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In our series Shopping Buddy, we ask our favorite in-the-know authors, actors, musicians, and tastemakers to share their most coveted home purchases, from kitchen essentials to entertaining must-haves, so that you can shop along with confidence.
In her new book, For the Culture, magazine editor and author Klancy Miller researched the many Black women and femmes who’ve made the food landscape what it is today. But one story stands out in particular: “I was amazed to learn about Lena Richard. She was born in the 19th century and worked as a domestic from a young age and then built an empire. She was a chef, cookbook author, restaurant owner, entrepreneur with a line of frozen foods, and proprietor of a culinary school. Plus she had her own cooking show—15 years before Julia Child!”
And there’s a certain woman, who, if Miller saw her book on her shelf, the author would lose all her cool: “Oprah Winfrey,” she says.
The anthology also includes recipes, a nod to Miller’s previous work as a pastry chef and recipe developer, which we think makes her the ideal person to ask about her favorite kitchen tools. Here, she shares how she fills her cooking space at home in New York.
The Most Reached-For Item in My Kitchen
My knife. It’s the tool I use most often in the kitchen.
The Spice I Rebuy Constantly
I love Burlap and Barrel’s Silk Chili Flakes, and I put them on or in almost everything. I like Jamaican curry powder at Kalustyan’s, too.
The Only Pans I’ll Ever Use
I use several pans. I use my Great Jones pan a lot, and I use Le Creuset, too. I also love Lodge cast-iron pans.
The Single-Purpose Item That’s Worth It
The Five Two silicone oven mitts are pretty perfect!
Display-Worthy Serving Item
I love the vibrant ceramic bowls from Lebanon at Suraya restaurant in Philadelphia, and I enjoy using the big red one I bought there when I’m serving a lot of guests.
My Favorite Mug (Everyone Has One)
I have a red-and-white–striped mug by Labour and Wait that I love. I bought it at Dover Street Market.
Linens I Use Every Day
I use Dusen Dusen products every day. I use the striped napkins as kitchen towels and as napkins.
The Best Kitchen Organizing Tool
I’m pretty disorganized in the kitchen. My organizing tools include a silverware organizer and a pitcher to hold big spoons, spatulas, whisks, and sieves.
The Silverware on My Table
I haven’t fallen in love with any particular brand of silverware. I bought my flatware at IKEA for the bargain price and because the style is neutral.
My Current Plate Obsession
I have a collection of different plates that I rotate. At the moment, I love the plates by chef and artist Fernando Aciar of O Studio. I was so happy when I went to the studio and learned you can buy his ceramics there.