I use a mixer for my pesto. I know it's a sin. Doesn't break my wrist though and I can make a decent quantity and keep it in the fridge for a few days.

I like cooking from scratch. I try to eat/buy organic whenever possible and make my own pizza dough.

I also make big batches so I can freeze them for a quick meal during the week or bring as a lunch (though I don't remember the last time I brought my lunch to work).

I use my pestle and mortar only to grind up those huge chondritin pills for the dogs as they won't eat a big pill no matter what I stuff it in.

Oh, this summer I got into grilling. I used to grill a bad steak and hamburgers, but this year I got a couple of books and a very good grill. Don't think I cooked inside all summer. Loved it. I even learned to make pizza on the grill. This is part of my survival skill training