Foodies and gourmands know that using the right tools can make food preparation fun and quick. Before tackling a new recipe, make sure to have the proper tools. Check out this list of top 12 must-have kitchen gadgets to spice up kitchen tasks. Bon appétit!
1. Onion Goggles
Onion lovers, do not shed another tear. Pop on stylish and comfortable onion goggles for eye protection from irritating onion vapors. The hard plastic goggles with anti-fog lenses include a comfortable foam strip to seal out fumes. After using, just swish in sudsy water, rinse, and hang to air dry.
2. Shark Skin Grater
Chefs around the globe have discovered nature’s ultimate grater. The abrasive skin of sharks expertly produces paste from fibrous root vegetables such as wasabi, ginger, horseradish, and garlic. Simply rub the root over the paddle-mounted shark skin and spatula off the paste. This sharky tool should last for years.
3. Five-blade Scissors
An ideal addition to every kitchen, multi-blade scissors make quick work of cutting fresh herbs and preparing salads. And for craft projects, be imaginative!
4. Spatula Set
Pick up a three-piece spatula set with heat-resistant silicone heads, not rubber. The slender-bladed spatula allows for reaching deep into small-mouth jars, while the two larger spatulas help with heavy-duty tasks. These spatulas are stovetop-safe and dishwasher-friendly for easy clean up. They will remain pliable and hold their color for years, unlike their rubber-headed cousins.
5. Bottle Whisks
Face it — nutrition drinks are often difficult to mix. Thick powder settles to the bottom and refuses to budge. Enter the new bottle whisks, which are round, stainless steel, cut-out spheres. Plop the whisk in a cup and, a few shakes later, enjoy a tasty, nutritional, well-blended drink.
6. Silicone Wine Glasses
Unbreakable, portable, and reusable! These stemless wine glasses can go anywhere and pair with the perfect cocktail or pool party. And, at the end of the evening, no broken glasses!
7. Melamine Mixing Bowls
Whip up anything in this nested set of white melamine bowls. Each lightweight, durable bowl has a non-slip base to grip the countertop and a spout and handle for easy, clean pouring. Dishwasher safe, of course.
8. Immersion Blender
Don’t haul out that huge blender or countertop mixer for something like a favorite bisque. Grab a blender-on-a-stick instead. Better known as an immersion blender, this portable, whirling stick is easy to use and clean.
9. Electric Knife
For a clean-cut presentation, nothing slices better than an electric knife. It is perfect for carving meat, slicing bread, and anything in between. Look for one with an ergonomic handle.
10. Tea Swizzle
Stir up a single cup of tea with a tea swizzle. Simply fill the swizzle with a favorite full leaf tea, and stir it into a cup of hot water. The stainless steel swizzle travels well and is dishwasher safe.
11. Scoops
No kitchen is complete without a set of scoops. They are ideal for measuring meatballs, cookie dough, ice cream, melon balls, and muffin batter.
12. Veggie Peeler
This is the only tool needed for prepping vegetables, fruits, and garnishes. Comes in a swivel or Y-shape; right or left hand; and, julienne, serrated, or straight.
Southern Sweet Tea
Southern sweet tea, rye whiskey topped off with rouge and sweet tea liqueurs, stars in afternoon garden parties.
3/4 ounce rye whiskey
3/4 ounce rouge liqueur
1 1/4 ounces sweet tea
liqueur
1/4 ounce fresh lime juice
Tools: shaker, strainer
Glass: silicone wine glasses
Optional garnish: sprig of mint
Combine ingredients with ice. Shake. Strain into silicone wine glasses. Garnish. Serves one.
