Step 1: Identify the Tool
Before you can use it, you need to figure out what it is. Here are some common "strange" kitchen tools and their purposes:
1. Mandoline Slicer
- What It Looks Like : A flat board with adjustable blades.
- Purpose : Quickly slices fruits and vegetables into uniform thicknesses for salads, gratins, or chips.
- How to Use It :
- Adjust the blade setting for desired thickness.
- Hold the food firmly with a hand guard (never use bare hands!) and slide it across the blade.
- Perfect for making potato chips, zucchini noodles, or cabbage shreds.
2. Meat Tenderizer Hammer
- What It Looks Like : A hammer-like tool with textured sides.
- Purpose : Breaks down tough fibers in meat to make it more tender.
- How to Use It :
- Place the meat between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- Gently pound the meat with the textured side until it’s evenly flattened.
- Great for chicken cutlets, schnitzel, or marinated steaks.
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 It :
- Rub the fruit or ingredient against the microplane, applying gentle pressure.
- Avoid grating the bitter white pith when zesting citrus.
- Perfect for adding lemon zest to desserts or grating Parmesan over pasta.
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 It :
- 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.
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 It :
- Dip the brush into the liquid and gently spread it over meats, pastries, or veggies.
- Ideal for basting roasts, glazing cookies, or greasing pans.
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.
