The frother is one my favorite appliances too — I use it everyday. I have upgraded, upgraded, upgraded, culminating with the Breville Cafe carafe-style. I like it because it’s dishwasher safe and it has an adjustable higher temperature. We use it for matcha, lattes, and hot chocolate!

One of my go-to thickeners is unseasoned instant mashed potatoes. Works well for creamy soups and sauces, and I also use it or spreadables and salads to thicken or that I have overliqufied — potato salad, tuna salad, pimento cheese, mac&cheese, etc.