Tiny
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Post by Tiny on Oct 3, 2012 22:36:06 GMT -5
I bought a microplane about 2 yrs ago, but haven't used it yet. I don't really use zest of anything. Any other uses? I bought it from a co-worker who was selling stuff out of a book for her kid's school. What I don't have is a toaster oven. Never did. I do think I want one though. People either love them or hate them. Love my microplane - use it to finely grate Parmesan cheese or grate a bit of chocolate for the top of a dessert (pudding, cakes, whatever). ADDED: a useless gadget I'm 'seeing' on Bridal Registry lists is a Mango Splitter - I guess if you can find specifically shaped mangos with specifically shaped pits this tool would be useful. It's pretty gosh darn easy to just use your own fancy smancy sharp chef knife to cut the mango and remove the pit.. not sure why you'd need a 'splitter'....
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Oct 3, 2012 23:03:08 GMT -5
I bought a microplane about 2 yrs ago, but haven't used it yet. I don't really use zest of anything. Any other uses? I bought it from a co-worker who was selling stuff out of a book for her kid's school. What I don't have is a toaster oven. Never did. I do think I want one though. People either love them or hate them. I use my micro plane to grate garlic too. In fact, I probably use it more for garlic than I do for zest. I used to have a toaster oven, but counter space dictated appliances so it was trumped by coffee pot and microwave. MU Cuisinart blender bit the dust recently. I've been hearing a lot of good things about Vitamix. Just can't justify the price though. Besides, if you put TD's kitchen and mine together, we have enough stuff to outfit a kitchen store!
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lurkyloo
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Post by lurkyloo on Oct 3, 2012 23:31:07 GMT -5
oped: delighted to be of service! ;D I actually bought my BFF a VitaMix for her wedding in June, which may or may not have broken down the mental barriers against spending $$$ for kitchen toys. One thing I would recommend: befriend someone who works at Williams-Sonoma, or get part-time holiday job there...they get a 40% discount on EVERYTHING. I have my eye on a le creuset dutch oven, which I clearly NEED in order to save money on baking bread.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 3, 2012 23:38:40 GMT -5
lurkyloo, I live in the middle of nowhere ... the nearest one is at least an hour away. Obviously you need to save money on bread baking though, no brainer there...
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marvholly
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Post by marvholly on Oct 4, 2012 7:23:25 GMT -5
Beer Must have been MUCH earlier than the 70’s. I went to college in 64, married in 69. NOTE: they are still sold at Bed Bath and the dollar stores.
Swamp Will add the egg separator to my list. Tossed mine YEARS ago. Never had a melon baller BUT I have seen it used to measure even amounts of cookie dough.
Lynn My ice cream scoop is a real antique. It was my grandmothers – should would be born about 1897. Seldom used but will NOT give up-will pass it on. I am not big on my crockpot but I will keep it for a while to see if it grows on me.
Chocolate I grate cheese in my food processor. Gave up the BIG lender 3 years ago. Not have a stick blender I LOVE.
Oped I chop nuts in either the food processor or the coffee grinder I inherited from my mom. Also grind pepper in the grinder.
Dean Have you ever watched the TV chefs ‘chop’ garlic? They smash it with the flat side of a chef’s knife then chop it. Tossed my garlic press years ago.
Welt I do have a grinder. Don’t use it much these days but I used to grind my own chuck and still make chopped live 2x/year. NOT the same in the processor.
Kids gave me a good, $$ micro plane several years ago & I do like it but would probably have been happy w/the dollar store version.
I do love & use my toaster oven nearly daily – particularly in hot weather since mine also bakes & broils.
After seeing the responses on the egg slicer doing double (triple?) duty with strawberries and mushrooms I just might replace mine. I use tons of both. Mushrooms nearly daily and strwberries usually 2x/week. Probably get myself a dollar store one and 'invest' in a good one if I do use it alot (and get a good BBB coupon).
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 4, 2012 7:29:51 GMT -5
We our toaster oven too. We don't have a microwave or a toaster, so it really comes in handy. how do you live without a microwave - that's probably our most used appliance?
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taz157
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Post by taz157 on Oct 4, 2012 8:20:22 GMT -5
taz... i'm not sure if you LIKE the one you linked? or your old model? ... I edited my post. The link is to our current model, which we currently don't like as much. When I have more time, I'll research and put up a new link to one that I like.
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taz157
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Post by taz157 on Oct 4, 2012 8:23:15 GMT -5
We our toaster oven too. We don't have a microwave or a toaster, so it really comes in handy. how do you live without a microwave - that's probably our most used appliance? We've been living without a microwave for the past few months now. The heating part of our current microwave died and we haven't replaced it as its one of those over-the-stove types. We would like to get new appliances for our kitchen; however, the microwave dieing doesn't justify the cost to get all new appliances. (Currently, our appliances are white and we would like to get stainless ones.) For right now, we just heat up things in the oven or toaster oven. Also, I make smaller portions so that we don't have much leftovers. For right now, it works.
