Tool Time: Kitchen Gadgets

I love kitchen gadgets.

I love kitchen gadget stores. 

I  could spend days in Williams-Sonoma.  I just thank the kitchen gods that I don't live in the U.S. - and that the new luggage restrictions are curtailing my spending when I'm there.  And, fortunately for me (or unfortunately depending on point of view) the French aren't really into that sort of thing. 

Here are three of my favorites.

First:  The Garlic Twister

I use a lot of garlic.  This little gadget minces garlic at the flick of the wrist and no garlic fingers when I'm done.  Just peel the garlic, pop it in, twist a few times and Voila! - perfectly minced garlic.  Much easier to use and much, much easier to clean then my old garlic press. 

I got mine through Solutions Catalogue - which is where I also got my 'microfiber 'no commercial products needed' cleaning cloths'.  Again, grateful that they don't deliver to France (and if they do, please, don't tell me).

I use a lot of fresh herbs in the summer and this is my herb cutting board and knife - actually it's a mezzaluna.  I got these at Williams-Sonoma years ago and it was well worth the money (most of their stuff is a bit pricey).  Again, easy to use and easy to clean.  I only use it for herbs, with the occasional addition of salt or garlic.  I rub olive oil into it once a year as I do all of my cutting boards.

Finally, there is this handy little hand-made tool from the old guy in the Pyrenees.   I'm sure he devised it to open the tins of white asparagus that are so cherished by the Spaniards.  The asparagus either comes in glass jars or flat tins.  If you live in a remote village and stock a pantry, you get the tins.  They're a nightmare to open without pulling the tab off or slicing your wrists or both.  This makes it a snap - not even a broken nail!  You just lift the tab, insert the point and roll it back!

I love the fact that he takes the time to add some decorative carving to them.

 

I'd offer to get them for everyone but I don't know if he's still making them or even still alive!   

If anyone's interested I'll check next month when we're visiting our friend - we're planning a 'proper walk' in the mountains.  The dogs need some exercise..... 

Comments

[Freya]

I love gadgets too! I have several drawers full of them! When we visit the US we pack two extra suitcases purely for gadgets and food stuff. Much cheaper over there too. My favourite gadget of yours though was the tin opener! Very cute but functional!

[Sue (coffeepot)]

I love anything kitchen!

My family thinks I'm quite mad when I want gadgets for holiday gifts instead of jewlry or apparel.

[Cindy Young]

I've seen Nigella using the mezzaluna...looks easier than trying to chop herbs with a kitchen knife. As for the garlic choppy thing, I think that would be great! I always chop by hand, and it takes time, and my hands smell for a while. Although, on second thought, I really LIKE the way my hands smell after chopping garlic!

[Tanna]

I have a wonderful garlic press that I love, easy to clean, don't have to peel the garlic, works like a charm but it lacks the beauty of yours!
My mezzaluna is like yours except it has a double blade. I use it all the time for nuts, when my friend Sue cooks with me she uses it for herbs. It looks good, does a great job, cleans easy.
Your tin opener is the tops - I've not seen anything like it and to have pretty carving on it! well wow! That is super neat. I'd love one of those.
Happy Day to you!

[gattina]

Isn't it something, esp that tin opener! That guy who made it is so clever; no more broken nails!