What are simple yet tasty recipes for couples to make at home?

Between work, social obligations, kids, and everyday responsibilities, it can be hard to find the time to cook intricate meals. That's why finding simple, yet tasty, recipes is essential for newlyweds . Consider meals that don't require a significant amount of ingredients, or that are made with versatile ingredients you can use again and again. "My favorite dishes to cook at home with my partner are Mediterranean Bowls, Shrimp Scampi, Cajun Shrimp Tacos, and Chicken Katsu with Japanese Curry," says Anthony.

How can beginner home-cooks get comfortable in the kitchen?

"The kitchen can be intimidating, especially when you feel like you're learning how to use new tools and spices for the first time," explains Anthony. "My best advice is to just cook—and cook often. Experiment with different recipes, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Oh, and purchase a chef's knife–it makes all the difference."

10 Best Cooking Tools for Your Registry of 2023

best cooking essentials — Courtesy of Sur La Table

Creating your wedding registry is the perfect opportunity to revamp your home, and what better place to start than in your kitchen? After all, it's where you'll spend time cooking and enjoying your morning coffee together. It's the center of your at-home date nights and celebrations–from making meals from scratch for the holidays to whipping up cocktails for parties. So, it's a good idea to add a slew of kitchen gadgets and cooking tools to your wedding registry.

To help you find the must-have essentials for your kitchen, we asked Executive Chef Carlos Anthony to share his top recommendations. Busy couples who are short on time will love the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer and the Cuisinart Programmable Slow Cooker. For preparing delicious meals at home, Anthony recommends the Teakhaus Heavy-Duty Reversible Board With Juice Canal and Hand Grips and the Chefs Life Ultimate Trio Cooking Oils.

Read on for the best cooking tools to add to your registry, according to Anthony.

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Chefslife.com View On Shareasale.com

Price at time of publish: $50

"With so many types of cooking oils in the grocery store, it's not always clear to know which one you should use. This one is a staple for any kitchen. The brand makes things simple by specifically designing each of the three bottles for either cooking, blending, or finishing. It's my favorite product, both for the restaurant and at home."

4.3

View On Abt.com View On Crate & Barrel View On Davidjones.com

Price at time of publish: $16

"The Microplane is one of my all-time favorite kitchen tools that can be used for shredding, grating and zesting. Unlike a regular box grater, the Microplane has super-sharp blades that produce a fine and feathery-like grate or zest. Adding zested citrus provides a burst of flavor to dishes like meats, vegetables, pasta, and desserts."

4.5

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Best Buy View On Bloomingdales

Price at time of publish: $350

"The air fryer is a game changer. Hot oil splatters and clean-up are now a thing of the past—you're able to get perfectly crispy food just by using an air fryer. Also, it's so much healthier because you're using only a fraction of the oil."

cuisinart-35-qt-digital-programmable-slow-cooker

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Bloomingdales View On Crate & Barrel

Price at time of publish: $60

"Most of us simply don't have the time to spend hours cooking dinner, which is where a slow cooker comes in clutch. The long, low-temperature cooking brings out the flavor in your food, and it's so easy to just 'set-it-and-forget-it.'"

4.2

FoodSaver FM5200 2-in-1 Food Preservation System

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Farmandfleet.com View On Foodsaver.com

Price at time of publish: $170

"A vacuum sealer is the key to preserving food! Whether it's fruits, veggies, meats or dry goods, vacuum sealers will keep your extra food fresher for longer. You can also use it to sous vide, ferment and cure. It's the appliance you never knew you needed."

Teak Haus

View On Amazon View On Sierra.com View On Sur La Table

Price at time of publish: $99+

"A wooden cutting board is the center point of your kitchen—it's where you'll do all of your work. I love this Teakhaus cutting board because it's made out of reclaimed wood, so it's both sustainable and unique. This cutting board is also extremely durable and easy on your knives."

Hedley & Bennett

View On Hedleyandbennett.com

Price at time of publish: $85

"This iconic Hedley & Bennet apron is an industry standard. It's made with quality materials that are breathable and durable for use during any cooking project."

4.8

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Abt.com View On Best Buy

Price at time of publish: $350

"There's a reason why every restaurant has a Vitamix in their kitchen. They're a quick and efficient way to make everything from soups and sauces to margaritas.

4.8

Le Creuset 5.5-Quart Dutch Oven and Staub 5.5-Quart Dutch Oven, Marseille

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Food52 View On Lecreuset.com

Price at time of publish: $336

"Le Creuset Dutch Ovens are the best of the best. They're useful for braising, stewing, frying, and baking. These heavy-duty pots last a lifetime and can be passed down to your kids."

KitchenAid KP26M1XOB 6 Qt. Professional 600 Series Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer - Onyx Black

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Abt.com View On Appliancesconnection.com

Price at time of publish: $548

"KitchenAid stand mixers will open up your world to baking—these machines can whip, whisk, and knead with ease. They take the work out of making bread, pasta dough, meringue, cake, and ice cream."

Meet the Expert

Carlos Anthony is the Executive Chef at Herb & Wood, a modern Mediterranean restaurant in San Diego, California.

What to Look for When Shopping for Cooking Tools

Versatility and Functionality

Whether you're an amateur home chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you should consider items that you know you'll use again and again. For instance, a slow cooker can be used to create a diverse range of hot meals, and a high-quality blender—such as the Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender—makes everything from smoothies to soups and frozen cocktails. It's also important to consider the functionality of the product. Read the reviews and research the various options to determine how long it will last, how well it will work for your specific needs, and if you have the space for it in your kitchen (as bulky items may not be a fit for smaller spaces).

FAQ

What are simple yet tasty recipes for couples to make at home?

Between work, social obligations, kids, and everyday responsibilities, it can be hard to find the time to cook intricate meals. That's why finding simple, yet tasty, recipes is essential for newlyweds. Consider meals that don't require a significant amount of ingredients, or that are made with versatile ingredients you can use again and again.
"My favorite dishes to cook at home with my partner are Mediterranean Bowls, Shrimp Scampi, Cajun Shrimp Tacos, and Chicken Katsu with Japanese Curry," says Anthony.
How can beginner home-cooks get comfortable in the kitchen?

"The kitchen can be intimidating, especially when you feel like you're learning how to use new tools and spices for the first time," explains Anthony. "My best advice is to just cook—and cook often. Experiment with different recipes, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Oh, and purchase a chef's knife–it makes all the difference."

Why Trust Brides

Chloe Caldwell is a Commerce Writer for Brides who specializes in shopping and lifestyle topics. She has more than five years of journalism experience writing about all things fashion, beauty, travel, and wellness.

The 28 Must-Have Items to Add to Your Wedding Registry