Sunday, April 3, 2011

Kitchen Utensils Anyone?

Kitchen Utensils can make or break a good cooking experience. You don't need everything under the roof of the kitchen specialty store. Just a few items and you'll be cooking like a pro.

Wooden or Bamboo Spoon and Spatula
Why are these on the list?  They don't conduct heat, won't scratch non-stick pans, and will only catch fire is if placed in direct flame for a few minutes.  I like bamboo the best. It is lightweight and stands up well to washing. Plus it's a renewable resource. It wouldn't hurt to keep a ladle and non-slotted spoon in the drawer or canister either.



Bowl Scraper
The bowl scraper is handy to have in the kitchen. Use it to get the last bit of pancake batter from the bowl or scrape bottom of the mayo jar. Commonly made from silicone, rubber or plastic but can be made from bamboo and wood as well. Plus, the come in endless numbers of colors. 



Tongs
These are great for tossing pasta, turning meat and easily moving string beans from pan to plate.  Plastic tipped ones won't harm pans. Just don't leave them sitting on the pan for too long. Plastic does tend to melt on hot surfaces after all.  (Kitten optional)


Whisk
The whisk. Love this little gadget for everything!  Take making brownies for example. You can froth the eggs, sift the flour with the baking soda, mix everything together and whip the cream for on top.  Find one with a  sturdy comfortable handle to make life easier on your hand.


Can Opener
Having a good can opener when you're cooking in the kitchen (or at the campsite) is important in order for you to be able to quickly open up any can. The best kind for your pocketbook is the hand held variety with a serrated wheel and large handles(pictured below). This was first introduced in the 1920s and still remains popular today. Never submerge your can opener in water and thoroughly dry after cleaning. I don't recommend the chrome style with pencil thin handles. They are hard to grip and tend to slip off the can.



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