My new favorite products - kitchen products

[glypnirsgirl]

I have discovered these muslin produce bags. They are terrific!

They work great for shopping for produce and have the unexpected benefit of keeping vegetables - especially herbs and green leafy vegetables - fresh longer. I have flat leaf parsley (which is usually mush or black slime if not used in 2 or 3 days) which is still beautiful 5 days after purchase.

I also love my accusharp knife sharpener. I had dull knives (and they are great Wusthof knives which I have owned since 1976)--- which had not been improved when taken to a professional knife sharpener. I had tried a whetstone but the results were not reliable. With the accusharp it is a no brainer - sharp knives that I now touch up regularly because it is so easy to do. I keep the accusharp in the same drawer with my knives (and just in case you were thinking "no wonder she has dull knives" -- they are stored in a horizontal knife block that fits in the drawers) --- when I am cutting tomatoes, I just run the blade through the accusharp a few times. Voila! Sharp knife! What a difference.

The OXO cutting board is also a big hit. Not nearly as heavy and unwieldy as my big maple cutting board and is easier on my wrists when chopping, too. I bought two - one has a red edge to cut raw meat on and one with a black edge for fruits and vegetables.

I have been using a whisk broom and dust pan for a few years for cleaning dry spills (sugar and flour) from my counters - this was a suggestion from Martha Stewart that is a great time saver. And the side mounted bristles work much better than the traditional "mini=broom" style.

Martha also suggested using a pastry scraper for moving diced vegetables from the cutting board to the pan --- what a time saver --- I can get about 1/2 cup of vegetables at a time this way.

The one big disappointment was a herb mincer. Just crushes basil and parsley into mush. I have gone back to using scissors. And I really wanted this to work. I love tabbouleh but I don't like cutting up all that parsley. Too bad!

Cooking is getting easier and easier as I get into more practice. I am having fun, now!

elaine

 

[MuranoJo]

I'm always looking for a new way to store fresh herbs in the frig--most of the contraptions we've seen online have iffy reviews. What has worked for me with Italian Parsley is to place in a tall, sturdy glass about half full of water and wrap the glass loosely with a plastic bag and store upright in the door of the frig, where it's braced up a bit. I've had parsley last over a month with this. (Probably not a bad idea to snip the ends a bit before placing in the glass of water.)

 

[Jaybee]

Hey, Girl! Thanks for the suggestions. I just ordered the muslin bags, and the knife sharpener.
The bags should help keep my greens fresher for my green smoothies, and I will do the Happy Dance if that sharpener works as advertised.
My DH keeps "sharpening" my knives with the "handy gadget" that came with them, and telling me they're as sharp as they'll get. Bah! Humbug!

 

[ciscogizmo1]

I use Tupperware Fridge Smart Containers for my produce. WOW... what a difference. It makes a huge difference when you put in garden produce. I've only been using them a year but love them. I like to buy farm fresh strawberries but they go bad so fast because they give you so many of them. Well, with these containers they are fresh for more than week. They are pricey but totally worth it.

http://order.tupperware.com/coe/app...tegory_code=18002&fv_item_number=P10056908000

 

[glypnirsgirl]

I'm always looking for a new way to store fresh herbs in the frig--most of the contraptions we've seen online have iffy reviews. What has worked for me with Italian Parsley is to place in a tall, sturdy glass about half full of water and wrap the glass loosely with a plastic bag and store upright in the door of the frig, where it's braced up a bit. I've had parsley last over a month with this. (Probably not a bad idea to snip the ends a bit before placing in the glass of water.)

I had tried the herbs in a glass --- better than in the produce drawer for sure --- but I didn't know to wrap the herbs in plastic afterward --- that probably would have made a big difference, I am going to try it your way.

One of the great things about the muslin bags is that it makes putting produce away much easier. I can load in three or four bags at a time. The downside is getting the vegetables back out --- you have to look in the bags to find what you want. Still worth it to me for the added freshness.

elaine

 

[glypnirsgirl]

Hey, Girl! Thanks for the suggestions. I just ordered the muslin bags, and the knife sharpener.
The bags should help keep my greens fresher for my green smoothies, and I will do the Happy Dance if that sharpener works as advertised.
My DH keeps "sharpening" my knives with the "handy gadget" that came with them, and telling me they're as sharp as they'll get. Bah! Humbug!

