new kitchen utensils

When Kate came to visit, she opened up her suitcase to reveal two of the best presents she could have possibly thought of to bring me: a microplane grater and zester and a silicone spoon.

I flipped.

If you're a lover of kitchen tools, then you know that they can get on the pricey side (I'm talking to you, Le Creuset company) so it's good to stock up slowly but surely, creating your collection with care. Recently it seems like I've been amounting some of the best tools I have ever used, and had to share them with you.

1) OXO Good Grips 8-Inch Double Rod Strainer - That's a mouthful for a pretty simple tool. I use it to strain and to sift flours and sugars.
2) Fox Run Mini Whisk - And I mean mini! This little guy is perfect for whipping up a cappuccino, a quick scrambled eggs for two or a simple vinaigrette.
3) Microplane Premium Zester/Grater - It zests like a dream and when you grate cheese it comes out like ribbons onto your pasta which then melt in your mouth. A must.
4) Tovolo 12-Inch Solid Silicone Spoon - This is super heat and cold resistant and won't wear away with time like wooden spoons and it doesn't hold any odors either.
5) Norpro Porcelain Ramekins - The possibilities are endless with ramekins: mini pot pies, crème brulee, dips, mousses, baked eggs, etc. You need them, basically.

I need to know: what are your favorite kitchen utensils that your kitchen just wouldn't be complete without?