Unlocking the Potential of Strange Kitchen Tools: A Comprehensive Guide

Unlocking the Potential of Strange Kitchen Tools: A Comprehensive Guide

Every kitchen has that one gadget or tool that sits in the back of a drawer, unused and mysterious. But with a little know-how, these tools can become indispensable assets in your cooking arsenal! Below is a detailed breakdown of common “strange” kitchen tools, their purposes, how to use them, and ideas for incorporating them into your recipes.

Step 1: Identify the Tool

Before diving into recipes, let’s identify some common but often overlooked kitchen tools and explain their functions:

1. Mandoline Slicer

• What It Looks Like : A flat board with adjustable blades.
• Purpose : Quickly slices fruits and vegetables into uniform thicknesses.
• How to Use :
  • Adjust the blade setting for desired thickness (e.g., thin for chips, thicker for gratins).
  • Always use the hand guard to protect your fingers while slicing.
• Best Uses :
  • Crispy baked zucchini fries or beet chips.
  • Thinly sliced potatoes for scalloped potatoes or gratins.
  • Shredded cabbage for coleslaw.

2. Meat Tenderizer Hammer

• What It Looks Like : A hammer-like tool with textured or spiked sides.
• Purpose : Breaks down tough fibers in meat to make it more tender.
• How to Use :
  • Place the meat between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
  • Gently pound the meat with the textured side until evenly flattened.
• Best Uses :
  • Chicken cutlets for chicken piccata or schnitzel.
  • Marinated steaks or pork chops.
  • Flattening chicken breasts for stuffing.

3. Citrus Zester/Microplane

• What It Looks Like : A small grater with sharp holes.
• Purpose : Zests citrus fruits or finely grates ingredients like garlic, ginger, or hard cheeses.
• How to Use :
  • Rub the fruit or ingredient against the microplane with gentle pressure.
  • Avoid grating the bitter white pith when zesting citrus.
• Best Uses :
  • Adding lemon zest to desserts or pasta dishes.
  • Grating fresh Parmesan over salads or soups.
  • Finely grating garlic or ginger for sauces and marinades.

4. Egg Separator

• What It Looks Like : A small silicone or plastic tool shaped like a fish or cup.
• Purpose : Separates egg yolks from whites without breaking the yolk.
• How to Use :
  • Crack the egg into a bowl.
  • Hover the separator over another bowl and pour the egg mixture into it—the white drips through, leaving the yolk behind.
• Best Uses :
  • Whipping up meringues or soufflés.
  • Making custards or hollandaise sauce.
  • Preparing egg white omelets.

5. Silicone Pastry Brush

• What It Looks Like : A flexible brush with soft bristles.
• Purpose : Brushes oil, butter, or glaze onto food.
• How to Use :
  • Dip the brush into the liquid and gently spread it over meats, pastries, or veggies.
• Best Uses :
  • Glazing cinnamon rolls or scones.
  • Basting grilled salmon or roasted chicken.
  • Greasing pans for baking.

6. Avocado Slicer

• What It Looks Like : A multi-functional tool with a knife edge, a pit remover, and a slicing grid.
• Purpose : Safely cuts, pits, and slices avocados.
• How to Use :
  • Use the knife edge to cut the avocado lengthwise around the pit.
  • Twist the halves apart and use the pit remover to scoop out the seed.
  • Use the slicing grid to create even slices or chunks.
• Best Uses :
  • Creating Instagram-worthy avocado toast.
  • Making creamy guacamole.
  • Adding avocado slices to salads or sandwiches.

7. Ravioli Mold

• What It Looks Like : A tray with indented pockets and a perforated top.
• Purpose : Makes homemade ravioli with perfectly sealed edges.
• How to Use :
  • Roll out pasta dough and place one sheet over the mold.
  • Add filling to each pocket, then cover with another sheet of dough.
  • Press down with the perforated top to seal and cut the ravioli.
• Best Uses :
  • Stuffing ravioli with ricotta and spinach.
  • Filling ravioli with sweet pumpkin or butternut squash.
  • Making dessert ravioli with chocolate or fruit fillings.

Step 2: Experiment with Recipes

Once you’ve identified the tool, it’s time to put it to work! Here are some recipe ideas based on the tools above:

Mandoline Slicer

• Crispy baked zucchini fries or beet chips.
• Thinly sliced potatoes for scalloped potatoes or gratins.
• Julienned carrots for stir-fries or slaws.

Meat Tenderizer

• Classic chicken piccata with capers and lemon.
• Juicy pork chops with a garlic-herb crust.
• Flattened chicken breasts stuffed with spinach and cheese.

Microplane/Citrus Zester

• Orange zest in chocolate chip cookies.
• Freshly grated nutmeg over mashed potatoes.
• Lemon zest in vinaigrettes or pasta dishes.

Egg Separator

• Light-as-air soufflés or meringues.
• Custard-based desserts like crème brûlée.
• Egg white omelets packed with veggies.

Silicone Pastry Brush

• Glazing cinnamon rolls with butter and sugar.
• Basting grilled salmon with honey mustard sauce.
• Greasing pans for cakes, muffins, or bread.

Avocado Slicer

• Creamy guacamole with lime and cilantro.
• Avocado toast topped with eggs and tomatoes.
• Avocado slices in salads or wraps.

Ravioli Mold

• Ricotta and spinach ravioli with marinara sauce.
• Sweet pumpkin ravioli with brown butter and sage.
• Dessert ravioli filled with Nutella or mascarpone.

Step 3: Clean and Store Properly

To ensure your tools last and remain safe to use:

• Clean After Use : Wash with warm, soapy water or follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid soaking wooden tools.
• Store Safely : Keep sharp tools like mandolines or zesters in protective cases to prevent accidents.
• Maintain Blades : Sharpen blades as needed to maintain efficiency.

Final Thoughts

That strange tool gathering dust in your drawer might just be the key to unlocking new culinary possibilities! By identifying its purpose, experimenting with recipes, and storing it properly, you’ll transform it from a kitchen mystery into a trusted companion.