How to use this strange tool in your kitchen

 

Before using it, you need to understand    what    it is. Here are some unusual and common kitchen utensils and their uses:

1. Mandoline slicer.

• Appearance: a flat board with adjustable blades.
• Purpose: Quickly cuts fruits and vegetables into uniform thicknesses for salads, gratins, or French fries.
• Instructions for use:
  • Adjust the blade settings to the desired thickness.
  • Hold the food firmly with a hand guard (never use bare hands!) and slide it onto the blade.
  • Perfect for making fries, zucchini noodles or cabbage strips.

2. Meat tenderizer

• Appearance: A hammer-like tool with textured sides.
• Purpose: Breaks down tough meat fibers to tenderize it.
• Instructions for use:
  • Place the meat between two sheets of cling film or baking paper.
  • Gently tap the meat with the textured side until it is evenly flattened.
  • Ideal for marinated chicken cutlets, escalopes or fillets.

    3. Citrus grater/Microplane

    • Appearance: A small grater with sharp holes.
    • Purpose: To peel citrus fruits or finely grate ingredients such as garlic, ginger, or hard cheeses.
    • Instructions for use:
      • Rub the fruit or ingredient against the microplane, applying light pressure.
      • Avoid grating the bitter white part when pitting citrus fruits.
      • Perfect for adding lemon zest to desserts or grating Parmesan cheese over pasta.

    4. Egg separator

    • Appearance: A small silicone or plastic tool shaped like a fish or cup.
    • Objective: To separate the yolks from the whites without breaking the yolk.
    • Instructions for use:
      • Break the egg into a bowl.
      • Pass the separator over another bowl and pour the egg mixture into it: the white will drip out, leaving the yolk behind.

    5. Silicone pastry brush

     

    • Appearance: A flexible brush with soft bristles.
    • Purpose: To spread oil, butter, or icing on food.
    • Instructions for use:
      • Dip the brush in the liquid and spread it gently over the meat, pastries, or vegetables.
      • Ideal for seasoning roasts, glazing cookies or greasing pans.

    6. Avocado cutter

    • Appearance: A multifunctional tool with a knife edge, a stone remover, and a cutting grid.
    • Purpose: Safely cuts, pits, and slices avocados.

    • Instructions for use:
      • Use the edge of the knife to cut the avocado lengthwise around the pit.
      • Turn the halves over and use the pitter to remove the seeds.
      • Use the cutting grid to create uniform slices or pieces.

    7. Ravioli mold

    • Appearance: a tray with recessed pockets and a perforated top.
    • Objective: To make homemade ravioli with perfectly sealed edges.
    • Instructions for use:
      • Roll out the dough and place a sheet on top of the mold.
      • Add the filling to each pouch and then cover it with another sheet of pasta.
      • Press down with the perforated top to seal and cut the ravioli.