I’m a gadget girl. Show me a nifty kitchen gadget, and I’m sold! Truthfully, my kitchen reflects that. Not all of my gadget purchases were successes, but many are still in use today. Along with the usual large and small appliances found in most American kitchens, there are a few not-so-common items that I consider necessities.
Baking Stones Make Crisp Pizza!
Multi-functional and unique, my 2 stones have been in use for 16 years, and I can’t imagine baking without them. My pizza stones are used for much more than making or reheating pizzas. They are the best for baking cookies and biscuits because they absorb moisture, leaving cookies and breads the perfect texture. The surface also allows the food to cook all the way through without burning the bottoms. Many companies make these stones, and they can be found at all price points. I recommend spending a bit more than the lowest ones for better results and longevity. Look here for a good pizza stone.
Mandolins Aren’t Just for Making Music!
I haven’t a clue about the origin of the name, but this kitchen gadget has proven useful many times over for numerous purposes in my kitchen. It comes with several blades for use in shredding, slicing or grating and can be found in a range of prices. Here is one I like. Mine is used for slicing potatoes (see recipe to follow), and shredding cabbage, cheese or potatoes.
Fake Fried Potatoes Using this Kitchen Gadget
Peel a few potatoes (number depends on how many you are feeding). Using the mandolin with the slicer attachment, slice the potatoes thinly into a bowl. Separate 2 – 3 eggs. In a separate, large bowl, slightly beat 2 or 3 egg whites (number depends on the amount of potatoes you peel) and mix with salt and pepper and any other seasoning you like. Dump the sliced potatoes into the egg white mixture and spread out on a large casserole dish that has been heavily greased. One layer will cook faster but you can layer the potatoes if you use a smaller container. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper or whatever seasoning you prefer.
Bake the potato slices in a 350 degree over for about 20 minutes. Using a spatula, turn the potatoes so both sides brown. Season again. Cook for 20 minutes more or until the potatoes are tender. This dish is healthier than frying the potatoes but just as tasty.
The Cut n Seal® Adds Pizzazz to a Meal!
This little tool is a favorite with some of my grandchildren. The real fun of it is making little sandwiches. Josef makes peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with this tool. No crusts allowed!
Or try a little pizza sandwich for lunch. Take 2 slices of fresh white bread and spoon a small amount of pizza sauce in the center of one slice. Top with grated mozzarella cheese and a slice of pepperoni. Cover with the second piece of bread and cut and seal with the tool. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet or stone and brush the top with a little melted butter and bake until light golden brown – approximately 6-8 minutes – at 400 degrees.
Chicken salad on wheat bread creates cute little sandwiches for a ladies’ luncheon. Or try creamed cheese and a slice of cucumber. Then cut and seal. These sandwiches do not require baking. You are only limited by your imagination with the Cut n Seal. This gadget sells for about $11 and you can purchase it here. The key to success with the Cut n Seal is using very fresh bread!
These small kitchen gadgets make cooking fun and allow you to present foods in a different way. Best of all, they don’t take up much space in the kitchen.
