One of my favorite kitchen hints is this:
If you have quality kitchen tools and kitchen gadgets, you can create anything! Creating a beautiful and delicious meal becomes easier if you have the right tools on hand.
Here are the top kitchen gadgets I think every kitchen should have. Perhaps you have other favorites.
1. Cast Iron Skillet - I cook everything in my cast iron skillet, even casseroles and corn bread. With proper seasoning, this kitchen tool is virtually non-stick.
2. A great set of sharp kitchen knives - When I saw on a cooking show that great chefs have their own set of sharp kitchen knives, which they jealously guard, I knew it was time to part with my cheap knives with the handles falling off. I decided to invest in some really top quality kitchen knives and I love them! These knives are a cooking tool I couldn't do without.
3. Cutting boards - I have to admit, I collect attractive and useful cutting boards. I have a great cutting board made of wood that my grandfather made for me and several other decorative cutting boards. Glass, Corian and acrylic cutting boards can actually dull your fancy knives though, so be careful of that. Don't cut meat on a wooden cutting board, as it's hard to clean it well enough to keep you from getting food poisoning.
4. Vegetable peeler - Here again, I invested in a good utensil with a nice, comfortable grip. Oxo makes a very comfortable handle for its peeler.
5. Whisks - I have several sizes of whisk in my kitchen tool arsenal. A small one is great for stirring cocoa or chocolate milk for the grandkids and larger whisks are essential for non-lumpy gravy and smooth sauces and batter.
6. Silicone Spatulas - Silicone Spatulas are great for high heat - they withstand up to 800 degrees F.! They also won't chip or crack. These silicone spatulas with wooden handles by Paula Dean are great.
Paula Deen 2-pc. Signature Wood Tools Spoonula Set, Green
7. Non- Stick Tongs - This kitchen utensil is great for grabbing things so you don't burn your fingers. Find tongs that lock for easy storage in your drawers.
8. Meat Thermometer - I always check my chicken with the meat thermometer since many times it looks great on the outside but is pink on the inside. There's nothing worse than having dinner on the table, cutting into a nice golden chicken and discovering it's pink and bloody on the inside.
9. Garlic Press - I use a lot of garlic in my cooking so this kitchen gadget is an absolute necessity for me. To get the most nutrition out of garlic, it needs to be minced and set aside for about 5 minutes before using.
10. Kitchen scissors - I invested in a good pair of kitchen scissors and I guard them from my hubby, who always tries to use them for non-cooking applications around the house. I like my kitchen scissors to be sharp and always where I can find them. I use them for cutting meat or lettuce into bite size pieces and opening all sorts of packages. Just make sure, if you use your kitchen scissors for meat, that you wash them thoroughly before using on anything else.
When it comes to my favorite kitchen tools, here is another hint I've found useful: Get the best you can afford. Having sharp knives and kitchen scissors and a vegetable peeler with a comfortable grip makes cooking a pleasure. Since I spend so much time in the kitchen preparing meals, I think that deserves the finest in gadgets that I can find.
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Top 10 Handy Kitchen Tools and Gadgets
