Tools for every kitchen

I’ve already written about my love affair with knives and good chopping boards, but in addition to a set of the best knives you can afford, here are my recommendations for tools that make for fun in the kitchen.

A garlic press - definitely one of the most used tools in my drawer. I love garlic and I use it in just about everything I cook, including salad dressings, sauces, dips, and as part of the aromatic base of stews. The garlic press does away with the finnicky business of chopping small items.

A citrus squeezer - I probably like the old-fashioned cup and dome sort of lemon squeezer the best. It is simple to use and catches most of the pips on the way…Lemons are another indispensable ingredient in my kitchen. I go through at least one lemon a day. From my early morning hot water with lemon, to salad dressings, dips, and squeezed into stews.

A vegetable peeler - get a good one that peels with ease no matter which direction you happen to be going in. Vegetable peelers double as ribbon makers and are very handy if you want to make carrot or zucchini ribbons for salad or stir fries. My favourite type is the one in the picture.

A simple steamer basket - get the type that you can fit into just about any pot. A steamer basket is such a handy piece of equipment, you can steam your veggies in any pot and not lose all the good nutrients by boiling them and pouring out the water. Since I am not able to digest my vegetables a la dente, steaming till they are soft is the best way for me to benefit from the nutrients despite longer cooking.

A lettuce spinner - You don’t want soggy leafy greens. A lettuce spinner ensures that the leaves are dry without being crushed. You can wash them, spin them and put them in an airtight container in your fridge to use during the week.

A mortar and pestle - I don’t use mine very often, but it is lovely to have when you want to crush your own spices and get a bit fancy.