Before you can use it, you need to understand what it is. Here are some common “weird” kitchen tools and their purposes:
1. Mandolin 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:
- Adjust the blade setting to the desired thickness.
- Hold the food firmly with a hand guard (never use your bare hands!) and slide it over the blade.
- Perfect for making chips, zucchini noodles, or cabbage shreds.
2. Meat tenderizer
- What it looks like: A hammer-like tool with textured sides.
- Purpose: Breaks down tough fibers in meat to tenderize it.
- How to use:
- Place the meat between two sheets of cling film or baking paper.
- Gently pound the meat with the textured side until it is evenly flattened.
- Great for marinated chicken cutlets, schnitzel, or steaks.
3. Citrus zester/Microplane
3. Citrus zester/Microplane
- What it looks like: A small grater with sharp holes.
- Purpose: Peel citrus fruits or finely grate ingredients such as garlic, ginger, or hard cheeses.
- How to use:
- Rub the fruit or ingredient against the microplane, applying light pressure.
- Avoid grating the bitter white pith when stoning citrus fruits.
- 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: Separate the yolks from the egg whites without breaking the yolk.
- How to use:
- Break the egg into a bowl.
- Pass the separator over another bowl and pour the egg mixture into it: the egg white will drip out, leaving the yolk behind.
5. Silicone pastry brush
- What it looks like: A flexible brush with soft bristles.
- Purpose: Brush oil, butter, or glaze onto food.
- How to use:
- Dip the brush into the liquid and gently spread it over meat, pastries, or vegetables.
- Ideal for basting roasts, glazing biscuits or greasing pans.
6. Avocado slicer
- What it looks like: A multifunctional tool with a knife edge, a stone remover, and a slicing grate.
- Purpose: Safely cuts, pits, and slices avocados.
- How to use:
- Use the edge of the knife to cut the avocado lengthwise around the pit.
- Twist the halves and use the pit remover to extract the seed.
- Use the cutting grid to create uniform slices or pieces.
7. Ravioli mold
- What it looks like: A tray with recessed pockets and a perforated top.
- Purpose: Make homemade ravioli with perfectly sealed edges.
- How to use:
- Roll out the pastry and place one sheet on top of the pan.
- Add the filling to each pocket, then cover with another sheet of pasta.
- Press with the perforated top to seal and cut the ravioli.