My new favorite products - kitchen products

[lvhmbh]

Anyone using a mandolin? I got back into cooking as DH and I joined Weight Watchers and the 15 year old decided he really liked to eat in I'm starting to enjoy it now and already purchased some gadgets you've mentioned. Anyway, I received a Woot for a really good price on a mandolin and bought it. It kinda intimidates me but I'm going to use it for the first time this afternoon.

 

[Kal]

Anyone using a mandolin? I got back into cooking as DH and I joined Weight Watchers and the 15 year old decided he really liked to eat in I'm starting to enjoy it now and already purchased some gadgets you've mentioned. Anyway, I received a Woot for a really good price on a mandolin and bought it. It kinda intimidates me but I'm going to use it for the first time this afternoon.

The mandolin is the very most dangerous tool in the kitchen, bar none!! It's freightening just to set mine on the countertop.

 

[glypnirsgirl]

Make Sure You Use A Cut-proof Glove!

The first time I used my mandoline, I cut half way through my index finger! It works great --- but you have to have CUT PROOF gloves. Once I got the cut-proof gloves, I found it easy and FAST - especially when I need thin cuts or small juliennes. Mine does not adjust to thick enough for things like cucumbers for salad --- I don't like my cucumbers so thin that I can see through them, but if you like them that way, its great.

These are the ones that I bought. And they work great --- no cuts since I started using them.

Make sure that everyone knows that they are for using the mandolin and to not use the mandolin without them. ALSO, make sure that they know that they are not heat proof. My husband mistook them for his OVEGLOVE and was sorely surprised.

 

[glypnirsgirl]

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.

I was really intimidated the first time I used one, too.

It is so much easier to use than a hand mixer. This morning i was baking a birthday cake for my bonus son and it was wonderful. I was able to keep on working while the eggs were beating. Then I could use two hands to add ingredients while the mixer was going.

Liquids I just pour in directly from the measuring cup.

The dry ingredients I use the flat measuring cups kind of like a ladle and stop the machine to add (so the powder doesn't fly up in my face) and then turn the machine back on.

I also have to scrape the bowl periodically as my beater doesn't seem to get all the way to the edges of the bowl.

The cake is already in the oven.

elaine

 

[Kal]

The first time I used my mandoline, I cut half way through my index finger! It works great --- but you have to have CUT PROOF gloves...

One time I had 4 martini glasses situated next to me on the counter. I was using the mandolin to get very thin lemon rind slices for the drinks. I sliced the tip of my fingertip off but couldn't find it. Once we got past the triage, I finished preparing the drinks. Unfortunately, my guest found the finger slice in her martini glass after the drinks were served. She didn't seem to accept the fact that it was a slice of olive. As I recall she lost her appetite for any drinks!

The Kevlar gloves are the answer!!

 

[glypnirsgirl]

One time I had 4 martini glasses situated next to me on the counter. I was using the mandolin to get very thin lemon rind slices for the drinks. I sliced the tip of my fingertip off but couldn't find it. Once we got past the triage, I finished preparing the drinks. Unfortunately, my guest found the finger slice in her martini glass after the drinks were served. She didn't seem to accept the fact that it was a slice of olive. As I recall she lost her appetite for any drinks!

The Kevlar gloves are the answer!!

It's a great story that perfectly illustrates the need for the cut-proof gloves.

Do you use the "pusher?" I cannot seem to get it to work. The vegetables end up flying all over the place.

elaine

 

[pjrose]

One time I had 4 martini glasses situated next to me on the counter. I was using the mandolin to get very thin lemon rind slices for the drinks. I sliced the tip of my fingertip off but couldn't find it. Once we got past the triage, I finished preparing the drinks. Unfortunately, my guest found the finger slice in her martini glass after the drinks were served. She didn't seem to accept the fact that it was a slice of olive. As I recall she lost her appetite for any drinks!

The Kevlar gloves are the answer!!

 

[Kal]

It's a great story that perfectly illustrates the need for the cut-proof gloves.

Do you use the "pusher?" I cannot seem to get it to work. The vegetables end up flying all over the place.

elaine

I ALWAYS use the pusher, but I slide the vegetable first without the pusher to get a flat spot. Then I use the pusher. Even then the veggie wobbles under the pusher. On the good side the device gives very nice even slices but overall it's EVIL!!

 

[MuranoJo]

Just ordered these from a Pampered Chef party:

Smooth-edge can opener (we'll see how it works, sounds like one a couple of you have).

Rotary Grinder: Always wanted one. This one appears to be a wider model which is similar to what Cooks Illustrated recommends (different manufacturer, though).

