Four Kitchen Must-Haves

I subscribe to more cooking magazines than I care to admit to. I read through the magazines, tear out recipes that appeal to me, and file the recipes away to await their debut in my kitchen. I try dozens of new recipes each month. The successes are added to the seasonal rotation, the others end up in the rubbish. The only snag? When I get to Step 3 of the recipe and learn I’m missing a kitchen tool essential to completing the dish. Yeah, still have to get that food mill. The spaetzle recipes will have to be sidelined for now.

Despite my lack of a food mill, there aren’t many recipes that I don’t get to make because I don’t have the tools. Here are some of the gadgets that I find the most helpful. And, I didn’t mention a good kitchen knife, which is non-negotiable. 🙂

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Microplane – If something calls for zest or fine grating, this is your tool. I use it for citrus, garlic, ginger, nutmeg and more.

Recipe to try: Green Bean Salad

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Food Processor – I use my food processor at least twice a week. It’s great for shredding, slicing, chopping, kneading, and pureeing. Pestos, salsas, shredded cheese, doughs and gratins are all made easily, and you don’t have to have the best one on the market to enjoy the benefits.

Recipe to try: Sweet Potato and Butternut Gratin

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Rice Cooker – Despite feeling quite comfortable in the kitchen, I can’t make a batch of rice to save my life. It comes out gummy, sticky (in the bad way), chewy or undercooked. Hence, my sustained love affair with my rice cooker. Add rice and water, then press start. The beeper goes off when it’s done, and it’s perfect every time.

Recipe to try: One Pot Curried Cauliflower Rice (cook cauliflower in separate pot, add onion and other ingredients to rice cooker, stir, and scatter cauliflower on top, press start on the rice cooker.)

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Air Popper – I love me some popcorn. When I was nauseous and pregnant, it was my go-to meal. I like being able to control the fat and salt that goes into my favorite snack, so the air popper is the best way to go. Throw in some kernels, watch the corn fall into the bowl, then dress it with olive oil and seasonings.

Recipe to try: Rosemary Popcorn – Pop 1/2 cup of kernels. Top with two tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary and 1/2 tsp. of kosher salt.

Happy Cooking!