Marlene’s Favorites
Want to know how I whip up so many recipes? Here’s the secret! There are some of the items I use daily in the kitchen. Like I always say, cooking should be simple, fun and easy—without having to do too many dishes afterwards!
*DIsclaimer: This list of products I use include affiliate links. By using my link you do support me as I make a very small commission whenever someone purchases one of these listed products through my specific link.
Nordic Ware Sheet Pans
Nordic Ware’s baking sheets are highly recommended because they are thick enough to conduct high temperatures without buckling. I have been using mine for years and although they look well used, they are great for all my baking needs.
Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets for Baking
I would never be without these! I’ve thrown away all of my silicone mats that needed washing and never looked clean, and now I use a sheet of this parchment paper for all of my baking. Secure them to the baking sheet with a short burst of non-stick baking spray to each corner. The sheets can also be reused!
Ribbed 12in. Square Cast Iron Grill Pan
This doesn’t beat an outdoor grill, but it is the best indoor grill pan I’ve found. This is the one I use in class. I like it because it has 12-inches of surface space and is flat. You don’t want a grill pan with sides, because it makes it difficult to turn the meat/fish. Clean it like any cast iron pan. Use the brush I recommend with it.
12in. Cast Iron Skillet
Cast iron skillets can handle almost anything, from searing meat for a crisp surface, roasting anything to the desired doneness, and even baking pizza for a crispy crust with a tender interior, every time!
Cast Iron Pan Brush
If you get a grill pan, you need to get this brush to clean it. It actually scrapes off all the caked on drippings that are almost impossible to reach without this handy tool.
Immersion Blender
The blender attachment is great for soups and smoothies, but it’s the food processor that I use most often. It’s fantastic for processing small amounts of food, takes up a small amount of space and is a cinch to wash!
Food Scale
Accuracy is crucial in cooking & baking. I use this scale every day to measure anywhere from 1g and up to 22lbs! I am slowly converting much of my baking to metric, so my scale has a permanent place on my countertop. Easy to read & battery-operated!
Thermapen ONE
When roasting, grilling, frying or sautéing meat, you want the most accurate reading on the desired doneness. I have been using this thermometer for years and it is the only one I can recommend. I promise, it is worth every cent!
BBQ Alarm Thermometer
It looks way more complicated than it is. Smoke has two probe channels—one for the meat and one for your pit temps. The remote feature is the best; you can track the temperature of the item your cooking while inside!
Cocktail Mixing Glass Set
This 5-piece set is not only stunning, but a total steal! I use it every class before cooking to get the perfect cocktail, every time.
Peeler
I wouldn’t make an apple pie or a potato gratin without this amazing peeler-(corer)- slicer. It’s worth the space it takes up in my cupboard.
Scraper Tool
Also called a bench or pastry scraper, this tool is essential for scraping up dough and cleaning your cutting board. I use it every time I cook.
Meatball Scoop
The name says it all for this one!
Cookie Scooper Set
3 scoop set to assist in scooping out the perfect amount of batter for your batch of cookies.
Stainless Steel Ladle
I never thought I would fall in love with a ladle, but this one is perfection. It is solid, attractive and so easy to scoop hot soup for both left and right handed users.
Dough Blender
This is the perfect tool for cutting cold butter into flaky pastry doughs and pie crusts. Never settle for a dough-y crust again!
COLE & MASON Derwent Pepper Grinder
For a pepper mill that is easy to fill and gives you coarse or fine grind with a slight turn on the bottom, you can’t beat this pepper grinder.
Blade Sharpener
I swear by this tool. It is the easiest way to make your kitchen knives super sharp. Never cook with dull blades!
Multi-Purpose Kitchen Scissors
From trimming herbs to opening food packaging, the list goes on. You’re definitely going to need this more than you think!
Y-Hand Peeler
This OXO has been rated the best on the market. I’ve never found one better.
Serrated Peeler
It may seem unnecessary to have 2 different peelers, but they serve separate functions. The serrated edge is perfect for peeling tomatoes, peaches and removing the zest from lemons, like for my Twice Glazed Lemon Cakes.
