Five Fun Kitchen Items
Alrighty, I already did a list of things I consider "essential" but there are some items that I use all the time which I personally like but know other people would have no use for. But here they are in no particular order: five fun kitchen items that make my life easier...
1) Wicker Basket (from Target) - We have people over at least once a week and often more, and soon I realized my silverware made an eternal cycle from drawer to table to dishwasher and 'round again. 'Why not cut out a step?' I thought. And so I bought this attractive and super sturdy holder (it's actually plastic which makes it easy to clean). I like the fact that it has four equal-sized slots, instead of the traditional three, so that I can stock the fourth with steak knives, tea spoons, desert forks, even chop stick depending on what is being served (I keep napkins in a separate dispenser).
Utensils sit demurely on the counter most of the week, but are readily accessible when serving groups buffet style, or whisked outside to enjoy frequent patio meals, or easily carried to the table to set for a more fancy dinner party.
2) Baking Stones - You may have seen these pizza shaped or square at overpriced novelty kitchen stores (WS anyone?). I've had one for almost a decade and went ahead and registered for another when I got married in '07. I think they're far superior to any pizza pan, and they make bread just like a dream. I throw all sorts of things on 'em!
3) Silicone Baking Mats - I learned about these when I worked at a cafe and bakery: they're superb! Nothing sticks to them and bakes up just right. I have one that fits my 1" lipped baking sheet, and use it for everything. Clean up is a snap, and delicate foods are saved from destruction. (I have not yet tried other silicon baking items, like muffin or bunt pans, but I do have an extreme-heat resistant pancake flipper that has just the right ratio of springiness and stiffness; very nice and a charming red to boot).
4) Magnetic Things - My husband and I received a bottle opener for our wedding, which seems like such a simple thing, but is really quite wonderful, because it has a magnet in it and "lives" on the front of our fridge. Not that we could ever pick favorites from the overwhelming kindness and generosity of the gifts we received, but I know my husband is particularly fond of that magnetic bottle opener. We're also big fans of magnetic bag clips, the sort useful for keeping chip bags closed. I clip recipes in them when I'm cooking and hang them from the stove hood: out of splatter range, not using up counter space, and in direct eye sight (no scrunching over a book, brushing flower off it going 'does it really say fennel?' ...Of course, doesn't work so well with cook books, but works just dandy with anything loose). And finally: magnets themselves. Not only does our fridge contain photos of friends, but I put my grocery receipts discretely on one side, so I can easily figure out just how old that container of sour cream is at a glance.
5) Pre-set-angle Knife Sharpener - I received some very nice knives from my great aunts, but good knives are only as good as they are maintained. I know how to use a rod sharpener, but I bought this cheapie on a whim two years ago and am never going back! My knives go through tomatoes like hot wire through butter, and I've never cut myself, because I rarely have to use force. I am not concerned that I'm using wrong sharpening technique and damaging my blades either.
6) Kitchen Shears - I have two sets, and perhaps it's because I have no other household scissors (!), but I use these handy babies all day long. They're cheap, they're uber-sturdy, and they do just about anything. :)
So there you have it! My five, ok, SIX fun kitchen items that I've grown to love and need!
