Welcome to My Kitchen Favorites
Kitchen Equipment
View on Amazon
About the Current Excalibur Model
The photographs in my Kitchen Favorites collection show the newer Excalibur dehydrator that I purchased several years ago as a backup for the day my original finally retired. That day still hasn’t come. My original nine tray Excalibur has been in regular use for well over 15 years and continues to be one of the hardest working tools in my kitchen. I photographed the newer dehydrator so you could clearly see its features, while my original continues to help me create the recipes found throughout Raw Gourmet La Vie.
Since purchasing my dehydrators, Excalibur has continued to refine and update its designs. If you visit Amazon using the link below, you’ll notice that the current models feature stainless steel trays and several modern improvements. While the appearance has evolved over the years, the quality, performance, and reliability that made me choose Excalibur in the first place remain the same. My recommendation comes from more than 15 years of personal experience using an Excalibur dehydrator almost every day. I have complete confidence in the brand and would happily choose an Excalibur again today.
Excalibur Accessories
View on Amazon
These Excalibur Polyscreen Mesh Inserts are one of the accessories I use most often. They provide a stable surface for drying herbs, sprouts, delicate vegetables, and other small ingredients while still allowing excellent airflow. They’re reusable, easy to clean, and an essential companion to my Excalibur dehydrator.
View on Amazom
Keep cleanup simple with these pre cut dehydrator parchment sheets. They help prevent sticky foods from clinging to your trays, making them perfect for fruit leathers, crackers, flax recipes, and other delicate creations. A convenient staple I always like to keep on hand.
View on Amazon
These are the silicone dehydrator mats I use in my own kitchen. They are perfect for fruit leathers, flax crackers, and other sticky recipes. Foods release easily, cleanup is quick, and they help protect my dehydrator trays. I always keep these on hand.
View on Amazon
Vitamix Ascent Series A3500 High Performance Blender
A Vitamix is one of the best investments I’ve ever made for my kitchen. Over the years, I’ve relied on Vitamix blenders to create countless recipes for Raw Gourmet La Vie, from vibrant green smoothies and creamy soups to homemade nut milks, sauces, dressings, frozen desserts, and so much more.
The Vitamix Ascent Series A3500 combines exceptional power, precision, and versatility. It effortlessly blends fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds into incredibly smooth, consistent results. The programmable settings, variable speed control, and pulse feature make it easy to prepare everything from everyday smoothies to more advanced recipes with confidence.
While I own the Vitamix Ascent Series A3500 featured here, my older Vitamix has been a trusted companion in my kitchen for many years. Both machines have proven to be incredibly reliable, and Vitamix continues to be one of the few kitchen investments I confidently recommend. Their performance, durability, and quality have earned a permanent place on my countertop.
Please note: The Vitamix Ascent Series A3500 has been discontinued. The Amazon link below will take you to the current Vitamix Ascent X5, the closest replacement in the Vitamix lineup.
View on Amazon
Breville Food Processor
A quality food processor is one of the most valuable time saving tools in any kitchen, and my Breville has been a favorite for years. Whether I’m slicing vegetables, shredding carrots or cabbage, chopping nuts, preparing raw pâtés, mixing fillings, or creating countless plant based recipes, it consistently delivers beautiful results while making food preparation faster and easier.
One of the features I appreciate most is the versatility. With its powerful motor, generous capacity, and interchangeable blades and slicing discs, it handles a wide variety of kitchen tasks with ease. From delicate slicing to coarse shredding and chopping, it quickly becomes one of those appliances you’ll wonder how you ever lived without.
As with all of the products featured in my Favorites collection, this is a tool I personally own and have relied on in my own kitchen for years. The model linked below is the current version of the Breville food processor I recommend, continuing the quality and performance that have made it one of my favorite kitchen investments.
View on Amazon
Tribest GreenStar® Pro Juicer
The Tribest GreenStar Pro has been one of my favorite juicers for producing rich, fresh juices with exceptional flavor and quality. Its twin gear design gently extracts juice from fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, and wheatgrass while helping maximize juice yield and preserve valuable nutrients.
One of the features I appreciate most is its versatility. Beyond making delicious fresh juices, the GreenStar Pro can also prepare nut butters, frozen fruit desserts, sorbets, sauces, and other creative recipes with the proper accessories. Its durable construction and thoughtful design have made it a dependable part of my kitchen for many years.
As with all of the products featured in my Favorites collection, this is a kitchen tool I personally own and have used extensively. The model linked below is the current version of the GreenStar Pro, continuing the quality, performance, and versatility that have made it one of my trusted kitchen appliances.