So far, the few things I've purchased from Pampered Chef seem to be good quality and I've been happy with them.

 

[glypnirsgirl]

Just ordered these from a Pampered Chef party:

Smooth-edge can opener (we'll see how it works, sounds like one a couple of you have).

Rotary Grinder: Always wanted one. This one appears to be a wider model which is similar to what Cooks Illustrated recommends (different manufacturer, though).

So far, the few things I've purchased from Pampered Chef seem to be good quality and I've been happy with them.

Those look great!

The can opener is similar to what I have and sounds like it has more features.

The cheese grater sounds wonderful. In trying to grate a chunk for parmesan, I dented the drum on my metal one. I have ordered a replacement one that is similar to this, but it has not yet arrived. I am hoping that chunks of cheese don't get stuck between the drum and the feed tube.

elaine

 

[ciscogizmo1]

Late again to the party but I love these measuring spoons I'm not sure if they are considered skinny but they have every measurement to 1/16th of tsp.

They are from DeMarle which is home shopping product like Pampered Chef. These are magnetic which keeps them together. They also have measuring cups that do the same thing. Also you get more spoons than are shown in the photo.

I use to have this hot cocoa maker from an Italian company that I got from William Sonoma that I loved but it broke down after a year. It made amazing hot chocolate as it whipped the milk. I've never tasted anything like it. It worked great with fat free milk. I'm not a coffee drinker so, this was perfect for me. It felt more gourmet to me.

Where does everyone love to shop? I love the Sur La Table stores.

 

[Elan]

I use to have this hot cocoa maker from an Italian company that I got from William Sonoma that I loved but it broke down after a year. It made amazing hot chocolate as it whipped the milk. I've never tasted anything like it. It worked great with fat free milk. I'm not a coffee drinker so, this was perfect for me. It felt more gourmet to me.

A heated milk frother is what you're describing. We have this model for our espresso drinks, but we also use it for great whipped hot chocolate. This is the model we have:

http://www.amazon.com/Capresso-202-...Y2HA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331054867&sr=8-1

We bought ours at Bed Bath and Beyond (with the 20% coupon, of course ).

 

[IngridN]

Thank you soooo much for this thread. I have been looking for a measuring spoon set with smaller than the usual 1/4 tsp as with only the 2 of us, I have to cut down all recipes except those good for leftovers. I finally searched on Amazon and found a fabulous 49 piece set (spoons & cups) from Progressive Int'l for only $10...1/32 tsp!

Ingrid

 

[geekette]

wait a second - many of you have never had a stand mixer?? I guess I thought everyone had one of those and it was few that had only/or also hand mixer.

we always had a stand mixer growing up, and I inherited the old one when I moved out (so Mom could buy a new KitchenAid...)

I never thought much about this until the post about being intimidated by one. Prob'ly that will happen if I ever upgrade from the old 70s model I have that still works fine.

 

[MuranoJo]

Those look great!

The can opener is similar to what I have and sounds like it has more features.

The cheese grater sounds wonderful. In trying to grate a chunk for parmesan, I dented the drum on my metal one. I have ordered a replacement one that is similar to this, but it has not yet arrived. I am hoping that chunks of cheese don't get stuck between the drum and the feed tube.

elaine

I'll let ya know how these work out. Both items have histories of inconsistencies between brands, so it will be interesting. I just decided to take a chance because so far I've been happy with Pampered Chef, plus I was trying to help the hostess of the party. (Sheesh, I hate these hosted sales parties. Most often, I opt out.)

 

[SueDonJ]

Late again to the party but I love these measuring spoons I'm not sure if they are considered skinny but they have every measurement to 1/16th of tsp.

They are from DeMarle which is home shopping product like Pampered Chef. These are magnetic which keeps them together. They also have measuring cups that do the same thing. Also you get more spoons than are shown in the photo.

I use to have this hot cocoa maker from an Italian company that I got from William Sonoma that I loved but it broke down after a year. It made amazing hot chocolate as it whipped the milk. I've never tasted anything like it. It worked great with fat free milk. I'm not a coffee drinker so, this was perfect for me. It felt more gourmet to me.

Where does everyone love to shop? I love the Sur La Table stores.

Ooooh, I love Sur La Table! One opened in the mall near me about six months ago; I go in there and just wander around in a daze. I don't know what it is, but that one store makes me want to throw out everything in my kitchen now and start over fresh. I'm starting small by replacing old beat-up utensils one at a time. :rofl:

I also like Crate and Barrel for basic serving pieces, and Williams Sonoma for a good variety of spices, rubs, mixes, etc. My latest favorite from there is a mix of five sea salts and three peppers in a grind jar - it sounds so simple but it's fantastic. Doesn't sound like much but it makes a huge difference from just using salt and pepper on a roast beef.