I love mine. It took me a time or two to get the hang of it. With this one, you hold the knife on the counter blade-side up and then run the sharpener along the edge. That way you get a nice smooth stroke from the hilt to the tip.

If what your husband is using for sharpening the knives is the steel that came with them and it is not sharpening the knives, it may be a honing steel instead of a sharpening steel.

My Wusthofs came with a honing steel and when I bought them, the salesman was very clear that the steel could not sharpen the knives. He recommended having them professionablly sharpened once a year and then keeping them "aligned" with the honing steel.

In my old neighborhood, I had a great professional sharpener. I have not found one since. The last time I took them, they came home worse, not better.

 

[glypnirsgirl]

I use Tupperware Fridge Smart Containers for my produce. WOW... what a difference. It makes a huge difference when you put in garden produce. I've only been using them a year but love them. I like to buy farm fresh strawberries but they go bad so fast because they give you so many of them. Well, with these containers they are fresh for more than week. They are pricey but totally worth it.

http://order.tupperware.com/coe/app...tegory_code=18002&fv_item_number=P10056908000

I used to have a tupperwear head lettuce storer that worked great too.

It is good to know that they are now making them for all different kinds of produce. I may have to try them.

Thanks!

elaine

 

[pjrose]

With you on the herb mincer; mine is a different brand, but same idea, and I ended up with my cilantro mushed rather than minced or sliced.

 

[Jaybee]

A lightbulb just came on over my head! After reading your note, and googling, I see that's exactly what he's been using to "sharpen" my knives. I feel vindicated (a bit late).

I sort of felt deficient in some way when he'd tell me, "Wow! This is really sharp now!", and it would still squash a tomato when I tried to slice it. LOL! Thanks for the "sharp tip".
***********************

If what your husband is using for sharpening the knives is the steel that came with them and it is not sharpening the knives, it may be a honing steel instead of a sharpening steel.

My Wusthofs came with a honing steel and when I bought them, the salesman was very clear that the steel could not sharpen the knives. He recommended having them professionablly sharpened once a year and then keeping them "aligned" with the honing steel.

 

[pjrose]

My favorites are a wide mortar and pestle set like this:
http://www.amazon.ca/Fox-Run-Mortar-Pestle-Marble/dp/B0000VLP7Q
so you don't have to chase whatever you're grinding around the mortar

and skinny measuring spoons like this:
http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/items/spice-measuring-spoons-set-of-7
that fit into a spice jar.

and a coil spring whisk like this:
http://www.amazon.com/ME-Heuck-Co-W...6C/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1330829426&sr=8-15
for gravy, because the bottom fits against the bottom of the pan, unlike with a balloon whisk,

and I also like this kind of whisk
http://www.epinions.com/review/Calphalon_Black_Nonstick_Flat_Whisk/content_134774689412?sb=1
for the same reason - can get more up from the bottom of the pan

and a flat wooden spatula like this:
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/zbr...ons/PRD~576703/Food+Network+Wooden+Turner.jsp
great for using with non-stick pans, or for scraping chili or pea soup that may be sticking to the bottom of a huge pot

and this garlic slicer:
http://www.amazon.com/MIU-France-Stainless-Garlic-Truffle/dp/B000UY2FK4
makes thin slices really quickly, and if I then want minced garlic it only takes a few secs to mince the slices with a sharp knife.

AND, I recently discovered the joys of carving cooked meats (brisket, turkey) with an electric knife - this inexpensive one works great:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Black-and-Decker-Slice-Right-Electric-Knife/14913105
(with my other assorted knives, no matter how sharp, I couldn't get nice thin even slices)

 

[MuranoJo]

...and skinny measuring spoons like this:
http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/items/spice-measuring-spoons-set-of-7
that fit into a spice jar.

and a coil spring whisk like this:
http://www.amazon.com/ME-Heuck-Co-W...6C/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1330829426&sr=8-15
for gravy, because the bottom fits against the bottom of the pan, unlike with a balloon whisk,

and a flat wooden spatula like this:
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/zbr...ons/PRD~576703/Food+Network+Wooden+Turner.jsp
great for using with non-stick pans, or for scraping chili or pea soup that may be sticking to the bottom of a huge pot

I have to say I really want those skinny measuring spoons! I'll just have to break down and get them.
And I have an old coil spring whisk (have no idea where I got it), but it's the best invention for making gravy.
Use my flat-bottomed wooden spoon all the time!

