It’s more than worth the money. I discovereda lotof great finds, but one of my favorite kitchen items was the Cooking Concepts brandbamboo utensils. They look and feel high-end, durable, and, dare I say it, expensive. Simply Recipes / Getty Images However, this was Dollar Tree. I picked up three! Compare that toCrate & Barrels five-piece set, which rings in at $24.95 plus tax. Simply Recipes / Photo Illustration by Wanda Abraham / Dollar Tree...

I use it in most of my baked goods. My sister called me later that week, cringing about the situation. That’s why I’m here to share the delights of cheapo imitation vanilla extract. Simply Recipes / Getty Images All jokes aside, imitation extract is great and even preferred for particular recipes. So, I always stock both. Simply Recipes / Dollar Tree The price point for this imitation vanilla is unbeatable....

No more skipping the most important meal of the day. But the truth is that I’m always looking for clever time-savers that don’t compromise on quality. So, I was particularly excited when I discovered Dollar Tree’s smoothie starter packs. Simply Recipes / Getty Images These convenient little bags of frozen fruit and spinach have been a godsend to my morning routine. Each one is perfectly portioned and ready to dump straight into the blender with my liquid of choice....

My Sicilian heart yearns for these double garlic knots. Simply Recipes / Wanda Abraham Want to know the secret behind the best homemade garlic knots? Brushed with garlicky butter, this store-bought staple quickly becomes the ultimate weeknight dinner side. Simply Recipes / Wanda Abraham Plus, garlic butter on garlic dough? Cross one end of the strip of dough over the other and thread it through the hole. Then, lightly flour a clean work surface and the dough....

I could eat it every day. Simply Recipes / Getty Images Oatmeal has been one of my go-to breakfasts for over a decade. Recently, however, Id started to get sick of it. Simply Recipes / Getty Images That’s why I was excited to try ALDIs Millville Fruit & Cream Instant Oatmeal. My favorite is the strawberries and cream, but theres something in this pack for everyone. The dehydrated strawberries and peaches come to life once prepared, pairing especially well with the creamy oatmeal....

Go ahead and put it on everything. Ill take it straight, hot, stone-ground, or sharp and complex; Im not one to discriminate. What Is Trader Joes Dill Pickle Mustard? Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe Simply Recipes / Photo Illustration by Wanda Abraham / Retailers below

If you hit links we provide, we may receive compensation. Hands down the smartest solution for hanging my kitchen towels. Because Im lazy, Id just reach for a paper towel that’s conveniently right next to the sink. Simply Recipes / Jennifer Causey The door still closes easily without catching on anything. Plus, it comes in a few finishes, so I could find one to match my kitchen hardware. And over several years, this over-the-counter towel bar is going to save me hundreds on paper towels....

This cleverly divided bento box keeps meal times on the go from turning into all-out brawls. Especially ones like the newFigmint Eight Compartment Bento Boxfrom Target. However, Im happy to report this oversized option is one of the nicest my family has ever used. Simply Recipes / Molly Adams What I love most about this gigantic snack box is its ability to pacify my two boys. Although we have dozens of snack boxes, none of them are exactly the same size and shape....

Its one of the few frozen dinners our family of four can agree on. Simply Recipes / Getty Images Freezer shortcuts are a big part of my meal-planning strategy. Freezermeals,on the other hand? Simply Recipes / Getty Images Ive found most prepared frozen meals dont check the many boxes that make an ideal dinner for my family. Even more powerfully, this has remained constant each time weve turned to Amys for dinner....

A super easy meal option when your prep time is limited. Simply Recipes / Adobe Stock Becoming a mom has brought me a whole sense of wonder and joy. The ingredients and flavors vary household by household. Simply Recipes / Adobe Stock It’s a protein-rich, filling, quick, and easy weeknight meal. You could serve it with noodles, on your favorite greens, in tacos, or lettuce wraps. The options are endless....

It’s absolutely beautiful and is helping me fulfill my entertaining dreams. Simply Recipes / Getty Images I’ve always been a sucker for anythingfrom Williams Sonoma. My wallet, however, doesn’t love the realistic cost of those dinner parties. Simply Recipes / Getty Images And that’s not even including the food. I’ve already bought three setsand I’m not even feeling guilty about it. There’s a chic-looking copper version and a sleek black metallic finish as well....

Why pay more for a fancy pan you’ll only use occasionally? Simply Recipes / Adobe Stock A roasting pan is a kitchen essential. These large, straight sided pans arent just good for your annual turkey and holiday roasts. Simply Recipes / Adobe Stock Enter ALDI’s Crofton Roasting Pan with Rack, priced at just $14.99. They come and go quicklyand sometimes return. Simply Recipes / ALdi

It makes a good chunk of my dinner prep hands-off. Ive had one in my life ever since. Ambiano Rice Cookers show up at least once a year in ALDIs aisle of specials. Simply Recipes / Getty Images This year, they’re only $16.99 at my local store. How I Use My Rice Cooker They also make perfect rice every time, without any supervision. It’s that simple. Simply Recipes / Photo Illustration by Wanda Abraham / Retailers below...