Collecting and using kitchen utensils is our superpower. Herb scissors? check. Microplane grater? check? Garlic press? check.
My kitchen drawers are filled with all the cooking utensils I have on hand. And there's always room for more. we are not alone. We know because we asked a friend on his NEO Foodies page on Facebook. Using their favorites, and ours, we've curated a list below of relatively new and useful tools you can consider adding to your kitchen.
We have purchased multiple Air Fryer Magnetic Cheat Sheet Sets ($11.45) for my siblings, parents, and boyfriend. We all like the results of our air fryer. These list cooking times, temperatures, and food sizes for popular items. Since we love magnets, we're also considering other cooking cheat sheets.
In the summer, I like the 5-blade herb scissors ($13.95) for evenly cutting fresh chives. Every time you make salsa or guacamole, scissors chop fresh cilantro leaves into small pieces.
Kale stalks and herb stalks can add crunch to dishes, as can adding mulch. Use the Kale and Herb Stripping Tool ($10.99) to remove kale stalks for green smoothies and tiny thyme and tarragon leaves for your favorite scalloped potato recipe.
We don't own these — Reusable Silicone Air Fryer Liners $11.95/Pack of 3) — yet. But soon it will. How about using parchment paper to line the basket? If you don't want to use flames in your kitchen, that's a big no. Don't ask me how I know. These silicone liners are easy to work with and clean.
Fresh, ripe pineapple is sweeter than canned fruit. So I'm considering the Pineapple Corer and Slicer Tool ($12.99).
Kitchen snobs tear up lettuce leaves for salads. but why? Kitchen Salad Scissors ($14.98) are super easy. And it's fun.
The Microplane Classic Zester/Grater ($14.99) is one of our favorite tools. Use it to peel lemons and brighten everything from pie crusts to pasta to vegetables. Also great for grating fresh nutmeg, hard cheese, and fresh ginger. I also use it to shave chocolate into homemade tiramisu.
Our friend Lisa recently told us how important a silicone pastry mat ($8.49) is when making pie crust. The mat contains powdery dirt.
I have two immersion blenders, one for soups and sauces and one for soap making. KitchenAid Variable Speed Hand Blender ($59.99) is Amazon's pick for this versatile tool.
Forget the debate over the health properties (or lack thereof) of leftover bacon fat. Use it to fry eggs, roast halved Brussels sprouts, and make spinach salad dressing. This Bacon Grease Container with Ceramic Strainer ($24.99) is in my kitchen.
Mom taught us to freeze and can the summer bounty. When local sweet corn is in season, this corn stripper tool ($8.99/2 pack) makes it easy to peel and prepare for winter fun.