 

[pjrose]

I have to say I really want those skinny measuring spoons! I'll just have to break down and get them.
And I have an old coil spring whisk (have no idea where I got it), but it's the best invention for making gravy.
Use my flat-bottomed wooden spoon all the time!

I've seen the skinny measuring spoons elsewhere; cooking store outlets, cooking stores at malls, maybe Kohl's (?), probably for less.
Over Thanksgiving I was at a friend's who asked me to make gravy. I did, but I sure missed my special gravy whisk.

I need to add my "wave" knife tray - similar to the one above, but I think the curvy shape makes it easier to use:
http://www.amazon.com/JK-Adams-In-D...3?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1330838769&sr=1-3
I like it better than a knife block on top of the counter, because it doesn't take up counter space and if you have little ones and use toddler-proof drawer locks, the knives can be locked in the drawer. Plus they don't get dusty etc.

 

[glypnirsgirl]

My favorites are a wide mortar and pestle set like this:
http://www.amazon.ca/Fox-Run-Mortar-Pestle-Marble/dp/B0000VLP7Q
so you don't have to chase whatever you're grinding around the mortar

I have one of these in green marble --- and I love it! I have had mine for several years now so I didn't think of it as new. I love fresh crushed coriander seed and with the skinnier pestle the seeds would pop all over the place. My kids got it for Christmas for me.

and skinny measuring spoons like this:
http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/items/spice-measuring-spoons-set-of-7
that fit into a spice jar.

OMG! Those are brilliant!

and a coil spring whisk like this:
http://www.amazon.com/ME-Heuck-Co-W...6C/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1330829426&sr=8-15
for gravy, because the bottom fits against the bottom of the pan, unlike with a balloon whisk,

and I also like this kind of whisk
http://www.epinions.com/review/Calphalon_Black_Nonstick_Flat_Whisk/content_134774689412?sb=1
for the same reason - can get more up from the bottom of the pan

I had never seen those types of whisks - for the same reasons, I have a whisk similar to this http://kuhnrikon.com/products/tools/tools.php3?id=75(mine is a simple oval and really old)

A lightbulb just came on over my head! After reading your note, and googling, I see that's exactly what he's been using to "sharpen" my knives. I feel vindicated (a bit late).

I sort of felt deficient in some way when he'd tell me, "Wow! This is really sharp now!", and it would still squash a tomato when I tried to slice it. LOL! Thanks for the "sharp tip".

***********************


YAY! Glad I could help!

 

[MuranoJo]

OK, here's a question for you kitchen gadget fans: What's a good can opener? We have recessed cabinets and had an old electric opener there which died. Now we can't find one that will fit with the deep recessed cabinet. (They don't come with brackets deep enough.)

Yeah, you could probably rig something up to make it fit, but with the iffy reviews of the under-counter openers, I'm not sure it's worth the trouble. Currrently I'm using a manual which is testing my patience. Any ideas?

 

[glypnirsgirl]

OK, here's a question for you kitchen gadget fans: What's a good can opener? We have recessed cabinets and had an old electric opener there which died. Now we can't find one that will fit with the deep recessed cabinet. (They don't come with brackets deep enough.)

Yeah, you could probably rig something up to make it fit, but with the iffy reviews of the under-counter openers, I'm not sure it's worth the trouble. Currrently I'm using a manual which is testing my patience. Any ideas?

I love our manual can opener. We had one for 15 years and it gave up right before Christmas. This one has been updated and is easier to use.

I love the can opener because the lids don't fall down into the contents of the can.

I also like that it leaves a smooth edge.

The big and soft crank handle makes it easier to use (than the old one).

