I honestly feel you only need a few key gadgets around your house. Here are my top must-haves and why. Some of them may not sound like "minimalist" tools, but they all reach an 8, 9 or 10 on my scale.  When you cook with fresh, whole ingredients, using the right tool is key to optimize your recipes and prevent frustration. It's also smart to save your money and buy right! If you buy high quality and take care of it, it'll last you a lifetime!

18- Soyabella: I seriously had no idea what this was until my health practitioner mentioned it and told me to get it. I debated until I started to pay more attention to nut milk ingredient labels. Wouldn't you think nut milk would have 2 ingredients- water and nuts? Not so much! I challenge you to read labels!!! Well, it changed my mind and I bought one. It took me a few tries to learn how to make it quick and easy. I now can make a week's worth of nut milk in 10 minutes! That includes cleanup. Do you know what the best part is? I can pronounce the ingredients! Filtered water and nuts. Just like it should be :) Here's my recipe to nut milk. 

17- Juicer: This is a perfect example of buying right! I've had my juicer for 12 years and counting. Although it does take a couple of seconds to set up and clean, it's well worth the fresh juice (with no extra additives)! Whole, yummy, fresh goodness to keep you healthy and boost your immune system! Feeling sick? Here's my recipe to cure the common cold.

16- Pan With Insert, 12 qt:  Another example of buying right! I've had my pan for 25 years! It's in perfect condition! It's stainless steel and makes making bottled tomatoes and broth EASY! I chose the larger size to make larger quantities of food. When it comes to making vegetable broth and bottled tomatoes, it's a big time-saver to make a lot compared to a little. Mine came with two inserts. I use the larger insert when making broth. The smaller insert is nice to steam veggies! I understand that this pan is big. When you start making your own tomatoes and broth, you will see how worthwhile it is and know that it belongs in your kitchen! 

15- Silicone Spatula: Now there are two different types. The first, the flat type, slightly rectangular that is great for flipping foods like eggs, pancakes, and other flat food items. The second type is great for stirring and scraping the sides of pans and bowls. The key is getting one made of silicone, high heat resistant, and BPA free. You want something a little flexible, but firm enough that you can pick your food up easily. Don't forget, it needs to be high heat resistant and BPA free to prevent toxic particles from entering your food. Your goal is to improve our health, not harm it. You won't regret buying high-quality spatulas. It's well worth your money and they will last a very long time.  I cringe going into kitchens that don't have them.

14- Stackable Glass Bowls: Another great kitchen must. I love all the sizes and it needs limited storage space. Glass is easy to clean, dishwasher safe, and doesn't absorb anything! Whatever you are cooking, you will have the right size for your needs.

13- Lemon Juicer:  No more hand juicing needed! This is an easy way to infuse fresh citrus into your recipes! It's easy to use and easy to clean. I've owned a few different types. I prefer the lemon only juicer, not the one for lemons and limes. Since lemons and limes come in different sizes, a lemon juicer fits both great and it seems to get more juice out of each fruit. If the hand juicer slits are too big, it allows for seeds to slide through. 

12- Box Cheese Grater: I used one as a child and immediately bought one when I moved out. The key is stainless steel and durable! I like the box because they have 4-5 different blades to choose from! Perfect for zest, shredded, or sliced cheese! When I was a kid, I loved going around the grater and using them all. My mom never said anything, so I guess I did a great job! 

11- Pyrex: Oh, Pyrex! I honestly don't think I can say enough positive about it! I love that its glass! It comes in different sizes, styles, and you can see what's in it without taking off the lid!  A perfect way to store and stack your meals or leftovers.  

10- Cutting Board: This is an easy one, but you have to have it. I have a large one (size) and a small one (size). Depending on how much chopping I'm doing, will determine what size I use. Both of mine are silicone and can be thrown in the dishwasher. I like mine a little thicker for durability purposes. I've used thin ones before and they seem to move around a bit. I like to keep my fingers intact and know things are secure when I start cutting. 

9- Immersion Blender: This is one of my new purchases of only three years. I've been obsessed with it lately, making all kinds of meals! I like it because you can use it right in the pan and it's super easy to rinse off and clean. It's sooo much easier than putting hot liquids in a blender! It also makes great cashew cream in seconds! A must-have in EVERYONE'S kitchen!

 8- Cooler: This honestly belongs closer to the top! I bring my cooler EVERYWHERE and have for years! I pack it up with rainbow smoothies, fresh fruits, veggies, snacks and meals depending on where I'm going or what I'm doing. I was always that girl who brought her cooler to work meetings or conferences to avoid being tempted to eat all the sugary crap that is usually provided. It's much easier to say 'no' when you have healthy backup options. It's also a great way to set an example and teach people the importance of making the right food choices! The most frequented comment I get is, "What is that?!?!" while drinking a rainbow smoothie! I've made them for many people, who then start making them. Yay!!! Every little step counts!!! DON'T leave home without it!!!

7- Canning Steamer: There's not much to say about steamers other than BUY ONE! Fresh tomatoes, broth and other fruits and veggies will add such a big difference to your recipes, you will never go back once you start! 

6- Garlic Press:  I am actually really picky about what type of garlic press I use. I want something durable, easy to use, easy to clean, and most importantly, presses the most garlic out of the clove! I use my garlic press pretty much every day. Something that can take a lot of use, and last a lifetime, is key! I also like the extra insert as a backup when the other hasn't been cleaned. I've used several over the decades, choose your garlic press wisely. You won't be disappointed. 

5- Mason Jar: Mason jars are the holy grail to cooking for me. My cooking wouldn't be the same without them. The different sizes allow for stress-free, easy storage and stacking. They are great for hot and cold items. They keep bulk items dry. They can be used to take items in your cooler, camping, storing rainbow smoothies, nut milk and pretty much anything you can think of! Hail to the Mason Jar!!!

4- Pan: I don't know about you, but nothing is more frustrating when you cook and everything sticks to the pan, your food cooks unevenly, burns, or requires a lot more attention then it should! All you need is a couple of good, high-quality pans. Make sure you do your research to know what the product is made of. You don't want to cook toxins into your food. 

3- Knife:  I have a problem with knives and require a specific type. My favorite is honestly from a knife set my parents gave me when I was 18. They are still very sharp and fit my hand perfectly! You can always tell when I'm using a new knife that I'm not familiar with. I end up chopping the sides of my fingers! OUCH! Finding a sharp knife that cuts your food rather than shred it, will make all the difference and make cooking sooo much easier! 

2- High-Speed Blender: Oh, I LOVE my high-speed blender!!! Initially, I was like many other people and wondered if the high cost would really make that big of a difference. I did A LOT of research and used a few different brands prior, to make sure my purchase was well spent. My $20 blender broke mid smoothie and I immediately went to the store and purchased one. I've now had it for 8 years and it's going strong! I drink 1-2 rainbow smoothies daily and make several other meals in it frequently. Money well spent! I encourage everyone to get some type of high-speed blender. It makes all the difference in your smoothies and food. 

1- Water Filter: The #1 kitchen item that I have is my water filter. Clean, fresh water is vital to maintain health. City water is full of bleach and chemicals that harm your body and normal flora. What you rinse your food off with, you consume. A good water filter is a must in my book! Water filters range in cost. I have one connected to my sink and one I use to travel with.