French chef Philippe Etchebest tastes a meal as he wears a black armband in the kitchen of his restaurant “Le Quatrieme Mur” in Bordeaux, south-western France, on September 30, 2020. – Etchebest calls owners to wear a black armband or hat and to gather in front of their restaurants, bars and clubs at 11:45 AM (GMT+2) on October 2, 2020, as a way to protest peacefully after French government imposed fresh curbs to limit the spread of the Covid-19 diseases caused by the novel coronavirus. (Photo by MEHDI FEDOUACH / AFP) (Photo by MEHDI FEDOUACH/AFP via Getty Images)
. (Photo by MEHDI FEDOUACH / AFP) (Photo by MEHDI FEDOUACH/AFP via Getty Images)If you are anything like me, anytime you see a new kitchen gadget you have to purchase it in the hopes that it will make your dinner preparations faster and easier. I cannot begin to tell you how many useless gadgets I have collected over the years. Hearing the top 3 picks from a cooking expert is some advice I can trust.
Citrus Squeezer
OXO citrus squeezer. (Photo by Ross Hailey/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Among the tools was a citrus squeezer, great for squeezing lemons, limes, and other citrus fruit to add their juices to dressings, pasta, dips, and fish. I have to admit that my favorite citrus squeezer is buying that plastic lemon filled with lemon juice sold in the produce isle. To my taste buds, I can not tell the difference between freshly squeezed or juice that a manufacturer squeezed for me.
Garlic Press
Abstract detail of a garlic press, taken on February 28, 2013. (Photo by Chris Rutter/Digital Camera Magazine/Future via Getty Images)
A garlic press was another top pick among chefs because you can never have too much garlic. The tool also keeps the stickiness and smell of garlic off your hands. I agree with trying to keep the smell of garlic off your hands. It seems the smell of garlic stays on your hands for days which is on reason I reach for the jar of garlic when it comes to recipes.
Dutch Oven
BRUNSWICK, ME - FEBRUARY 25: Green Plate Special. Christine Burns Rudalevige removes the lid from her dutch oven while making corned beef. (Staff photo by Derek Davis/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images)
A dutch oven is a great way to get in an arm workout because they are heavy, but also you can cook stews, soups, and even bread in them. I own a dutch oven and love it because whenever I use a roaster to cook my meats, I usually overcook them and they become tough and dry. When I use a dutch oven it seems I cannot overcook the meat and the meat is tender and juicy.
Blenders
Blenders are synonymous with health, as smoothies, veggies, soups, and more can be created using them. I do not know where I would be without the invention of the blender. I make myself a milk, banana, chocolate sauce and peanut butter shake everyday around 3pm in my blender. This shake became my afternoon addiction and I get grumpy when I don't get a chance to make this in my blender! - Maryann Morgan
