Because my gf works later hours than me, I end up doing over 90% of the cooking. I have consequently gotten better at it. Over the years I also got better at cooking merely because I love food so insanely much, that being able to cook what I liked myself provided obvious utility, so I put some small amount of effort into it. I find it often enjoyable, and many times a chore, and while my ability to marinate a steak is infamous rather than famous, I've gotten quite a bit better over the years. I am no cgod, but I get by.
I've always heard how indispensable a great set of knives are in the kitchen, but I never payed it much mind, as I was making do with whatever I had lying around. Recently, after much research, I purchased these: http://www.everythingkitchens.com/wusthof-classic-ikon-studi...
Holy shit. After using these I feel like I've been cutting meats and vegetables with a spoon my entire life. The difference is insane. The only thing I'm annoyed with is the fact that it took me this long to realize what a lot of other people who spend a lot of time in the kitchen consider obvious. I smile every time I use them.
So what about you Hubski? What tools do you use in your daily life that you would never do without again?