Heavy duty tongs, a hand blender and an instant-read thermometer
3. Heavy duty tongs
Essentials: "You can use them for turning, lifting things out of boiling water, for anything that's hot so you don't have to grab it with your hands," says Fasksorp. Tongs can be used for stirring when you're in a pinch and they allow you to keep your hands clean when dipping food; for instance, chicken into egg and then into breadcrumbs.
What to look for: There's no need to look for a fancy gadget with locking devices, says Faksorp. Instead, look for a pair of heavy-duty metal tongs that have significant heft to them and a good-quality spring.
Essentials: "You can use them for turning, lifting things out of boiling water, for anything that's hot so you don't have to grab it with your hands," says Fasksorp. Tongs can be used for stirring when you're in a pinch and they allow you to keep your hands clean when dipping food; for instance, chicken into egg and then into breadcrumbs.
What to look for: There's no need to look for a fancy gadget with locking devices, says Faksorp. Instead, look for a pair of heavy-duty metal tongs that have significant heft to them and a good-quality spring.
4. Immersion hand blender
Essentials: While blenders and food processors serve different purposes, Faksorp says that as long as you are not doing heavy duty cooking such as making pasta dough, a hand blender is most likely all a home chef needs. "A hand blender can do everything that a blender can do," Faksorp says. Plus, it's more versatile. "You can stick it right into a pot of hot liquid so you don't have to pour something into the blender and worry about spilling anything."
What to look for: When shopping for an immersion hand blender, Faksorp says you don't have to invest too much money. He currently uses a stick blender from Braun, and has used one fromKitchen Aid too. Some features to look for are a durable steel blade, multiple speed options and a blender that detaches from the motor for easy cleaning. Many hand blenders also come with extras, such as choppers and whisks for added value. Before purchasing a hand blender with these additional features consider the type of cooking you do and if the bonuses will be useful or just additional kitchen clutter.
5. Instant-read thermometer
Essentials: Faksorp recommends using an instant-read thermometer so there's no room for error in knowing when foods are cooked.
What to look for: "I like to keep things simple. The more gadgetry you have, the more chances are that things can break down," Faksorp says. He recommends buying a basic pocket thermometer with a plastic protection case. All you have to do is stick it into the meat and wait for your reading.
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Essentials: While blenders and food processors serve different purposes, Faksorp says that as long as you are not doing heavy duty cooking such as making pasta dough, a hand blender is most likely all a home chef needs. "A hand blender can do everything that a blender can do," Faksorp says. Plus, it's more versatile. "You can stick it right into a pot of hot liquid so you don't have to pour something into the blender and worry about spilling anything."
What to look for: When shopping for an immersion hand blender, Faksorp says you don't have to invest too much money. He currently uses a stick blender from Braun, and has used one fromKitchen Aid too. Some features to look for are a durable steel blade, multiple speed options and a blender that detaches from the motor for easy cleaning. Many hand blenders also come with extras, such as choppers and whisks for added value. Before purchasing a hand blender with these additional features consider the type of cooking you do and if the bonuses will be useful or just additional kitchen clutter.
5. Instant-read thermometer
Essentials: Faksorp recommends using an instant-read thermometer so there's no room for error in knowing when foods are cooked.
What to look for: "I like to keep things simple. The more gadgetry you have, the more chances are that things can break down," Faksorp says. He recommends buying a basic pocket thermometer with a plastic protection case. All you have to do is stick it into the meat and wait for your reading.
Click to continue...
Page 2 of 4
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Cathy Elliott wrote:
2009-09-22 10:50 AM
Pierre wrote:
2009-09-22 10:51 AM
Gary wrote:
2009-11-18 3:02 PM