only to my engagement ring. I agonized forevvvaaa about wanting to own one but not wanting to pay the high price tag. When our second magic bullet bit the dust I decided it was time. I did extensive research on what the best model for our needs would be and I finally took the pricey plunge. I’m here to tell you that I lived through the initial buyers remorse from splurging and I am OBSESSED with this product. Billy and I both use it every morning for our smoothies, and it often gets more than two uses per day, as I use it to make sauces, soups, nut milks and nut butters. I promise you, if your blender is your most used kitchen tool and you’re tired of buying cheap replacements, you will not regret this investment. P.S. this Vitamix blender came with a ten year warranty, which made me feel SO much better about the cost. 

*Deal alert: Unfortunately after weeks of searching, I couldn’t seem to find a promo code, coupon, or sale that applied to this blender. Perhaps a Black Friday sale would include this tool, so if you’re looking to save some money try to wait for November. 

2. Veggie Spiralizer 

There are many fancy variations of the veggie spiralizer, such as standing hand-crank options and electric options, but I prefer my simple handheld spiralizer when making zucchini or sweet potato noodles. Use whatever type you prefer, but I suggest saving some money and opting for this inexpensive handheld spiralizer

3. Cuisinart Juicer

I love, love, love my juicer! I use it multiple times a week to whip up my Pack in the Greens Juice or to make the best fresh squeezed orange juice I’ve ever tasted, if I do say so myself! If you’re looking for an easy way to add more fruits and veggies to your diet, this is a fantastic investment.

*Deal alert: I used a 20% coupon at Bed, Bath, & Beyond when I purchased my juicer!

4. Chef’s Knife

After we literally broke our last chef’s knife in half (Seriously! The blade was stuck in a watermelon), we decided it was time to level up the quality. Leveling up on knife quality doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag though. Eventually I’d love to invest in a knife set from Williams Sonoma, but for now this $9 stainless steel Cuisinart chef’s knife does the trick for me!

5. Mini KitchenAid Mixer 

This one could really go without saying. I think most of America would agree with me that this is one of the best kitchen investments, especially if you love to bake! Billy’s parents gifted one to us a few Christmases ago and I use it at least once a week. This is a high-quality tool that will stand the test of time. 

*Deal alert: Do your best to wait until Black Friday if you’re in the market for this standing mixer. There is a sale every year. My parents got theirs at Target on Black Friday about ten years ago and it still runs like new!

6. Apple Slicer

A very simple, yet very useful kitchen tool. Great for quickly slicing up apples for yourself or your kids to make a delicious and nutritious snack! Check out my list of 7 Go-To Healthy Snacks HERE. You guessed it, apple slices made the cut.

7. Cuisinart Mini Food Processor 

Another frequently used kitchen appliance in my household is the Cuisinart mini food processor. This particular appliance was actually gifted to Billy by a former co-worker, and boy have we gotten some mileage out of it! I love this tool for everything from chopping nuts for a “breading” to mixing creamy fillings to even blending up a smoothie in a pinch (see above reference to our magic bullet biting the dust). It’s relatively inexpensive and super versatile. It also comes in larger options if you’re cooking for a crowd. 

*Deal alert: Williams-Sonoma often has holiday sales. Check on this appliance during the next one to see if you can save some money.

8. Glass Pyrex Bowl Set 

This seems like a super basic selection, but these bowls double as mixing bowls and storage containers (thanks to the lids!) which makes meal prep and cleanup really easy. Bonus- they’re inexpensive, good for the environment (glass > plastic), and good for your body (no yucky BPA!).

9. Mini Spatulas

Though I don’t own a mini spatula in every color of the rainbow like the ones I linked here (how adorable are they?!), I do have four trusty minis that I use almost every day. They are hands down the best way to avoid wasting the end of delicious foods and are also great tools to transfer mixtures from your small appliances into your cup or onto your plate to enjoy. Yay for no food waste! 

10. Coffee Creamer Frother & Frother Cup

If you’re looking for affordable ways to elevate your coffee game, look no further! For less than $30 you can have coffee shop-quality frothed nut milk to top your coffee. I like to froth Vanilla NutPods to pour over my coffee. Your morning cup just got SO much better.

I hope you guys liked reading about my top ten kitchen tools! These are the items I use the most and I truly recommend all of them. Let me know if you use any of these tools already or if you decided to give them a go by commenting below or messaging me on Instagram @healthbyhaven

My 7 Go-To Healthy Snacks

When you’re on the go and realize it’s been hours since you had a bite to eat, it can be easy to drive through a fast food restaurant or purchase a bag of chips from the vending machine. Here is my list of go-to healthy snacks that are easy to prep at the beginning of the week. The next time your stomach growls, you’ll be prepared to reach for a nutritious option instead of self-sabotaging with fries or a pop-tart. 

