Guest Picks: Be Your Own Artisanal Chef

Working with hands in the kitchen is nearly becoming a lost art. Much of the food you find in the store these days has all been prepared for you, and you hardly need more than a microwave and a plate to make dinner. But food is more than just convenience, and making your own food is incredibly empowering.

While these manual tools and other kitchen pieces don't encourage the easiest ways to cook, you will find that the time and effort you put in will be worth the tasty reward. Cooking is not as difficult as you might believe, and getting used to the processes will make it easier over time. Soon you will wonder why you ever bought lesser-tasting foods from the store. As a bonus, many of these products will be very useful to you if the electricity goes out or in an emergency situation where you really have to rely on your own arm power. — Mariko from The Little Foodie

European-Style Bread Set With Baker's Couche From King Arthur Flour - $42 This artisan bread kit is great for getting you started in making really gorgeous loaves. But the best part is the inclusion of the baker's couche (the canvas cloth), which provides a surface for dough to rise on and helps the bread from sticking together when you're making more than one loaf. Eating a loaf of bread fresh from the oven is one of the joys of life.


Dough Whisk - $12.95 Dough whisks are almost magical. It seems like nothing can get through dough without a lot of work, but these help you stir and begin the kneading process easily.


Le Creuset Poterie Crock - $21.23 This is a perfect crock for a sourdough starter because of its nonstick finish and size. Plus, it's attractive enough to keep out on the counter or in the fridge.


Maia French Butter Dish - $32.50 So you can enjoy that bread, this butter bell will keep your butter fresh for up to a month, and you'll never have to worry about its being soft enough to spread.


9-Piece Canning Set by Tabletops Unlimited - $31.80 Whenever I would visit my grandmother's house as a child, one of my favorite things to do was go through the glass jars in the cellar and pick out my favorite foods. Canning is not only cost efficient; the results are really tasty.


Le Parfait 11-Ounce Jelly Jars - $15 These are the sweetest little jam jars, and with a printed lid too. Your preserves may be too cute to keep all to yourself.


Chef's Star Manual Hand Crank Juicer - $49.99 This juicer doesn't need electricity, but it has the ability to extract some of the most nutritious elements of some fresh foods.


Egg Beater - $19.99 Your grandmother probably had a version of this, which means you should be able to use one too. Your eggs may be a little harder to whip, but for a quick stir in the pot, you'd probably just want to do it manually anyway.


4-Tier Sprouter Kit - $16.95 Sprouting is so simple, and these stacking containers give you several surfaces that don't take up too much space.


Wood Tofu Mold, Large - $36.95 The first time I heard of making my own tofu, I thought that it would take some major dedication. Even if you've never liked tofu much, I encourage you to try homemade tofu. You have more control over the consistency and flavor when you make it yourself.


Marcato Atlas Wellness 150 Pasta Maker, Stainless Steel - $75 The Marcato pasta machine is a classic model for a classic dish. Homemade noodles are probably the most time consuming, but they'll really change your whole view of spaghetti and meatballs.


Gnocchi Board - $4.99 And to go with your pasta maker, don't you need a gnocchi board? Those grooves are more than just for looks. Grab that sauce, please.


Mini Pop Molds - $16.99 I'm more than thrilled about the new Zoku mini pop mold. I am especially excited for the idea of ice cream bonbons that I can dip in my own chocolate, or even just homemade lollipops.


Euro Cuisine YM80 Yogurt Maker - $26.49 When I first made my own yogurt, I was blown away by how creamy it was and how simple the process really was. You have so much more control over the flavors as well, which is great for feeding kids.


Imusa Victoria-85008 Cast Iron Tortilla Press, Pre-Cured, Black - $23.99 No more dry tortillas that have been sitting for ages on the shelf! You can make your own, and it is easier than you might imagine. You'll be wishing taco night were every night.


Saachi SA-1440 Electric Spice/Nuts/Coffee Grinder, Stainless Steel - $23.97 When I'm making a Thai curry, I turn to my grinder. The already-ground powder sold in bottles is usually stale before you even open the lid. Toast the spices and grind them fresh. This can also make almond flour, which is very convenient.


Bormioli Rocco Frigoverre Jug With Hermetic Lid - $12.80 I'm in love with glass jars that can store freshly made almond milk. Plastic gets a greasy film and can slightly change the taste, but this glass jug seals well and is easy to use.


Sushi Kit With Roll Cutter - $34.95 I can imagine that the idea of making sushi from scratch is daunting. This set teaches you the basics without wasting too much effort on trial and error.


Emerald Fermenting Crock - $120 Fermenting is one thing that I'm just getting interested in. Not only are fermented foods extremely nutritious, but making them is surprisingly easy. Sauerkraut is first on my list.


Cuisipro Apple Corer - $10 Sadly, I do not live in a state with abundant apple orchards, but if you do, I hope you are making plenty of apple pie and applesauce. This handle is especially useful when you're preparing apples for cooking.

Next: How to Choose and Use Ecofriendly Kitchen Appliances

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