Proper Tools

Nothing my sweetheart has done to foster my cooking has been more significant than supplying me with the proper tools.  Being a man with a tool fetish anyway, it was only natural that such a lust would carry over to the kitchen.  My workshop is well equipped.  I wouldn’t expect to build something worth the time and materials without tools that would facilitate a fine product.  The same applies to the kitchen.

 I invited myself to her first Pampered Chef party.  I was the only man in attendance.  The presenter was a bit awkward having me there.  I kept asking questions.  Well, look, that chopper was fantastic!  I fell in love right away!  But I wanted the Binford 2000 version that could chop of whole head of cauliflower at once!  Arrr!  Arrr!  Arrr!  I mean we’re not messin’ around here, there’s food to cook!

My enthusiasm was contagious though and we now have a well stocked kitchen with nearly every tool imaginable.  Drawers and cupboards full of tools and appliances all designed to prepare what we eat in an efficient and delectable manner.  We are both amazed at how much more fun cooking is and at how frequently each tool finds it’s way to the dishwasher. 

Now, don’t rush out and break the bank stocking up on tools.  I’ve camped for a week with nothing more than a cast iron frying pan and a pocket knife.  You can get by with what you have.  Just work toward improving your collection of implements.

Without a doubt, the most versatile and well used tool in our kitchen is our Kitchen Aid Mixer (pictured above.)  From mixing Dilly Bread to Whipped Potatoes, Banana Shakes to Pancake batter, Meringue to cookie dough, that little implement is on the job, day and night.  That baby’s got horsepower Arr! Arrr!  Scared the bejeebers outa my brother-in-law though, when my nephew stuck a finger in to get some cookie dough while she was cranking.  He scolded the kid and told him he was never allowed near a mixer again!  Now that was unconscionable in sweeties book and she said so.  “Now, I’m sure,” she said, “that safety is important, but if little Joey was going to the bathroom and the seat fell down on his little tally-wacker, would you tell him he could never use the toilet again!?”  Poor kid could have been frightened of the kitchen for life!  For goodness sakes, be careful, but don’t forget to have some fun and steal a little cookie dough once in a while.

For Christmas sweetie requested a Kitchen Aid Food Processor.  Who was I to complain.  Binford can’t touch that baby.  Whole heads of cauliflower here I come!  Were talking broccoli soup in an instant!  This is going to be good.  And she doesn’t even mind if I have a turn at it!