My husband had the old one before we got married. It took awhile for me to get used to it because it is used in a horizontal position rather than a vertical one. One of the great things about the horizontal position is that you can leave the can sitting on the counter while you open the can.


elaine

 

[glypnirsgirl]

And I bought an old swing-away that is mounted on the side of a cabinet. I bought three of them because they were phasing out the nice made in USA ones. I cannot find a place in my kitchen for one --- I am very disapointed.

This is what we have and cannot use: http://www.webstaurantstore.com/swi...n&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Amazon+Campaign

My grandmother had one very similar and I absolutely loved it!

elaine

 

[falmouth3]

I just bought my first stand mixer. I have to admit, I'm intimidated, after using a little hand mixer for over 35 years. But I've watched the video, read the instruction manual and now I'm ready to try it out.

 

[m61376]

My new toy- a Sous Vide machine- I am loving the results of the low temperature cooking. One of my more expensive kitchen toys, but I have to say I am having so much fun with it we're not going out to eat because I didn't feel like cooking. So far the results have been very impressive.

Oh- and I finally discovered that brown rice could be really good when it's made the right way- my other new toy was a Zojirushi rice cooker.

I love kitchen gadgets. I never thought those produce containers really were going to make a difference; I thought it was more hype than anything else. Now with your posts I may have to try one.

My husband frequently categorizes my gadget purchases "melon ballers"- referring to what he considers useless kitchen gadgets. I can't help it- I love to look for different stuff and Williams-Sonoma is my nemesis (and thank goodness for their outlet store about an hour away or I'd be in real trouble).

I love this thread!!

Falmouth3- after a month or two you probably won't know how you ever lived without one. It's easier to get used to better things....

 

[Passepartout]

Thanks, you guys 'n gals. I had been looking (OK maybe not actively) for one of those coil-spring whisks. My mom had one and it made gravy making a snap. It disappeared sometime in the dark ages.

I love my Mexican lime/lemon squeezer. A pliar like gadget with a big end. You can get fancy enameled ones at Williams-Sonoma or Sur-la-Table but mine is just raw aluminum.

Tongs. You can't have too many. Flat- almost spatula like to really grippy claw like ended ones. I can't make a meal without them.

Good kitchen shears, too. Same deal. Open the lettuce bag, cut up the chicken, mince fresh herbs, harvest chives, cut string when tying up a roast. You can't get along without shears.

Can opener. I use a manual one that cuts the side of the seal. You can still use the lid as a lid and has no sharp edges. It is easy enough for my arthritic hands to work easily. I am not home so can't tell you the brand.

I am sure I will think of others.

Well actually, my biggest kitchen helper is my DW. She appreciates my efforts there and cleans up a lot of my messes. Without her, I couldn't/wouldn't do what I do in the scullery.

Jim

 

[Elan]

As far as whisks, we have a coil spring one similar to this, but with a 2.5" (or so) head diameter:

http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Stainl...4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1330873181&sr=1-4

It's hard to tell from the picture, but ours has the head perpendicular to the handle. I really like it as it allows full coverage of the bottom of the sauce pan.

 

[glypnirsgirl]

I use Tupperware Fridge Smart Containers for my produce. WOW... what a difference. It makes a huge difference when you put in garden produce. I've only been using them a year but love them. I like to buy farm fresh strawberries but they go bad so fast because they give you so many of them. Well, with these containers they are fresh for more than week. They are pricey but totally worth it.

http://order.tupperware.com/coe/app...tegory_code=18002&fv_item_number=P10056908000

That looks like a great recommendation. I went to the tupperware website and watched their "two week challenge" video (not for me, but to convince my husband) --- it is really impressive! After watching it, he agreed to order it. (He loves berries and the blackberries look beautiful even after 2 weeks).

Thanks for the suggestion.

elaine

 

[glypnirsgirl]

Can opener. I use a manual one that cuts the side of the seal. You can still use the lid as a lid and has no sharp edges. It is easy enough for my arthritic hands to work easily. I am not home so can't tell you the brand.
Jim

This sounds exactly like what I was trying to describe.

As far as whisks, we have a coil spring one similar to this, but with a 2.5" (or so) head diameter:

http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Stainl...4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1330873181&sr=1-4

It's hard to tell from the picture, but ours has the head perpendicular to the handle. I really like it as it allows full coverage of the bottom of the sauce pan.

Yes! That's it!

