Several months ago, I hosted a Facebook Live segment highlighting five of my must-have kitchen tools.  What I love most about this list?  I laugh thinking about myself navigating my little kitchen without these things. Like, what was I thinking!? 

They’re just on their way out of the season, so head to the grocery store and grab as many as you can (I had to have my local Whole Foods dig around in the back).  Toss together a jar of pickled kumquats then slice for salads, grain bowls, seafood, or even a festive cheese platter. 

Most of us open Champagne just a few celebratory times a year, but my macaron classes feature bottomless bubbles so I get in some solid bottle-poppin’ practice. Here’s the trick to gently easing the cork out so it doesn’t hit a dear friend . . .

My top ten favorite cooking items and little treats that make life easier and more joyful.

So how do you make your house feel festive, cozy, and full of holiday cheer without the risk of dinner turning into a fistful of cookie dough?!  Try a simmer pot.