Do You Have Drawers Full of Kitchen Gadgets?

There is never a lack of talent or imagination in creating a new kitchen gadget. Many are useful, some are very good, and others are interesting. I have purchased my share of gadgets through the years, but I have discovered that I need only five utensils to produce a meal easily. Measuring cups, measuring spoons, a bench knife, a wooden cutting board, and the best high carbon stainless steel chef’s knife you can afford.

Measuring cups and spoons need no explanation except to say that in cooking the difference between liquid and dry cups is negligible, so feel free to use them interchangeably. With baking, where measurements must be exact, use them as they are intended liquid for wet ingredients and dry cups for dry ingredients.

A bench knife, also called a dough scraper, is a small sheet of stainless steel (usually 3”x 5”) with a handle. Traditionally used by bakers to manipulate dough and to clean work surfaces, this tool is invaluable in transferring cut food from the cutting board to your pots.

Unfortunately, the wooden cutting board has gotten bad press. With the frequent out breaks of salmonella poisoning people have gotten germ paranoid and have switched to acrylic boards. Admittedly, I do have one for cutting meats, but that is the only time I use it. The best surface to cut on, to keep your knives sharp, is a wooden surface. I have had my teak cutting board for 27 years. After my chef’s knife, it is my best friend in the kitchen. Its large size of 23” x 13”, allows me to cut numerous ingredients and leave them on the board. Always keep one side for vegetables, herbs, garlic, onions, etc., and the other side for fresh and dried fruits; that way your apples will never taste like garlic. After every use, wash your board with hot soapy water, scrub it if necessary, rinse it with clean water, and dry it. Never let it soak in water. If you take care of it, your wooden cutting board will out last you.

I do not want this blog to get any longer so Monday I will talk about your chef’s knife. Let’s Cook Tonight® believes that cooking is necessary if you want to get maximum health, flavor and enjoyment from your food. If a new gadget will get you to cook for your family more, and make your time easier or more efficient in the kitchen, then buy it. If you have to ask if you need a new gadget, then you probably do not need it.

Do you have a favorite kitchen tool?

Cooking is easier than you think and you are worth the time and effort it takes.

Simple cooking idea: If your shrimp are frozen put them in a clean sink and run cool water on them until they are soft enough to peel.

Copyright ©2009 by Gigi Centaro. All Rights Reserved.