Aside from the measuring cup and spoon set, the Microplane zester, dim sum folder, citrus press, cookie scoop and absorbent paper which I featured in this column two weeks ago (see Jan. 29 issue, page C4), here are my other favorite kitchen tools.
Standing rice scoop—This may look like a paddle but it’s really a serving spoon for rice. The small grooves on the surface provide “traction” for the rice grains, making it easier to scoop out grains that are steaming hot. What’s more, this is one serving spoon that can stand on its own—you don’t have to leave it on the rice bowl since it has a “foot” that lets it stand on the table. I also use this to separate the grains of leftover cooked rice before turning them into fried rice.
Standing rice scoops come in a variety of designs and colors—there are even pink ones with cartoon characters as well as scoops shaped like a fish.
Where to buy: You can find this in the house ware section of department stores. Make sure to look for a scoop that has a “foot” if you want one that can stand upright.
Kitchen tongs—These tongs, given to me by a dear friend, can grip small pieces of food firmly so I don’t accidently drop them. The tongs can grip the food sideways or can lift it up from the bottom. Because it has a nonstick surface, it doesn’t scratch delicate pots and pans. Useful for cooking stir-fries, it can withstand heat up to 220ºC (however, don’t leave it unattended inside a hot pot or pan).
Where to buy: I haven’t seen them in any kitchen store in Metro Manila. The friend who gave them to me bought them in an Ikea store in Sydney. They’re available in other Ikea stores worldwide, too.
Handy for scooping
Mayo “sweeper”—This tool is really handy for scooping up the last pat of mayonnaise from a jar. The long handle lets you reach the sides and bottom of the jar easily. The rubber tip can sweep up the last bit of mayonnaise so you can get the most from it.
Where to buy: I bought mine in the duty-free shop near the airport but you can probably find this in kitchenware shops, too.
Dual peeler: A sharp blade is probably the most important component of a good peeler. This peeler, made by Progressive, has not just one but two sharp blades. The straight blade can peel apples, potatoes and other firm produce. The serrated one is good for peeling soft-skinned fruits like tomatoes and kiwis. There’s a rotating plastic shield that covers the blade that’s not in use, so your hands are protected while you peel away. The shield also helps keep the blade sharp when in storage.
Over the years I’ve used—and thrown away—many peelers because they can’t do the job well. This dual peeler, however, is a real keeper.
Where to buy: In the kitchen ware sections of department stores. Try Landmark in Ayala Center, which has a wide variety of kitchen tools and equipment.
Pleasant surprise
Multi-opener—I only wanted to buy a jar opener when I was in a store one day. Then I came upon this multi-opener (also made by Progressive which, unknown to them, is fast turning out to be my favorite manufacturer of kitchen tools and gadgets). What a pleasant surprise.
Though I was skeptical about its claimed abilities, I soon discovered that it can do all the six things it says it can. With its tips, edges and handles, it can lift and pull away tabs from soda cans, open bottle tops, grip safety seals and remove them easily, as well as grip and turn open metal bottle caps. Its handle conceals a pointed tip: Clamp the handle onto a plastic bag of chips or cookies, slide it across the bag and the pointed tip slits the bag open in a jiffy.
All these, aside from fulfilling its original purpose of being a jar opener in the first place. A non-slip grip lets you loosen tight fitting lids of jars and twist them open with minimum effort. In fact, as its packaging says, this isn’t just for the kitchen. Take it along on picnics or camping trips. It may just turn out to be the secret weapon you need when preparing snacks or meals.
Where to buy: In department stores and kitchen shops. I bought mine for P259.75, which is a real bargain considering what a multi-tasker this little gadget can be.
Multi-color cutting board— My sister Cory sent me this set of multi-color cutting boards that have really made it easier for me to cut, slice and chop vegetables, meat, fish and fruits. Not only is it color-coded, but illustrations on a small tab also remind me what each board is meant for: green for fruits and vegetables, blue for fish, white for cooked foods, and red for raw meats. This helps prevent cross contamination of food (never use the same cutting board for raw food and cooked food).
Where to buy: Look for this in specialty shops and kitchen ware sections of department stores.
For more tips, recipes and stories, visit the author’s blog www.normachikiamco.com, and www.facebook.com/normachikiamco. Follow on @NormaChikiamco Twitter.