Stocking Your Kitchen with the tools you need

Do you wish for more appliances because of the promise of an easier life?  What are the appliances you most value?

Here's my short list:
A small food processor which takes up little space, stores easily in a cupboard, is lightweight, does small jobs, and fits in the dishwasher.  It's great for slicing onions, making a vinaigrette, a small batch of pesto or chopping up vegetables. 

A Mini Food Processor can be great for a small kitchen.

If you make vinaigrettes and don't have a processor, a jar with a lid works fine, or a bowl with a whisk or fork.  If you will be making pesto, want to avoid slicing onions or vegetables,  and have the space, this is a handy tool.  If you want to make larger batches of pesto, dips or hummus, this isn't powerful or large enough.

Take care of your knives, and use a non-slip cutting board.

Good sharp knives and cutting boards that don't slip are essential to your safety!  This is money well spent because if you take care of your knives, they can last you a lifetime.  If your budget doesn't allow you to buy the top-of-the-line knives, it's still important to maintain your knives.  Dull knives are difficult to cut with and are more likely to cut you.  Wash them with a soapy cloth with the sharp edge pointed away from you; DON'T put them in the dishwasher.  Keep them in a knife block or use knife shields to protect the blades during storage.  

Good pans really do make life easier. Cheap pans tend to burn food.

Good pans are great to work with, but you don't have to break the bank buying a whole  set of pans.  My pans are selected individually for what I want from them.  This pan is one of my favorites.  Let me count the reasons I love it:
1.  Cast iron for heat conduction
2. Enamel Coating doesn't rub off
3.  Stove top and Oven safe
4.  Beautiful!
5.  Versatile! Works for casserole, pilaf, roast, stew, risotto, etc.
6.  Cleans up easily!
I also have a stainless steel shallow saute pan with a lid for meat and eggs.  I have a large, deep pot for pasta.  I have a larger stainless pot for soup, grains, oatmeal, etc. 
Think about what you cook, and you will know what you need.  You can always add to it when you have the need and can afford more.