New Toys

I simply can’t go in a cooking store without buying something. So it’s no small surprise I came home from my class last Saturday with new kitchen “toys.”

So many principles of good design are incorporated in these simple tools. They feel good on your hands. Some of them stand up. And they are cute to look at.

I bought the silver strainer after watching Brock demonstrate how to blanch vegetables. I tried it on asparagus last night, popping them into boiling water for a brief cook, and then scooping them out with this strainer to immerse them in ice water. They were crisp and bright green, even though they were cooked to perfection.

The vegetable scraper can be “worn” on any finger of either hand. It’s compact but functional. And I love the bright green. It won’t get lost in any drawer!

The egg whisk is just the right size for an egg or two. I might have to paint a smile on the chicken’s face though.

I watched Brock use the pink pastry brush to apply melted butter to layers of phyllo dough. I could quickly see that it would avoid the bristles that ultimately get stuck together after multiple encounters with olive oil. This little pink brush is dishwasher safe and will be standing ready on the counter.

The best find was the avocado slicer. You cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Then in one swift motion, you come out with beautiful slices to adorn any plate as the skin simply falls away. Very clever indeed.

I could buy 5 new toys every time I walk into Hill’s Kitchen. But if I do, I will need to have a colossal yard sale because my kitchen has only so much space!

What is your favorite kitchen toy?