Melissa Ben-Ishay Shares the Kitchen Tools and Recipes Behind Her Viral TikToks

Skimm Her Life is a series in our weekly newsletter, Skimm Your Life, where smart women share their favorite products.

If you’re not watching Melissa Ben-Ishay make delicious meals on social media, then what are you doing? Maybe grabbing a box of her incredible bite-sized cupcakes? Today the Baked by Melissa founder is here to Skimm Her Life and spill all her kitchen secrets. Melissa, enlighten us please…

Smartest purchases you’ve made for your kitchen?

My Waring blender and this hot water kettle. I use both of those things at least once a day.

The kitchen tools you use the most on a daily basis?

OXO’s Y-peeler, citrus squeezer, and zester.

Your followers love to watch you chop. What are your go-to knives of choice?

Shun’s 7-inch utility knife.

What’s your current favorite book and/or podcast to listen to?

I just listened to a Mel Robbins podcast episode about gratitude. I also love “Think Fast, Talk Smart” with Matt Abrahams and share so many of his episodes with friends and colleagues.

Current favorite Baked by Melissa flavor?

Cookie Dough.

What’s a recipe you made recently that you loved?

This chickpea cake, this simple salad, and these sesame-sautéed sugar snap peas.

Three things you always keep in your bag?

I love to be bag-free and when I'm not, it's because I need my wallet and keys. You won't find anything interesting in my bag unless you're looking through my farmers market haul and then it's all veggies.

Favorite surprisingly useful item under $25?

This can opener and these box openers.

Top three items for a smooth kitchen clean-up?

These sponges for everything and these sponges for stainless steel pans.

Sweet or savory?  

Both.

Tips for the novice at-home cook to feel more confident in the kitchen?

Follow a recipe the first time you make it.

The best piece of career advice you’ve received?

You can do anything.