Wren Mackie (@wren)

feeding six people out of 400 square feet

Tiny kitchen tools I use

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Fellow - Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle

Brand: Fellow · Category: Food & Drink

A precision electric kettle designed for total control over your morning pour-over.

The signature gooseneck spout offers a steady, measured flow that makes hitting your bloom and extraction targets feel effortless.

Variable temperature settings and a hold feature keep your water exactly where you need it for up to an hour.

Worth it if you want to dial in your coffee routine without sacrificing counter space or aesthetic.

Keep in mind that the narrow spout is built for brewing, not for rapid-boiling water for a large pot of tea.

fellowproducts.com

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Lodge - Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

Brand: Lodge · Category: Food & Drink

The standard for heavy-duty, heat-retaining kitchen workhorses.

Comes pre-seasoned and ready to build a non-stick surface over time.

Expect a rugged, textured finish that handles high heat better than any modern non-stick pan.

Grab this if you want a lifetime piece that only gets better with every sear.

Remember that it requires hand-washing and a quick dry to prevent rust.

lodgecastiron.com

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OXO - Good Grips Swivel Peeler

Brand: OXO · Category: Food & Drink

Features a sharp, flexible stainless steel blade that pivots to follow the contours of fruits and vegetables.

Designed with a signature oversized, non-slip handle that stays comfortable even when wet.

Handles everything from thin-skinned potatoes to tough-skinned carrots with minimal effort.

Grab this if you want a reliable, no-fuss tool that makes daily prep work feel significantly less tedious.

oxo.com

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Knives I recommend

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Material - The MK Free Board

Brand: Material · Category: Food & Drink

Crafted from a plant-based blend of biopolymers and clay, this board is designed to be a non-porous, dishwasher-safe alternative to traditional plastic.

The surface features a light texture for knife control and a perimeter groove to catch stray juices.

At 17.5" by 12", it provides a substantial prep area that remains lightweight and easy to store.

Grab this if you want a low-maintenance, durable surface that won't hold onto stains or odors like wood or standard plastic.

Keep a damp cloth handy to place underneath if your counter surface is prone to slipping.

materialkitchen.com

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Misen - 3.5" AUS-10 Paring Knife

Brand: Misen · Category: Food & Drink

A compact, 3.5-inch blade designed for precision tasks like peeling, hulling, and small-scale trimming.

Built with AUS-10 Japanese steel, it features a symmetrical grind and a comfortable, sloped bolster for a natural grip.

The POM handle offers a sturdy, hygienic feel that holds up well to daily kitchen use.

Grab this if you need a reliable, sharp tool for handheld prep and don't mind the final sale commitment.

Remember to hand wash and dry immediately to keep the edge in good shape.

misen.com

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Cookbooks I actually use

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Samin Nosrat - Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking

Brand: Samin Nosrat · Category: Books & Learning

A foundational guide that teaches you how to cook by intuition rather than just following recipes.

The book breaks down the four essential elements of flavor through clear, approachable explanations and Wendy MacNaughton’s charming illustrations.

It reads more like a conversation with a mentor than a dry textbook, making complex culinary science feel entirely manageable.

Worth it if you want to stop relying on measurements and start understanding why a dish tastes the way it does.

Grab this if you are ready to build a real, lasting confidence in the kitchen.

amazon.com

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J. Kenji López-Alt - The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science

Brand: J. Kenji López-Alt · Category: Books & Learning

A deep dive into the mechanics of cooking that explains why recipes work, not just how to follow them.

Expect a heavy, comprehensive reference book that treats the kitchen like a laboratory.

Perfect for anyone who wants to understand the chemistry behind a perfect sear or a better sauce.

Grab this if you are tired of guessing in the kitchen and want to master the fundamentals through trial and science.

Keep in mind this is a massive volume; it lives better on your counter than your nightstand.

amazon.com

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Clarkson Potter - Dining In by Alison Roman

Brand: Clarkson Potter · Category: Books & Learning

A collection of highly cookable, unfussy recipes focused on the art of eating well at home.

The photography captures a relaxed, tactile approach to cooking that feels more like a weekend project than a chore.

Expect bright, herb-forward dishes that rely on simple techniques to make ingredients shine.

Grab this if you want to build a repertoire of reliable, impressive meals that don't require a professional kitchen.

Perfect for those who prefer cooking for one or two without the stress of complicated prep.

amazon.com

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Tamar Adler - An Everlasting Meal: Cooking with Economy and Grace

Brand: Tamar Adler · Category: Books & Learning

A guide to intuitive cooking that focuses on using every scrap of food in your kitchen.

Instead of rigid recipes, it offers a philosophy on how to stretch ingredients and find rhythm in daily meal prep.

The prose is thoughtful and encouraging, making it feel more like a conversation with a friend than a manual.

Grab this if you want to stop feeling guilty about wilting greens or half-used jars and start cooking with more ease.

amazon.com

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