Hobby Stash

January 25th, 2009

Pickle Picker

My sister-in-law and I have been trading kitchen gadgets for several years now. When we started, we were serious about it. We’ve now progressed to the point we try to stump the other with little known and even less likely to be used items. We’ve run across some pretty bizarre ones. Here’s the latest I found for her at Bed Bath and Beyond. I’m pretty sure she doesn’t have it….

Posted in Kitchen Gadgets
By Linda

January 24th, 2009

Calphalon One Infused Anodized 9-Inch Chef’s Skillet with Lid

As I’ve mentioned previously, I love my Caphalon everyday pan. But this baby is perfect for those smaller sauté jobs.

My Rating:  

Posted in Kitchen Gadgets
By Linda

January 12th, 2009

Meat Pounder

I love my meat pounder! After years of having my wooden meat tenderizer heads fly across the room after totally ripping apart chicken breasts, it was time to go shopping. I bought this baby 5 years ago (Price back then was only $19.99, which was on my way upper end for a tool I only occasionally use). The sucker is heavy but it does a wonderful job of flattening and tenderizing meat without ripping it to shreds. I wouldn’t pay the current price of $35 (Amazon) but if you shop Amazon on a regular basis (my home away from home), they have some pretty good sales and I’ve gotten in the habit of placing items like this in my shopping cart and just waiting for that moment.

Posted in Kitchen Gadgets
By Linda

January 6th, 2009

Oxo Utensil Holder

I never would have thought I’d be writing a review on a utensil holder but I really like this one. Because of it’s unique shape, it holds a lot more tools without being unwieldly on the countertop. And it has divided sections so that you can sort the utensils for quick retrieval. I have my spatulas, whisks, and wooden utensils each in their own sections. Nice.

My Rating:  

Posted in Kitchen Gadgets
By Linda

October 21st, 2008

Caphalon Fan

Okay, I’ll admit it…I’m a Caphalon fan….the ole hard-anodized aluminum variety. I’ve purchased several different pans over the years and frequently use them all. I just love the ability to go from stovetop to oven. There are only two downsides: they must be handwashed (although they clean easily) and they are heavy. Here are a few I have and recommend:

Calphalon Commercial Hard-Anodized 2-1/2-Quart Shallow Saucepan with Lid

I have two of these and use them almost daily. Great for just about anything requiring a saucepan!

Calphalon Commercial Hard-Anodized 12-Inch Everyday Pan with Lid

In my opinion, this is better than a wok because of it’s flat bottom feature. This baby frequently starts out on the stovetop and moves to the oven. And when I’m lazy, it goes to the table as my serving dish.

Calphalon Commercial Nonstick 10-Inch International Griddle/Crepe Pan

This is one of the few non-stick pans I own as I’m not a fan. It doesn’t seem to matter how much I spend, they just don’t last over the long term. But you do need at least one. I love the even heat of this pan. But it size is limiting. So…

Calphalon Traditional Simply Nonstick 5 Quart Saute Pan with Lid

…I bought my second any only other nonstick pan to handle larger delicate frying projects.

Calphalon Commercial Hard-Anodized 8-1/2-Quart Saucier with Lid

Great for those slow oven-cooking or stovetop recipes

Calphalon Commercial Hard-Anodized 7-Quart Chef’s Casserole with Lid

And when the 8-1/2 quart is a little too large, this one fits the bill nicely!

Posted in Kitchen Gadgets
By Linda