KitchenAid Collection
KitchenAid has been a trusted name in home kitchens for generations, and their thoughtfully designed appliances and attachments make preparing fresh, homemade meals easier and more enjoyable. From mixing and blending to spiralizing vegetables, creating fruit and vegetable sheets, and juicing citrus, these versatile tools help simplify everyday food preparation while inspiring creativity in the kitchen.
Whether you’re preparing wholesome family meals, experimenting with new recipes, or adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to your menu, KitchenAid offers a wide range of accessories designed to work together and expand the possibilities of your stand mixer and countertop appliances.
Browse the collection above to explore the KitchenAid tools I recommend for creating fresh, flavorful, plant based recipes.
View on Amazon
My KitchenAid Stand Mixer has been one of the most dependable tools in my kitchen for years. Built for both everyday cooking and gourmet creations, it effortlessly mixes, kneads, whips, and blends with consistent, reliable results. From breads and desserts to plant-based recipes, it’s a timeless appliance that makes food preparation easier and more enjoyable.
What I love most is its versatility. With the wide variety of available attachments, the KitchenAid Stand Mixer can do so much more than mix—it can become a food processor, slicer, shredder, pasta maker, grain mill, meat grinder, juicer, and more. It’s truly one of the most versatile investments you can make for your kitchen.
View on Amazon
KitchenAid Food Processor Attachment
This versatile attachment quickly slices, shreds, chops, and dices fruits and vegetables, making everyday food preparation faster and easier. Designed to work with your KitchenAid stand mixer, it adds the convenience of a food processor while saving valuable counter space.
View on Amazon
Cuisinart 2 Quart Ice Cream Maker
Homemade frozen treats are surprisingly easy with this Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker. Whether you’re making dairy free ice cream, fruit sorbet, frozen yogurt, or other frozen desserts, it creates smooth, creamy results in about 25 minutes. I love having the option to make frozen desserts with wholesome ingredients and control exactly what goes into every batch.
View on Amazon
Karousel Cake Turntable
Whether I’m decorating raw cheesecakes, celebration cakes, or other special desserts, a sturdy turntable makes the process so much easier. The smooth rotating base lets you frost, decorate, and finish every side with greater control for a more professional looking result.
View on Amazon
FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer
A vacuum sealer is one of the most useful tools in my kitchen for keeping ingredients fresh. I use mine to help preserve nuts, seeds, dehydrated foods, and other pantry staples while protecting them from moisture and air. It’s a great way to extend freshness and reduce waste.
Favorite Prep Tools
View on Amazon
Beautifully even slices every time. This bamboo bread slicer guides your knife for consistent slices, helping you cut homemade bread with ease. It folds flat for convenient storage when not in us
Large Springform Pan with Removable Bottom
A versatile springform pan with a removable bottom and easy release side latch. Perfect for cakes, cheesecakes, layered raw desserts and other creations that need to be removed without disturbing their shape.
View on Amazon
View on Amazon
Large Tart Pan with Removable Bottom
A classic fluted tart pan with a removable bottom for easy release and beautiful presentation. Perfect for fruit tarts, raw desserts, layered creations and savory dishes while keeping the finished edges beautifully defined.
View on Amazon
Large Heart Shaped Tart Pan with Removable Bottom
A beautiful heart shaped tart pan with fluted edges and a removable bottom for easy release. Perfect for raw desserts, fruit tarts, layered creations and special occasion desserts while giving the finished piece a beautiful decorative shape.
View on Amazon
Bench Scraper and Dough Cutter
I’ve been using a bench scraper like this for many years, and it’s one of those simple kitchen tools I reach for again and again. My original scraper has a beautiful copper finish with a wooden handle and has been part of my kitchen for years. Since it’s no longer available, I’ve chosen to recommend this newer version because it performs the same essential tasks.
I use a bench scraper for dividing bread and cracker dough, cutting brownies and dessert bars into neat portions, transferring chopped vegetables from the cutting board, and keeping my work surface clean while preparing recipes. The built in measurement markings are also helpful when working with dough.
If you’re building a kitchen one piece at a time, this is one of those inexpensive tools that you’ll probably find yourself using far more often than you expect.
View on Amazon
Double Melon Baller
This double melon baller is one of those small kitchen tools that I have used for years and still reach for today. It makes it easy to create beautiful melon balls for fruit platters, breakfast bowls, desserts, and elegant raw food presentations. The two scoop sizes let you create a variety of shapes that add a beautiful finishing touch to your recipes.