 

[Twinkstarr]

wait a second - many of you have never had a stand mixer?? I guess I thought everyone had one of those and it was few that had only/or also hand mixer.

we always had a stand mixer growing up, and I inherited the old one when I moved out (so Mom could buy a new KitchenAid...)

I never thought much about this until the post about being intimidated by one. Prob'ly that will happen if I ever upgrade from the old 70s model I have that still works fine.

I upgraded my stand mixer and tried to give away my standard size KitchenAid no takers. Got kind of strange looks that who uses one of these anymore. Had my sister's neighbor put in her garage sale, no one even wanted to haggle on price.

Finally gave it to Goodwill and they were very happy to get it as one of the local missions with a food kitchen was looking for them.

 

[lvhmbh]

Didn't get to try the mandolin as 15 yr. old had early hockey called - am clumsy so will not try until kevlar gloves arrive. Thank you!

 

[ciscogizmo1]

Ooooh, I love Sur La Table! One opened in the mall near me about six months ago; I go in there and just wander around in a daze. I don't know what it is, but that one store makes me want to throw out everything in my kitchen now and start over fresh. I'm starting small by replacing old beat-up utensils one at a time. :rofl:

I also like Crate and Barrel for basic serving pieces, and Williams Sonoma for a good variety of spices, rubs, mixes, etc. My latest favorite from there is a mix of five sea salts and three peppers in a grind jar - it sounds so simple but it's fantastic. Doesn't sound like much but it makes a huge difference from just using salt and pepper on a roast beef.

Yep... I try to limit my trips to Sur La Table or I'd buy everything in sight. I'll have to try the William Sonoma spice rubs..

 

[pranas]

I upgraded my stand mixer and tried to give away my standard size KitchenAid no takers. Got kind of strange looks that who uses one of these anymore. Had my sister's neighbor put in her garage sale, no one even wanted to haggle on price.

Finally gave it to Goodwill and they were very happy to get it as one of the local missions with a food kitchen was looking for them.

I wish I had known. Just bought a new one for my daughter.

 

[IngridN]

I also love the Williams Sonoma sauces and rubs. They make a to die for Marsala wine finishing sauce.

Ingrid

 

[Jaybee]

Another Can Opener

On the subject of can openers, I recently ordered one from Pulse. It was only $7.47, I think, before shipping. I've only used it twice, but it worked perfectly both times, and the price was certainly right.

http://www2.pulsetv.com/prodinfo.asp?number=5006&evtv=20317

 

[glypnirsgirl]

Favorite places for kitchen stuff!

On the subject of can openers, I recently ordered one from Pulse. It was only $7.47, I think, before shipping. I've only used it twice, but it worked perfectly both times, and the price was certainly right.

http://www2.pulsetv.com/prodinfo.asp?number=5006&evtv=20317

I loved this --- it looks like an electric version of my manual one!

I had never seen the pulse website before --- I really liked the egg cracker, too. (How to properly crack an egg is one of the on-going disagreements between Ian and I - I crack against a flat surface, he cracks against an edge).

I love Williams Sonoma --- I like their table linens. I love real linen tablecloths and napkins. But I also love them for their appliances, tools and seasonings. Love tarragon mustard and balsamic vinegar, in particular.

I like webstaurant (which I learned about from here) for beverage and bar glasses.

I like wine enthusiast for wine glasses and paraphenalia.

I bought all of my everyday china and formal china from ebay. I also used ebay to finish off my crystal. (One of the only four things that I kept from my first marriage was my silverware, so no need to finish it off)!

And i like Amazon for gadgets. The next item on my wishlist is a ginger grater .

I have looked at Sur La Table for years. I have never purchased any thing from them.

elaine

 

[glypnirsgirl]

Does anyone have a great saute pan?

One of the things that I am really longing for is a nice saute pan. I want to be able to flip vegetables like they do on the cooking shows. I cannot do it with the heavy cast iron skillets that I am using for sauteing now.

I would like something that is lighter for flipping and more responsive to changes in heat. No hotspots would be nice, too.

elaine

 

[MuranoJo]

AllClad absolutely is my favorite--pricey, but top quality and excellent temp consistency for frying or sauteing due to the true all clad construction. Also highly recommended by Cooks Illustrated if that matters.