1. Apples & Nut Butter

This is one of the most filling, healthy snacks out there. With so many varieties of apples to different types of nut and seed butter, you’ll never tire of this delicious and nutritious combination. When I want a little extra flavor I sprinkle cinnamon on top! See below for some of my favorite nut and seed butters: 

  • Cashew butter
  • Almond butter
  • Peanut butter
  • Sunflower seed butter

2. Veggies & Hummus

Another versatile snacking option! Dip any raw veggies into hummus and enjoy. Try out a different flavor of hummus each week to find your favorite flavor combo. Make sure you pay attention to the ingredients list in the hummus you purchase! Avoid added sugars. Some of my favorite raw veggies for snacking with hummus are:

  • Baby carrots
  • Cucumber
  • Bell Peppers
  • Celery
  • Broccoli

3. Fruit Salad

Yummy yummy. Before you get mad at me for getting The Wiggles stuck in your head, think about the delicious, endless combinations of fruit you can toss into a bowl to enjoy! Lately my favorite combo has been watermelon, red grapes, blueberries, and strawberries. Fruit- nature’s candy! 

4. Banana + Almond Butter + Honey

This is a great snack if you’re having a sweet craving or need a quick energy boost without the refined sugar crash. Just slice a banana and top with a drizzle of almond butter and raw honey. You can also sub the honey for agave, unsweetened coconut flakes, or chocolate chips depending on your mood!

5. Homemade Granola

Stop buying overpriced, over sweetened granola from the grocery store and make your own to snack on! Super high in protein and fiber with a satisfying crunch. Try my Maple Cinnamon Granola HERE

6. Homemade Energy Bites

When you’re looking for a mid afternoon pick me up or even breakfast on the go, energy bites are the perfect solution. Packed with proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates for a quick jolt of natural, healthy energy, these snacks will get you ready to work without the caffeine jitters or sugar crash. Try my recipe for my Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Energy Bites HERE.

7. Homemade Green Juice

When you don’t have time to make a snack or you’re in a situation where snacking is difficult (public transportation, office meeting, etc.), green juice is your perfect solution. It’s a super easy way to get nutrients from fruits and veggies by just sipping from your favorite reusable travel cup. Check out my Pack in the Greens Juice HERE

I hope this list of my seven favorite healthy snacks helps you to feel empowered to make a healthy choice for your body the next time you get a rumble in your stomach! Tag me in your photos next time you enjoy one of these delicious treats @havenspanyer on Instagram. 

Stuffed Bell Peppers

If you have ever experienced being served a less-than-ideal vegetarian/ vegan dish at an event that leaves you, well, wanting more (literally), then you will be over the moon excited for this spectacular, plants only rockstar of an entree. Even my meat-loving fiance asks me to cook this dish, because, what do ya know, plants can be packed with filling protein too! The chickpeas in this dish will keep you satiated and the mixture of veggies and spices brings allll the flavor.

Serves 2. Double, triple, etc. as needed 

Ingredients 

  • 2 large bell peppers (color of your choice)
  • 1 c rainbow quinoa 
  • ¼ c fresh basil, chopped 
  • Sprinkle of salt, pepper, and oregano 
  • 1 tbs lemon juice
  • 2 tbs avocado oil
  • 1 tbs minced garlic
  • ¼ red bell pepper, diced (or color of your choice)
  • ¼ orange bell pepper, diced (or color of your choice)
  • ⅓ c multi-colored cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
  • ⅓ c cauliflower 
  • ⅓ c broccoli 
  • ½ white onion, diced
  • 1c spinach, chopped
  • ½ 16oz can of chickpeas 
  • Handful of broccoli sprouts for garnish 

*Pro tip: The veggie measurements above are an approximation. Don’t stress yourself out measuring every single ingredient you chop. Add more of one and less of another based on your preferences, or swap out any veggies listed above for your personal favorites! 

Directions 

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 F.
  2. Cook the quinoa as instructed on the package.
  3. While the quinoa is cooking, clean. half, and empty your bell peppers of stem and seeds. 
  4. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Place pepper halves open side down and bake for 10 min. Rotate to face up, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and bake another 8 min or until soft.
  6. While peppers are cooking, chop the veggies.
  7. Heat avocado oil in a frying pan on the stove over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and onion and saute about 3 minutes.
  8. Add lemon juice, cauliflower, broccoli, chickpeas, and peppers and cook for another 4 – 5 min.
  9. Add chopped spinach and tomatoes and cook for another 2 min or until spinach is just wilting. 
  10. When quinoa is done cooking, mix in the chopped basil.
  11. Serve peppers over a bed of quinoa. Fill peppers with veggies from the stovetop. Garnish with sprouts. Enjoy!

I hope you all love this colorful meal as much as I do! Don’t forget to tag me in your Insta photos @havenspanyer when you make it. I love seeing your personal spin on my recipes!