Everyone has a favorite meal, snack or drink they love to pick up from a restaurant or store, but have you considered making these things yourself? When you make your own foods, you get more control over the ingredients and you know exactly what went into the items you’re about to consume. Making snacks and drinks at home may seem intimidating, but a few simple tools can go a long way in the kitchen.
Food Dehydrator
To start, a food dehydrator can help a lot when it comes to planning out snack options. You can use it to turn fruits and veggies into crispy and delicious snacks that you can take with you on the go. Not only will they taste great, but they are also usually cheaper than the processed versions you get pre-packaged at the grocery store.
When you have a dehydrator, you can also get creative with your snack options. Prepare a few different foods and combine them for your own personal snack mix.
Beverage Machines
When it comes to drinks, you may have a few favorites that can get costly. One popular choice is sparkling water. The drink has seen a huge increase in popularity in recent years since it helps people drink more water and drink fewer soft drinks but the costs can add up. By getting a sparkling water maker, you can turn the water in your home into the sparkling water you love. You can also customize the flavors, making them even better.
Iced coffee is another popular drink that can start to get expensive when you order out every day. It may be better to get a quality iced coffee maker and start saving money over time. This is another chance to customize your drink since you can decide how strong the coffee will be, how much ice to add and exactly what types of creams and flavorings you want in your cup.
Slow Cooker
If you love the deep flavors that come with some of the best restaurant meals, consider getting a slow cooker. While it won’t be exactly the same, you can create meals that have more depth since the flavors will spend several hours cooking and developing. A slow cooker is also a great idea for someone who is very busy and doesn’t want to stand in front of the stove to make a great meal. There are many recipes that allow you to add the food and come back in a few hours.
Remember, slow cookers can be as versatile as your imagination. You can make entrees, appetizers and even desserts in a slow cooker, so get one and start experimenting.
Immersion Blender
When you’re ready to do a bit more cooking, add an immersion blender to your kitchen. Its handheld design allows you to blend things that are inside pots, jars or bowls. This can be useful if you like to make creamy soups or sauces. The immersion blender is also easier to clean and store than a larger traditional blender or a food processor.
Vegetable Spiralizer
If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, a vegetable spiralizer is a great gadget to have in your kitchen. With a spiralizer, you can easily turn vegetables like zucchini and carrots into noodle-like strands that can be used as a healthy alternative to pasta. This can save you money on processed, pre-packaged pasta products while also adding more vegetables to your meals.
Start Experimenting in Your Kitchen
Whether your inspiration is to save money, eat healthier or create new meal and snack options that are one of a kind, it makes sense to add a few new tools to your kitchen. You can make meals and drinks that are perfectly suited to your tastes without paying extra for custom options at the store. Let your imagination help you design a menu that is just for you.
