I can't say that I have an absolute favorite, but these are the few things I CANNOT live without:
Shun 6 in. Chef's Knife
- A sharp knife that is small enough that I don't cut myself, fits perfectly in my hand - gotta love it!
Braun Mixer/Immersion Blender/Mini Food Processor
- I use it almost every day. I find that dragging out my big food processor is just too time consuming and it has too many parts to wash. Plus, this set has an Immersion Blender and the beaters to turn it into a Hand Mixer. Love it, love it, love it!
All-Clad Colander
- I don't know why I feel this is the best colander I've every used. Has nothing to do with the "brand name". The holes are a perfect size, it has some weight to is, so it doesn't tip over when I'm dumping a huge pot of pasta into it, and it has kept it's shine up after years and years and years of use.
15 inch Cast Iron Frying Pan
- Can you believe my mother-in-law was getting rid of it?!?!?
It is old (she had it for 20 years and bought it used at an estate sale), flat surface - not like the new ones today, and very very well-seasoned. I can make 3 grilled cheese sandwiches at the same time, can make 3 pieces of french toast, and stir-fry enough veggies to feed 4 hungry men!! What's not to love!