We're in this for the long haul

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Kitchen Gizmos and Gadgets

I have addressed this blog to people who don't cook much or who want to make it easy, so this entry may seem oddly placed.  I am not recommending that you buy all the gizmos and gadgets in the store.  You really want the drawer to be free of clutter and the cabinet to be clear of dusty equipment.

Let's list the things you might really need.
  • Sissors or kitchen shears.  They are good for trimming flower stems, opening plastic packages, and cutting meat into smaller portions.
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  • Potato peeler, also good for peeling carrots and eggplant.  If you really never intend to cook vegetables that need peeling, you can do without this, but it is far superior to using a paring knife for these tasks.
  • There are several kinds of can openers that will serve your needs.  I don't recommend an electric one unless your have a disability that restricts the use of your hands.  I like the one that removes the lid without leaving a sharp edge.
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  • There are lots of graters available.  I prefer a small flat one that does not take up lots of space in the drawer.  Think about what you will grate on it, then choose the one that looks like it would do that.
  • Spatula's are a special case:  There are spatulas for turning pancakes and eggs,; spatulas for scraping batter out of bowls; spatulas for spreading cake icing; and spatulas for beating dough.  Which spatula you will need depends on which of these activities you do.  A large spoon is a good substitute in a pinch.
Again, try to visualize what you need this thing for, how will it help you, and where will you store it?  You might decide you can buy a frozen dinner and save the trouble, but sometimes home cooking is a real survival skill.  See where cooking fits into your life.

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