There are oodles of products out there to purchase for use in your kitchen. Certainly every one of them could be put to great use, but how do you decide which ones you really
NEED? Obviously, measuring cups and spoons, a spoon to stir with, a spatula--these are definitely necessities--but what other items should you have on hand to enhance your efficiency and productivity in the kitchen?
This list is not comprehensive by any means, but just a list of a few kitchen gadgets that I am so thankful that I have. I don't use all of them everyday, or even once a week, but they are the kinds of things that when I do need them, they help to save me a TON of time! If you are in the mood to purchase any of these, I've made it easy for you! Simply click on the picture and you'll be taken directly to a purchasing page.
1. Pastry Knife/ Dough Blender - This is used for cutting in butter to flour. Sometimes recipes will say use a pastry knife or two forks. Two forks is awkward, so I definitely recommend having one of these. We eat biscuits frequently and this tool comes in really handy.
2.
Zester - The peel of citrus fruit has tons of flavor and adds a great taste to pies, pastries and other dishes. A zester is used like a grater to peel off that flavor-packed layer. I have both of these (I registered for them when we got married); the longer one also works well for cheese.
3.
Cheese Grater/Storage - I'm sure you've seen these used at restaurants when they grate cheese onto a salad or pasta. My version of this is actually from Pampered Chef, but other brands I'm sure are great. I use this for grating fresh Parmesan cheese, which is usually in small quantities and then it's great to have a little container to store the leftovers in.
4.
Egg Slicer - If hard boiled eggs are a favorite of yours, then this tool is great for you! Making egg salad or just chopping eggs for a Cobb salad is much easier with this. ps- click
here for my egg salad recipe.
5.
Brownie Spatula - I'm not really sure of the technical term for this, but we use this every time we make brownies. It's also great for removing biscuits and small cookies from a pan.
6.
Pastry Brush - Coating crusts with milk or egg whites to get a nice browned finish is made easier with this little brush. You'll have a smooth top and nothing really drips, like if you were to use a spoon or knife.
7.
Pie Crust Shield - Tired of using aluminum foil to cover your pie crusts to keep them from burning? This gadget works wonderfully to keep the edges of your crust cooking evenly and finishing with a perfect golden brown.
8. Chopper - Great for chopping nuts and other ingredients in small quantities.
What are your favorite kitchen gadgets?
I also love my pastry blender and chopper! I have the exact same brownie spatula and chopper as you have. I also love the pampered chef garlic peeler, medium size scoop (for making cookies), and my collapsible salad spinner. I love silicon kitchen tools as well, especially spatulas and pastry brush.
ReplyDeleteI have an egg chopper, but not as good as yours looks. I may have to order that and have my parents bring it over in September!
ohh, I found the OXO egg slicer on the German amazon...sad part is it's almost $30...
ReplyDeleteThis is such a good post! I love my pastry blender and zester. I'm also a big fan of my palm vegetable brush. It seriously works wonders - I've never seen potatoes so clean. I recently bought a cookie dough scoop for when I'm making cookies and I'm excited to try it. I really need to get an egg slicer (I hear they're wonderful for slicing mushrooms too!) and a brownie spatula! I don't think I ever found a narrow one when I was registering.
ReplyDeletethis is so hilarious...i was just thinking of posting my favorite gadgets, too...most of them the same! what is up with that? the long zester was gonna be first on my list... followed by egg slicer and pizza cutter!
ReplyDeleteI need the zester and that brownie spatula...sound like a good reason to go to BBB!
ReplyDelete