I also enjoy using it for dragon fruit, mangoes, pears, kiwi, and other fresh fruits when I want to make a dish feel a little more special. It is comfortable to hold, easy to use, and has become one of those dependable tools that has earned a permanent place in my kitchen.
View on Amazon
KOM-KOM Superior Carving Knife Set
That means you don’t have to write “similar product” at all. You can confidently recommend the actual carving knives you’ve used.
Here’s some copy for your page:
KOM KOM Superior Carving Knife Set
This carving knife set has been one of my favorite tools for creating decorative fruits and vegetables. Whether I am adding simple garnishes or more detailed carving to a platter, these knives give me the control I need to create beautiful presentations.
The set includes several different blades, each designed for a specific purpose, making it easy to add elegant finishing touches to recipes, fruit displays, and special occasions. Over the years I have used these knives countless times, and they have remained a dependable part of my kitchen.
If you enjoy adding artistic details to your food, this is a wonderful set to have on hand.
View on Amazon
Tescoma Fruit and Vegetable Carving Tool Set
My original fruit and vegetable carving tools have been part of my kitchen for many years and have helped me create countless decorative garnishes for my recipes. Although my exact carving set is no longer available, I searched for a quality replacement that offers the same types of tools and creative possibilities.
This Tescoma carving set includes many of the essential tools used to create beautiful flowers, leaves, curls, and decorative accents from fruits and vegetables. Whether you are preparing everyday meals or creating an elegant presentation for a special occasion, these tools make it easy to add a professional touch.
Decorative carving has always been one of my favorite ways to turn simple ingredients into beautiful works of edible art, and I think this set is a wonderful choice for anyone who wants to learn or expand their creativity in the kitchen.
View on Amazon
These extra long stainless steel tongs are one of my favorite kitchen tools. They provide a secure grip, keep your hands safely away from the heat, and are perfect for turning vegetables, handling dehydrator trays, serving salads, and so much more. A versatile tool I reach for every day.
Chocolate and Dessert Making
View on Amazon
Infrared Thermometer
Making raw chocolate is both an art and a science, and maintaining the proper temperature is one of the keys to achieving the best results. This infrared thermometer allows you to quickly and accurately check the surface temperature of your chocolate without making contact.
Whether you’re melting cacao butter, blending chocolate ingredients, or working to keep your recipes within your preferred temperature range, this tool provides fast, reliable readings in seconds.
I’ve found it to be an invaluable kitchen companion when preparing raw chocolates and other temperature-sensitive recipes. It’s simple to use, accurate, and gives me confidence that my ingredients are being handled with care.
Why I Love It
- Quick, non-contact temperature readings
- Ideal for preparing raw chocolates
- Helps monitor temperature-sensitive ingredients
- Easy-to-read digital display
- Fast, accurate, and simple to use
View on Amazon
Raw Chocolate Favorites
Over the years, I’ve collected many chocolate molds that I’ve used to create homemade raw chocolates for family, friends, and special occasions. From simple rounds to decorative shapes, the right mold adds a beautiful finishing touch to every creation.
Below are some of my favorite molds that I’ve personally used in my own kitchen.
Then each mold can have a very short description.
Round Chocolate Mold
One of my favorite molds for creating elegant homemade raw chocolates. The smooth, rounded shape creates beautiful bite-sized treats that are perfect for gifting, entertaining, or enjoying at home.
Why I Love It
- Easy to use
- Creates professional-looking chocolates
- Perfect size for individual treats
- Reusable and easy to clean
View on Amazon
This mold is perfect for creating bite sized chocolate treats that look like miniature peanut butter cups. The ridged sides give each piece a classic candy shop appearance, making them ideal for homemade chocolate cups, nut butter filled candies, caramel bites, peppermint cups, raw desserts, keto treats, protein snacks, and frozen mini cheesecakes. The sturdy mold releases cleanly for professional looking results and is a fun addition to any candy making collection.
View on Amazon
This dome mold is perfect for creating elegant bite sized treats with a smooth, rounded finish. The half sphere cavities are ideal for filled chocolates, hot cocoa bombs, truffles, mousse domes, mini cheesecakes, frozen desserts, cake bites, and raw energy bites. Use two halves together to create beautiful filled chocolate spheres or enjoy them as simple domed confections. The sturdy mold produces consistent, professional looking results for homemade desserts and candies.
