Kitchen Gadgets for the Busy Cook

March 2, 2010 5:34 pm

Making magic in the kitchen can be as easy as 1, 2, 3! Put down the menu and pick up your pots, it's time to acquire some primo gadgets in the kitchen that will make cooking a snap. Below are a few examples of wonderful, simple-to-use instruments to down-play your time in the kitchen.

An onion chopper from CSN stores is a clever gadget to hide the usual tears that seem to be inevitable when slicing onions. Easy to wash and reuse, it prevents your eyes from welling up as well as the smell of onions from permeating your senses.

Another tricky ingredient is garlic—like onions, it can be a hassle to chop. The best way to avoid the sticky feel and overwhelming smell on your hands is to peel and press fresh garlic without the fuss. The Calphalon Garlic Peel and Press does both in one quick motion: simply place the whole garlic clove in the chamber, then press down and ta-da! Freshly smashed garlic for easy additions to any meal.

In addition to garlic and onions; fresh lemon, lime or orange juice is at your fingertips with the Chef'n Juicer. The gadget quickly extracts juices from your favorite fruits to add to cocktails and sauces. Tip: Use the Chef'n Juicer to press a little lemon or lime into your water. A pinch of cinnamon, and your aqua becomes a whole new drink!

If you're in the mood for some funky fare, a Paderno World Cuisine Spiral Vegetable Slicer cleans up spunky spuds quickly for a nutritious meal for you and your family. Trick: The ribbon attachment makes amazing curly fries, which can be sprinkled with rosemary and olive oil for a grown-up fast food treat. Much healthier than Arby's!

If you're feeling sassy, sprinkle some low fat cheddar on those fries with the Fissler grater. Made from stainless steel and built to last for years, the Fissler Grater can be held over pots to grate anything from nutmeg into sauces, to potatoes into casseroles or even veggies into salads.

If you're dieting or watching your portions, measure your salads with the Taylor Digital Measuring Cup. You'll be over-compensating no longer! The digital scale in this measuring cup makes sure you don't go over the intended amount and keeps you within your limit each and every time you use it. Perfect for baking and measuring out portions, especially if you're watching your weight!

If you're not in the mood to turn on your oven and wait for the pre-heat, the Breville Toaster Oven is perfect for quick meals and can fit up to a 13 inch pizza! And with its 9 programs ranging from toast to tater tots, this oven is worth the counter space. Internal "smart" technology adjusts the temperature so food cooks evenly and quickly, allowing you to take your time enjoying.