Mandoline
This small slicer has big advantages. It slices almost everything, adjusts to 4 different thicknesses and notches onto your bowl. Plus, it takes up no space in my cupboard and feels safer than others I’ve used.
Microplane Fine Grater/Zester
Grating anything from cheese to the zest of citrus and ginger has been revolutionized with this handy gadget.
Bellemain Fine Mesh Heavy Duty Splatter Guard
Save your stove from splatters with this handy screen.
Stainless Steel Skimmer Spoon
This handy tool is used for more than just skimming fat off the top of soups and sauces. I use it far more often to remove meat and veggies after sautéing them.
BPA Free Plastic Cutting Boards
I won’t cut raw chicken on my wood cutting board because of contamination. After using them for raw poultry and fish, I put them in the dishwasher to clean. I like that they are colored and easy to find stored with my baking sheets.
Paring Knife
The curved blade makes this ideal for slicing around the pit of stone fruit and also deveining jalapeños.
Silicone Spatula
It’s rounded and curved, that’s why it is referred to as a spoonula. Bowls are round, so rounded spatulas are a no-brainer.
Silicone Spatula 3-Piece Set
They’ve finally figured out that bowls are curved. Every baker needs a set of these
Mini Supoon
I call this my “keep from getting frustrated" spoon. It fits into deep jars to get out the last capers and is great for scraping out the last of the peanut butter and Nutella.
Bread Storage Bag
This bag is the best because it is the only one that has an inner layer of plastic which ensures lengthy freshness. The second bag makes a great gift.
Herb Saver Container
If you’re like me and love fresh herbs but don’t have a garden, you’ll love this. It has actually kept mint fresh for 3 weeks and I’ve had dill in it for 2 weeks and counting. It fits into the door of the fridge and also makes a terrific gift. Even people with gardens have to purchase herbs every now and then.
Belgian Chocolate-5.5lbs
I know this is a huge amount, so I divide it with friends. I use these chips for every recipe that calls for semi-sweet chocolate chips, as well when I need to melt chocolate. It doesn’t need chopping first in order to melt (like blocks or squares of chocolate do), is rich and creamy with over 54% cacao.
Le Saunier De Camargue Fleur De Sel
I’ve tried many finishing salts and this is the only one I recommend.
Tellicherry Peppercorns
I have always preferred tellicherry peppercorns above all others because they are more mellow. They still have a peppery finish but it isn't as harsh.
Wilton Excelle Cooling Rack
This takes up so little room, but works wonders when you need to cool a lot of cookies.
Non - Melting Powdered Sugar
Unlike confectioner's sugar, this sugar will not melt or disappear on top of cakes, cookies or other baked goods even when they are warm. I use it to decorate many different types of desserts.
Wilton Excelle Elite Mini Fluted Tube Cake Pan
One regular size bundt pan will fill 6 to 8 of these mini bundt pans. Perfect for gifts.
Mini Muffin Tin
When you need 3/4-inch deep cups, like for my Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, this tin is the best I’ve found. It is well made, the cups don’t stick, and I love the little handles to help get it out of the oven.
Reusable Silicone Baking Cups
These are the best for baking cupcakes and muffins, because they never stick and the little handles make them easy to pick up. Sometimes small details make big differences. These are also handy for freezing scoops of ice cream. Just pop them out when needed—so much easier than scooping.
8 pcs Magnetic Measuring Spoon Set
I’ve never understood why spice companies bottle spices in jars that are too narrow for measuring spoons. These practical spoons solve that problem, plus they stack together to save space and even include a leveler. They make a great small gift.
Cake Decorating Stencil Molds
A beautiful finish on all your cakes and tarts that call for powdered sugar.
15 pcs Mini Metal Cookie Cutters
This is a wonderful set of mini cutters because there is one for every occasion. This is one of the few that includes a 6 pointed star to garnish Jewish dishes.
Maple Rolling Dowel
A rolling pin is a kitchen basic that every cook needs. I use this rolling dowel to get a smooth and consistent roll when making baked treats.
OXO Squeeze Bottle Set
Trust OXO to make the best squeeze bottles. These are good for dozens of uses from dish soap to olive oil. I also use them to fancy-up desserts with sauce, like a mousse with raspberry sauce.