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kgb18
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Post by kgb18 on Oct 4, 2012 9:09:33 GMT -5
I seem to have a lot of recipes that call for zest. I actually have a zester, but it doesn't work as well as I would like. I think a microplane would be much more efficient.
You can also use it for garlic and very finely grated cheese.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 4, 2012 9:10:38 GMT -5
I have a zester too, but the zest comes off in strips instead of being finely chopped. Looks like I can get rid of that one now that I have my microplane! ;D
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kittensaver
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We cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love. - Mother Teresa
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Post by kittensaver on Oct 4, 2012 9:22:20 GMT -5
how do you live without a microwave - that's probably our most used appliance? ============================== We've lived without a microwave for almost 10 years, with hubby's blessing (he's an active cook in our house). You do what people did before microwaves! Ask your grandma ;D Seriously! *heat water - on the stove (in a kettle or pan) *make popcorn - in a covered pan on the stove (add a little oil and shake while the kernels are popping) * "cooking" - stovetop or in the oven *reheating leftovers - spread out on a ceramic or metal pie plate and put in the oven or toaster oven. 3-4 mins in a microwave, 8-10 mins if reheated in a single layer on high heat in a conventional oven/toaster oven. Just enough time to pop a bottle of wine and make a salad *heating/reheating soups and warm drinks - stove top in a saucepan *prepackaged microwave meals and snacks - we don't touch them. They are expensive, ridiculously high in sodium, chocked full of chemical flavorings, coloring and preservatives and low in nutrients and enzymes due to their processing. We ditched our microwave on the advice of our naturopathic doctor and holistic nutritionist. I have medical issues that led them to this advice - but I know that doesn't apply to everyone. Hubby (who grew up on microwave meals and pre-packaged after-school snacks) says he can taste a real difference between "nuked" food and food heated conventionally. Heating (by any method) always destroys SOME nutrients and enzymes (but absolutely should be done to assure the safety of some foods within the context of a balanced diet), but there is research out there showing that microwave ovens not only destroy nutrition, their wave frequency goes farther than conventional heat (which stops at killing pathogens and deactivating enzymes) and actually changes/fractures the chemical composition of food so that your body no longer recognizes it as food (and therefore cannot absorb or use any nutrition from nuked food). Before anyone jumps all over me about this, I know this is "controversial" for some folks (especially microwave manufacturers, and folks who don't want to give up nuking food because their lifestyle is so hectic that instant isn't fast enough), but I've chosen to err on the side of caution. It is merely a choice for my family and not a dictate for anyone else. Your mileage may vary. But to answer the question, you CAN easily live and cook without a microwave.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 4, 2012 9:26:06 GMT -5
"how do you live without a microwave - that's probably our most used appliance?"
I don't have one currently either. I only used it for popcorn, defrosting and baked potatoes. I can make popcorn on the stove, I take out the meat ahead of time for defrosting, and make baked potatoes in the oven (takes longer but tastes better). I guess it depends on what you use the microwave for.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 4, 2012 9:26:48 GMT -5
"*prepackaged microwave meals and snacks - we don't touch them. They are expensive, ridiculously high in sodium, chocked full of chemical flavorings, coloring and preservatives and low in nutrients and enzymes due to their processing. "
and taste awful...
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on Oct 4, 2012 9:34:47 GMT -5
I use my microplane for grating hard cheeses like parmesan. It seems to work better.
My current kitchen has two microwaves. I've only used them for popcorn and bacon. I like those steamable veggies as well. We do have a veggie steamer so I could make my own that way. We also have two toaster ovens. I won't touch the one, it was damaged in the stove fire.
I think it'd be easier with a toaster oven to have no microwave.
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Chocolate Lover
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Post by Chocolate Lover on Oct 4, 2012 10:23:37 GMT -5
I my toaster oven! You can cook all kinds of stuff in it. I had one that you could fit a 9 x 13 pan into and that was wonderful. It died and I replaced it with a slightly smaller one. I miss the one that held the bigger pan.
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kgb18
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Post by kgb18 on Oct 4, 2012 10:28:30 GMT -5
A microwave is handy for heating leftovers in a hurry, softening butter in a hurry, etc.. We use ours quite a bit, though I would not say it is the most used appliance in our house. Our oven/stove top and crock pots get more use.
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tskeeter
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Post by tskeeter on Oct 4, 2012 11:48:46 GMT -5
Big boys kitchen toys.
