My shiny, one-basin sink. I debated with myself whether to get a one basin or the standard two basin. I have several large pieces of cookware that just wouldn't fit in one side of my two basin sink. I would end up spilling water all over the counter and myself trying to wash them. I finally decided on the one basin and I am NOT sorry. I have washed my large cookware without a spilling problem. It is big, deep and shiny. The faucet is nice also; I especially like the soap dispenser on the left. Flylady would be so proud of my shiny sink. Unfortunately, it doesn't always look this nice. Just prior to taking this picture, it was filled with dirty dishes which I loaded into the dishwasher to take this picture;)
Oh yeah, we are cookin' with gas now! After 3 years of burning our food (regularly) on a flat, glass cooktop (really, I couldn't get used to it!), I am back to cooking on a gas range and oh my, I love it! Although it doesn't show well in this picture, the grates on the top are heavy duty cast-iron. It also has a long, oval middle burner designed for a griddle. The unfortunate part about that is that you have to purchase it separately....yeah, ridiculous....it's not like that griddle is a common piece of cookware. Also, a broiler pan did not come with my new range, either, but I can send away for a free one. I only have to pay $8.95 shipping....
I have teased my poor husband relentlessly about our Keurig Gourmet coffee brewer. A couple of winters ago, between storms, when work was slow, he presented me with a well-researched sales pitch about why we should buy a Keurig coffee maker. Gourmet, from the man whose specialty is microwaved hot dogs. He even figured out how long it would take to pay for itself, since he would no longer have to go to the local convenience store to purchase coffee. Well, since this was so unlike him, I didn't have the heart to argue. Plus, I wasn't much of a coffee drinker, so I had to trust his judgment on this. Well, welcome home Keurig! I am so happy you are here. And, I drink a lot more coffee now...delicious, hot, fragrant gourmet coffee....mmmmm
I had two lazy susans in my old kitchen. I hated them. Since we did not replace any cabinetry in this house, I had two lazy susans again. I tried to decide the best way to use these without overloading them, thus making them hard to spin, or putting light things on them that flew out onto the floor when you spun the lazy susan around. Inspired by several homemaking/organizing blogs, I came up with this idea. I purchased several square plastic baskets at the local dollar store. I grouped my baking products and spices together into baskets that I can just pull out of the lazy susan to use when I am baking. In one basket, I put all of my measuring tools--cups, teaspoons, it's all there (that's the basket at the top). In another, I put the baking soda, baking powder, cocoa, and cream of tartar. In another I put the cookie and cupcake decorating items: food coloring, cupcake papers, sprinkles, colored sugar, etc. 
(see above) I was also tired of trying to locate the proper spices for different dishes I made. They were not organized well. So, I grouped the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger into one ziploc bag, labeled it and nestled it into one of my baskets. I also did this with the spices I use for the Indian dish I make, Murgh Kari, which requires many different spices. Now I just have to pull the baggie out of the basket and voila! I have all the spices I need, in an instant! I grouped pickling spices and italian spices similarly. (see picture)
I am very happy with these lazy susans now, and am anxious to put them to good use!
Last, but not least, I love this wool felt penny rug. It doesn't serve a useful purpose in the kitchen, except to make me happy. It is so bright and colorful and adds pizzazz to the wall.
So there they are, my Five Favorite kitchen items.
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