What’s in My Cart: Easy Upgrades for Better Home Cooking

Who else tried a sourdough starter at some point? (Raises hand). I wish this service had existed back when I was diligently feeding a jar of goop on my countertop.

Wildgrain is a subscription service that delivers frozen breads, pastas, and pastries you bake at home. Everything goes straight from freezer to oven, but still comes out tasting wonderfully fresh. And lest you think it’s all baguettes, you can even get items like macarons, New York-style bagels, and slow-churned French butter. Plus, does anything smell better than fresh-baked bread? Yeah, my point exactly.

My Italian ancestors would probably be horrified that I’ve resorted to jarred sauces, but honestly, these are pretty amazing. Sauz comes in unique flavors, like Wild Rosemary Marinara and Creamy Calabrian Vodka (though my personal favorite is the bright, zingy Summer Lemon Marinara), that make a quick pasta night feel a bit more special. Pair your pasta dish with a green salad and a good, crusty bread, and you’ve got a balanced dinner in less time than it takes to scroll through DoorDash (not to mention, far more affordable).

While I have a pretty elaborate food processor, I admit that I kind of hate dragging that thing out of storage. Especially when something like this immersion blender from Cusinart is so much easier to reach for. Not only is it small enough to store easily, but the included whisk and chopper/grinder attachments mean it can also easily stand in for a food processor or mixer in a pinch. I also use it for quick soups, sauces, and even the occasional dressing, which I can blend right in the pot or a mason jar. This means fewer dishes, less clutter, and one less chore after dinner.

You’d be surprised by how versatile a good sheet pan can be, and of course Caraway has to go make a pretty one. I like that this one is large enough for enough for a hefty serving of roasted veggies or even a whole meal (I’ve been making a vegetarian sheet pan bimbap almost weekly). The handles make it easy to maneuver in and out of the oven, and the nonstick surface helps keep cleanup to a minimum. Plus, while it comes in several colors, the cheery yellow is a nice change of pace from my somewhat crusty, decades-old baking sheets I also have stashed in my cupboard (come on, admit that you have some in your kitchen, too).

I used to think I didn’t like cherries. Turns out, the lone, violently red maraschino cherry in a can of fruit cocktail is pretty much a species all its own, and not representative of your typical cherry. Luxardo cherries are one of those small indulgences that can really take things up a notch. While they do make a great cocktail garnish, I’ve also been using them to dress up everything from grilled pork to a plain cheesecake. They’re one of my favorite shortcuts for making something feel almost homemade.

If there’s an ice cream worth keeping in my freezer, I’d have to nominate Jeni’s. The flavors are consistently excellent, and the fact that they ship nationwide makes it a little too easy to keep my freezer stocked. Jeni’s also offers gluten-free and dairy-free options — and even a monthly subscription (which feels like a slippery slope). Don’t believe me? Try the Earl Grey Crème Brûlée with a slice of lemon cake and tell me I’m wrong.

If you’re looking for more ways to make home cooking easier, you can also check out our guide to the Best Meal Delivery Services.