My new toy- a Sous Vide machine- I am loving the results of the low temperature cooking. One of my more expensive kitchen toys, but I have to say I am having so much fun with it we're not going out to eat because I didn't feel like cooking. So far the results have been very impressive.

I would love one of these. I am going to have to be cooking for a couple more months before Ian will agree with me to buy one. He is skeptical that I will continue to cook. (I think the skepticism is well warranted since I went through 8 years of marriage and cooked less than 2 or 3 times per year).

Oh- and I finally discovered that brown rice could be really good when it's made the right way- my other new toy was a Zojirushi rice cooker.

We have one of these. Ian bought it when he was doing the cooking. The rice is fantastic. I love that you can preprogram rice to be done at a particular time. That pre-program feature is especially nice when I am going to be making a quick dinner --- no more waiting for the rice or settling for white rice.

I love kitchen gadgets. I never thought those produce containers really were going to make a difference; I thought it was more hype than anything else. Now with your posts I may have to try one.

I am really looking forward to these. In my old house, I had a sub-zero refrigerator that had adjustable humidity and airflow --- it made a huge difference in the viability of vegetables --- it looks like these replicate that. And although expensive, they are a lot less than a refrigerator!

My husband frequently categorizes my gadget purchases "melon ballers"- referring to what he considers useless kitchen gadgets. I can't help it- I love to look for different stuff and Williams-Sonoma is my nemesis (and thank goodness for their outlet store about an hour away or I'd be in real trouble).

I love Williams Sonoma. It is a good thing that I hate to shop or I could spend all the money we are saving by staying home to eat buying stuff their. I even love their food items; I used to buy their jarred chestnuts every Christmas for making stuffing.

I love this thread!!

Me, too! Ian doesn't understand why I would be talking about cooking on a timeshare thread.

Falmouth3- after a month or two you probably won't know how you ever lived without one. It's easier to get used to better things....

+1 - Ian had a really nice stand mixer when we got married. It is amazing! It used to take me forever to make an Italian Cream Cake (making meringue for the cake, creaming the butter - both the stand mixer do so much faster than my hand mixer. Now I have to be careful not to spend too long doing something else or my whipping cream will become butter!)

 

[m61376]

Me, too! Ian doesn't understand why I would be talking about cooking on a timeshare thread.

Well, traveling and trying different foods/eating at good places kinda go hand in hand, don't they- so isn't it only natural that we'd be interested in more gourmet cooking? I'm dept at rationalizing almost anything :rofl: ....

I have to tell you, when I first suggested getting a Sous Vide machine my DH kinda rolled his eyes. Well, as luck would have it, Williams and Sonoma had a lovely sale in December and it made it irresistible (at least to me). His initial reaction was shall we say less than enthusiastic, but he's raving about what I've made in it and is enjoying it as much as I am. It is a big expense, but I laughingly rationalized it as that we'd likely eat out one less night a week so it would pay for itself in no time . I would say that after learning about it I would get either the good Polyscience one from Williams-Sonoma or the Sous Vide Supreme (which is quite a bit cheaper but doesn't have the same capacity). You do have to be careful with temperature accuracy so I'd be nervous with one of the more "do it yourself" type contraptions. It's great for preparing and freezing too.

 

[pjrose]

OK, here's a question for you kitchen gadget fans: What's a good can opener? We have recessed cabinets and had an old electric opener there which died. Now we can't find one that will fit with the deep recessed cabinet. (They don't come with brackets deep enough.)

Yeah, you could probably rig something up to make it fit, but with the iffy reviews of the under-counter openers, I'm not sure it's worth the trouble. Currrently I'm using a manual which is testing my patience. Any ideas?

After years of electric ones we switched to a manual OXO GoodGrips one; I don't remember why, but I've never missed the electric.

I have a side-open one like glypnirsgirl's, but usually reach for the GoodGrips. Ours is an older version when the grips were softer than they are now; I'm not sure if they still make that type.

 

[pjrose]

Me, too! Ian doesn't understand why I would be talking about cooking on a timeshare thread.

I don't think of the Lounge as a timeshare thread. The other forums are for timeshare talk, this is an airport lounge where we can strike up a friendly conversation about almost anything.