Thursday, February 17, 2011

Kitchen Tools and Gadgets

Over the years I have acquired many tools and gadgets that I have found to be very useful around the kitchen.

Here are just a few of my favorites...

Cake Tester - Before I had a cake tester I just used a toothpick or a chopstick to test my cakes, both of which worked just fine, but I didn't always have one or the other on hand.

Small Cutting Board - I love using this cutting board when I need to chop up a little garlic or a few herbs. It's quick and easy to clean.

Mortar and Pestle  - I received this mortar and pestle as a wedding gift three years ago and I just recently used it for the first time. I was making a salad that called for a garlic and salt paste. I pulled out the mortar and pestle and it worked like a champ. Since then I have used it for other things too such as pounding seeds into powder. It's a great tool to have around.

Garlic Press  -I really like using a garlic press to mince garlic because it is quick, easy and convenient.  

Microplane Zester - I use this tool at least three times a week. I love grating fresh nutmeg and citrus zest.

Pastry Mat  - This is my very favorite kitchen tool. Before I had this mat I used to roll and knead dough on a flimsy plastic cutting board that was too small and slid all over the counter top. Having a large mat that stays in place has definitely made working with dough much more enjoyable.

Digital Meat Thermometer  - Cooking meat has always been a challenge for me. I used to overcooked it every time when I was using an analog thermometer. According to that thermometer the meat would never reach the right temperature, which made cooking it quite frustrating. I like this digital thermometer because it reads the temperature quickly and accurately.

Kitchen Scale - A few years ago I was making a dough from a recipe that measured the flour in pounds. I didn't have a scale so I tried to guess the amount of flour needed. I guessed wrong and it was a disaster, soon after that I purchased this scale. I had never consider using a kitchen scale before that mishap, but ever since I have gotten really into baking, I find myself using it constantly.

These tools and gadgets may not be absolutely necessary to have in the kitchen, but I have found them to be extremely helpful when it comes to baking and cooking.

What are some of your favorite kitchen tools and gadgets?

2 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness ~ I just stumbled across your wonderful blog via Maillardville Manor, and I can't wait to try some of your recipes for these delectable treats! I'm going to make a shopping list right now!

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  2. Thank you! I am so glad you are enjoying it!

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