1/2 hp meat grinder (this one qualifies as a big boy toy because it weighs in at more than 35 pounds)
vertical sausage stuffer
6 1/2 cu ft smoker
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Oct 4, 2012 11:55:38 GMT -5
Ice cream maker. We got one for a wedding present. DH was super excited but then never used it. It was a bitch to store the thing so I wrapped it up and gave it away as a white elephant gift a couple of years ago.
I love my food processor but it recently bit the dust. I am honestly surprised it lasted as long as it did because it was a cheap Black & Decker. I am on the look out for a new one.
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Wisconsin Beth
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Oct 4, 2012 12:03:22 GMT -5
Depends on the garlic press, and what you are doing with the garlic... The only way I do ANYTHING with real garlic is with a press. I am NOT peeling and mincing it. Nope, noway and nohow.
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Wisconsin Beth
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Oct 4, 2012 12:12:49 GMT -5
We our toaster oven too. We don't have a microwave or a toaster, so it really comes in handy. how do you live without a microwave - that's probably our most used appliance? We're talking about downsizing our microwave. DH won't use it - the whole fresh food, cooked in glass or non-toxic pans thing and I use it to warm up leftovers maybe once a week. AT work I nuke my frozen dinners in it.
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kittensaver
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We cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love. - Mother Teresa
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Post by kittensaver on Oct 4, 2012 13:00:56 GMT -5
Microwaves do not change the chemical composition of food..
=========================
Um, not necessarily true. There is controversy about this and research and testing is continuing.
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thyme4change
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Post by thyme4change on Oct 4, 2012 13:32:05 GMT -5
I bought a Breville counter top oven, which has a toaster oven setting and I love it. I use it to bake all sorts of things - it heats up quickly and doesn't heat up the kitchen. But, it costs 4x what a decent toaster oven does.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Oct 4, 2012 13:33:03 GMT -5
This was the only "gadget" my mom ever had, and she was the best cook on earth. Mom had one of these, french fry cutter and potato peeler. She was also a great cook.
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susanb
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Post by susanb on Oct 4, 2012 13:38:01 GMT -5
We our toaster oven too. We don't have a microwave or a toaster, so it really comes in handy. how do you live without a microwave - that's probably our most used appliance? My parents had one, but I have never owned one as an adult. I just use the stove top/oven/toaster oven to re-heat things. It actually doesn't create more dishes because I just serve from a pot/pan and then put it in the fridge with any leftovers. When I want to re-heat, I just put the pot/pan back on the stove. Easy peasy.
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weltschmerz
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Post by weltschmerz on Oct 4, 2012 14:25:50 GMT -5
Will add the egg separator to my list. Tossed mine YEARS ago. Never had a melon baller BUT I have seen it used to measure even amounts of cookie dough. ---------------------- All you need to separate eggs is an empty water or soda bottle. Personally, I just transfer the yolks shell-to-shell until the whites run out.
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weltschmerz
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Post by weltschmerz on Oct 4, 2012 14:28:49 GMT -5
Welt I do have a grinder. Don’t use it much these days but I used to grind my own chuck and still make chopped live 2x/year. NOT the same in the processor. -------------- We got her a processor in her golden years and she only used it twice, as she hated it. She kept saying the consistency was all wrong.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 4, 2012 14:31:44 GMT -5
I love garlic... Often I just peel and slice a clove and toss it raw in my stir fry, etc... So don't always want it mushed Maybe I'll ask for that toaster oven baker for Christmas ...
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lexxy703
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Post by lexxy703 on Oct 4, 2012 14:32:55 GMT -5
That is how I do it too. No need for a gadget.
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kittensaver
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We cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love. - Mother Teresa
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Post by kittensaver on Oct 4, 2012 15:02:07 GMT -5
I learned to separate eggs from America's Test Kitchen and Jacques Pepin (they do it the same way): Crack an egg into a small bowl. WITH REALLY CLEAN HANDS gently scoop out the yolk, cradling it in your fingers and allowing the white part to flow through your fingers and back into the bowl. If you are gentle and don't have any cuts or snags on your hands/fingers you will not break the yolk. ETA: Jacques is fond of saying that your hands are the two best kitchen gadgets that exist
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thyme4change
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Post by thyme4change on Oct 4, 2012 15:06:29 GMT -5
I use the egg separator gadget. It works, it is easy, and your hands stay clean. Mine is the right size to place across one of my bowls, so I can gather other ingredients while the egg is separating itself, and then I just throw the separator in the dishwasher. It is very small, so I don't see it as a big deal to own it or store it. Not like the football shaped bowls I have that I forget to use every year at our annual superbowl party. D'oh!
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