View on Amazon
This charming heart shaped candy mold is perfect for creating sweet homemade treats for Valentine’s Day, weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, holidays, or everyday gifts from the heart. The petite heart cavities are ideal for chocolates, peppermint melts, nut butter cups, caramel candies, fruit gummies, raw desserts, fat bombs, and frozen treats. The crisp heart design creates beautiful, professional looking candies that are perfect for gift boxes, dessert platters, and party favors.
View on Amazon
Mini Round Button Chocolate Mold
Create beautiful bite sized chocolates with this classic round candy mold featuring a raised center design. Perfect for chocolate melts, caramel candies, peanut butter treats, peppermint patties, raw desserts, frozen bites, and decorative cake or cupcake toppers. The timeless shape is ideal for holiday treats, party favors, gift boxes, and everyday candy making. The sturdy mold produces smooth, professional looking chocolates that release easily for beautiful homemade creations.
View on Amazon
Silicone Baking Cups
These reusable silicone baking cups are a simple kitchen essential for baking, meal prep, and serving individual treats. Perfect for muffins, cupcakes, egg bites, mini quiches, frozen desserts, and portion controlled snacks, they release food easily without the need for paper liners. They are also wonderful for organizing small ingredients while cooking or serving dips, nuts, berries, and condiments. Durable, easy to clean, and reusable, these versatile cups are a favorite for everyday baking and entertaining.
View on Amazon
Square Mini Silicone Cups
These mini square silicone cups are perfect for creating beautifully shaped individual raw desserts and bite sized treats. I enjoy using them for mini cheesecakes, frozen desserts, chocolate treats, and small dehydrated creations. The square shape gives each serving a clean, modern presentation.
Why I Love Them
• Perfect for individual raw desserts
• Great for mini cheesecakes and frozen treats
• Wonderful for dehydrating bite sized recipes
• Naturally nonstick for easy release
• Reusable, durable, and easy to clean
Whether I’m preparing a special dessert or creating small individual portions, these little square cups add a beautiful finishing touch.
View on Amazon
Triangle Silicone Baking Cups
Add a unique touch to your baking with these reusable triangle shaped silicone baking cups. Perfect for muffins, cupcakes, mini quiches, egg bites, frozen desserts, and individual snacks, their distinctive shape creates an eye catching presentation for both sweet and savory recipes. They also work beautifully for serving nuts, berries, dips, sauces, and other small treats at parties or gatherings. Flexible, durable, and easy to clean, these reusable baking cups are a practical and eco friendly addition to any kitchen.
View on Amazon
Flower Silicone Baking Cups
Bring a touch of charm to your baking with these reusable flower shaped silicone baking cups. Perfect for muffins, cupcakes, mini cheesecakes, egg bites, frozen desserts, and individual snacks, the decorative flower shape adds an elegant presentation to both sweet and savory creations. They are also great for serving fresh fruit, nuts, dips, sauces, and other small treats at parties or gatherings. Flexible, durable, and easy to clean, these reusable baking cups are a beautiful and practical addition to any kitchen.
View on Amazon
Standard Silicone Baking Cups
These reusable silicone baking cups are a timeless kitchen essential for baking, meal prep, and everyday cooking. Perfect for muffins, cupcakes, egg bites, mini quiches, frozen desserts, and portion controlled snacks, they release food easily without the need for paper liners. They are also ideal for organizing ingredients while cooking or serving fresh fruit, nuts, dips, sauces, and other small treats. Durable, flexible, and easy to clean, these reusable baking cups are an eco friendly alternative to disposable liners and a staple in any well equipped kitchen.
View on Amazon
Taco Shell Molds
Create perfectly shaped tacos with these handy taco shell molds. They’re especially useful for dehydrating raw taco shells, helping wraps and tortillas hold their curved shape while drying. They also make an attractive serving stand for finished tacos, keeping them upright and ready to fill with your favorite ingredients.
View on Amazon
Glass Fermentation Weights
Keep vegetables fully submerged during fermentation with these durable glass fermentation weights. Designed to fit wide mouth Mason jars, they help reduce exposure to air, supporting crisp, flavorful ferments while minimizing spoilage. An essential tool for making homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, and other fermented vegetables.
View on Amazon
Wide Mouth Fermentation Lids
Make fermenting vegetables simple and mess free with these wide mouth fermentation lids for Mason jars. The built in airlock allows gases to escape while helping keep unwanted air out, creating the ideal environment for homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, and other fermented vegetables. An easy addition to any home fermentation setup.