One-trick cookware may be popular in some kitchens, but which gadgets do you really need?
If someone could tell you what kitchen tools are truly indispensable, it would be of Domestic diva herself: Martha Stewart.
TODAY Food recently caught up with Stewart to share her three must-have cookware pieces.
What was the first item she recommended? “Yeah, it's definitely a sharp knife,” Stewart said today.
And it's not just any ordinary knife, it's a wonderful Japanese knife. (Anthony Bourdain is also a big fan of professional Japanese cutlery.)
At Mohegan Sun's Wine & Food Fest, Stewart hosted brunch with Potluck Dinner Party co-host Snoop Dogg, but there was a time when he couldn't always get his hands on a chef's knife. He joked that it made him appreciate the special knife. Once she returned to her own kitchen, she used her tools even more.
During a kitchen demonstration, Stewart lamented to the audience that the knife he was holding on stage was dull, emphasizing the importance of always having a sharp knife. Because you can't really get the job done without a knife. Snoop Dogg laughed and said she could sharpen her knives with “prison skills.”
“you I've never been to jail! ” Stewart quickly responded. And they don't have sharp knives. Nowhere. I mean, you can't even get a spoon in prison. ”
Stewart didn't reveal her favorite brand of knives, but here are some top picks from TODAY editors, along with two other must-have kitchen items that Stewart recommends.
Imarku Pro Kitchen 8-inch Chef's Knife, $30, Amazon
Imarku Pro Kitchen 8-inch Chef's Knife, $30, Amazon
A chef's knife can handle most cutting and chopping needs, so it's worth buying a quality knife. This stainless steel knife has earned his 5-star rating by 73% of Amazon reviewers, making it an Amazon Top Choice (and this affordable knife and knife set He is one of my favorites in the list).
Calphalon Precision Self-Sharpening Knife 10-Piece Set, $195, Amazon
Calphalon Precision Self-Sharpening Knife 10-Piece Set, $195, Amazon
Kitchen tools that make your life easier are a win-win. This space-saving knife set comes with its own wood block for easy storage and has a built-in sharpener to keep the blades from getting dull. A sharp knife is not only sharper, but also safer as a dull blade can slip and cause injury.
Expert cooks have long touted the amazing heating abilities of copper pots. So it's no wonder Stewart loves them. “I love a good stainless steel pot, and I have racks full of French and Japanese copper pots. It's an old-fashioned way of cooking,” Stewart told his TODAY Food. Although Stewart doesn't have a favorite brand, Mauviel copper pots have been recommended by many chefs, including David Chang and Daniel Humm. Although they may be expensive, a good cooper pot will last for years with proper care.
If you're looking to expand your copper pot collection, Copper Kitchen also offers a cheaper set (oven safe!) that is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by Amazon users.
Breville Juice Fountain Plus Juice Extractor, $143, Amazon
Breville Juice Fountain Plus Juice Extractor, $143, Amazon
In the morning, Stewart uses a juicer to make fresh green juices, and at night he switches gears and squeezes pomegranates and other fruits to create delicious cocktails. And for this superstar chef, one brand really beats the other: “The new Breville juicer is very good, efficient, and squeezes very well. I think it's the best juicer. ,” Stewart said today.
So, whether or not you can cook like Martha Stewart, at least now with these gadgets in your kitchen, you'll be better able to achieve Martha Stewart style.
