Anonymous
Post 04/04/2024 21:38     Subject: Favorite, most useful gadgets
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I love the OXO y-shaped peeler (there are two versions, and the more expensive one is definitely worth the extra $5). So sharp and efficient!

Favorite gadget is my Microplane, though. Grating cheese, zesting citrus, garlic, ginger. Worth every penny and the minimal space it takes up.

Curious what the mandoline fans use theirs for? I got the OXO one as a gift, and it's definitely great for the times I use it, but that's not super often for either caramelized onions or potatoes savoyarde. So what am I missing out on?

We eat a lot of Asian inspired meals (stir fries), salads (incl homemade cole slaw) and all manner of pickled produce (atchara and plantains are just some “different” favorites). In the summer time, we have cucumber salad — sweet/sour or mayo-based — several times a week. Sautéed zucchini and onions is an easy, simple side that a mandolin makes quick work of the prep. And you can step it up a bit by turning those zucchini, squash, and summer tomatoes into an orzo-based tian. Just don’t try to cut those tomatoes on a mandoline; no mater how sharp that blade is, you’ll get better results with a serrated knife.


Thanks!
Anonymous
Post 04/04/2024 20:25     Subject: Favorite, most useful gadgets
Anonymous wrote:I love the OXO y-shaped peeler (there are two versions, and the more expensive one is definitely worth the extra $5). So sharp and efficient!

Favorite gadget is my Microplane, though. Grating cheese, zesting citrus, garlic, ginger. Worth every penny and the minimal space it takes up.

Curious what the mandoline fans use theirs for? I got the OXO one as a gift, and it's definitely great for the times I use it, but that's not super often for either caramelized onions or potatoes savoyarde. So what am I missing out on?

We eat a lot of Asian inspired meals (stir fries), salads (incl homemade cole slaw) and all manner of pickled produce (atchara and plantains are just some “different” favorites). In the summer time, we have cucumber salad — sweet/sour or mayo-based — several times a week. Sautéed zucchini and onions is an easy, simple side that a mandolin makes quick work of the prep. And you can step it up a bit by turning those zucchini, squash, and summer tomatoes into an orzo-based tian. Just don’t try to cut those tomatoes on a mandoline; no mater how sharp that blade is, you’ll get better results with a serrated knife.
Anonymous
Post 04/04/2024 17:33     Subject: Re:Favorite, most useful gadgets
Anonymous wrote:Garlic press like this which you can also use on herbs. I hate the regular kind.

https://www.amazon.com/AmDONGKING-Stripper-Silicone-Stainless-Squeezer/dp/B07F912WG8/ref=asc_df_B07F912WG8/?tag=&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309781210043&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2656899529706310506&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007528&hvtargid=pla-569432524491&mcid=31b171de3e293c478faa277bf8e54cf3&ref=&adgrpid=60510365926&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqpSwBhClARIsADlZ_TlxKI3IxOQxySgn867ltQZUG5jZzPSpm40Gs7X92xDddwoQPDwCk7saAh6VEALw_wcB&th=1


Ooh, I like the simplicity of this! And it looks easier to clean.
Anonymous
Post 04/04/2024 16:55     Subject: Favorite, most useful gadgets
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I love using this instead of a colander. So much easier!

https://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Gizmo-Strainer-Silicone-Colander/dp/B018W9JII0


Yes! I came on here to post this. I use it several times a week.


+1 (but I honestly can’t remember if I’m PP)

Other gadgets I use multiple times per week (I cook a lot): citrus squeezer thing, garlic press, microplane zester/grater. After many years of neglect in a drawer, I’ve started using a meat mallet/pounder instead of a heavy pot or pan and I find that it does get the job done faster and more consistently. Agree that knives aren’t gadgets, they are a must have.
Anonymous
Post 04/01/2024 22:21     Subject: Favorite, most useful gadgets
Food scale.
Anonymous
Post 04/01/2024 16:23     Subject: Favorite, most useful gadgets
In home chef.
Anonymous
Post 04/01/2024 14:58     Subject: Favorite, most useful gadgets
Digital folding meat thermometer. Takes the guesswork out of cooking meat to right temperature/without overcooking. (If you want something even more involved, they have ones that you can put in the oven with your meat.)
Anonymous
Post 04/01/2024 14:52     Subject: Favorite, most useful gadgets
I love the OXO y-shaped peeler (there are two versions, and the more expensive one is definitely worth the extra $5). So sharp and efficient!

Favorite gadget is my Microplane, though. Grating cheese, zesting citrus, garlic, ginger. Worth every penny and the minimal space it takes up.

Curious what the mandoline fans use theirs for? I got the OXO one as a gift, and it's definitely great for the times I use it, but that's not super often for either caramelized onions or potatoes savoyarde. So what am I missing out on?
Anonymous
Post 04/01/2024 13:23     Subject: Favorite, most useful gadgets
I have this Breville in my very small kitchen and it’s the only small appliance we use regularly. It’s pretty large inside and I often use it instead of the oven. Would absolutely buy it again. The one I have is many years old and still going strong.

https://a.co/d/c9GMOl3
Anonymous
Post 04/01/2024 11:39     Subject: Favorite, most useful gadgets
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I love using this instead of a colander. So much easier!

https://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Gizmo-Strainer-Silicone-Colander/dp/B018W9JII0


Yes! I came on here to post this. I use it several times a week.


Tagged "gifts for women" wow
Anonymous
Post 03/30/2024 17:12     Subject: Favorite, most useful gadgets
Anonymous wrote:I love using this instead of a colander. So much easier!

https://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Gizmo-Strainer-Silicone-Colander/dp/B018W9JII0


Yes! I came on here to post this. I use it several times a week.
Anonymous
Post 03/30/2024 07:20     Subject: Favorite, most useful gadgets
I love using this instead of a colander. So much easier!

https://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Gizmo-Strainer-Silicone-Colander/dp/B018W9JII0
Anonymous
Post 03/29/2024 13:28     Subject: Favorite, most useful gadgets
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:If you enjoy cooking at home and prepare healthy meals, what are (or is) your favorite/ most useful tools?
I start: the mandoline slicer and the cordless mixer.


I wish I weren't afraid of this. I actually don't have one because I'm so afraid of it, but it would be so handy for the things I regularly make.

Don't drink and dice, I mean, slice.

Don't take it down to the nub. Carrots/onions/whatever are cheaper than a trip to the ER.

If you're really concerned, use a no-cut/cut-resistant glove until you get the hang of it. Most of the 'guards' (they come with) are generally worthless.

~(PP: of the Benriner fan club)
Anonymous
Post 03/29/2024 11:31     Subject: Re:Favorite, most useful gadgets
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Loving the recs! I feel like we need some context to some. For example, I live in a townhome with a small kitchen, and I put my Kitchenaid mixer in storage years ago and don't miss it. Too much counter space and I'm a cook not a baker! Just didn't have the space. My big one, that's not exactly a gadget is my Breville oven. I have precious little counter space but use that thing constantly. I also have a really good emon press and garlic press I use a ton. Also wonderful Japanese knives but I don't count those as gadgets.

Tell me more!

We're getting ready to downsize in both household size and house size so I've asked for a "toaster" oven and Breville pops up over and over as a favorite. Which model do you have? How long have you had it? Would you buy it again?


I want to hear more, too. I'm on the verge of buying the Breville air fryer / toaster oven thing. It's expensive, but I think it will be worth it. But I have a small kitchen with counter space at a premium...[/quote

Just be sure you have room. I have the mini and I noticed some pealing from the inside. I called the company. They said it was likely too close to something else. It needs at least 4 inches on all sides including top or it will get too hot. Now I am very carefull to pull it out when in use.
Anonymous
Post 03/29/2024 11:27     Subject: Re:Favorite, most useful gadgets
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Loving the recs! I feel like we need some context to some. For example, I live in a townhome with a small kitchen, and I put my Kitchenaid mixer in storage years ago and don't miss it. Too much counter space and I'm a cook not a baker! Just didn't have the space. My big one, that's not exactly a gadget is my Breville oven. I have precious little counter space but use that thing constantly. I also have a really good emon press and garlic press I use a ton. Also wonderful Japanese knives but I don't count those as gadgets.

Tell me more!

We're getting ready to downsize in both household size and house size so I've asked for a "toaster" oven and Breville pops up over and over as a favorite. Which model do you have? How long have you had it? Would you buy it again?


I want to hear more, too. I'm on the verge of buying the Breville air fryer / toaster oven thing. It's expensive, but I think it will be worth it. But I have a small kitchen with counter space at a premium...