Small Kitchen Essentials
Sure, you can make do with the kitchen tools that you already have, but having the right small kitchen appliances can make cooking more efficient and enjoyable. Here are some of the most helpful appliances for easy and fun cooking:
Blender, Countertop:
With short, quickly rotating blades, this kitchen helper cuts prep time by instantly and easily blending, chopping, and pureeing many types of foods. A precedent to the ever-popular food processors.
Blenders, Handheld:
Also called immersion blenders, these can blend, liquefy, or puree foods directly in pots or bowls. This saves on cleanup, because a blender container isn't needed. Also another alternative to food processors.
Bread Machine:
This machine eases and guides the bread-making process through mixing, kneading, rising, punching down, and baking. This machine essentially takes the hard work out of bread-making!
Electric Mixer:
This appliance is essential for efficiently mixing, whipping, and beating foods. Two types of mixers are available: A handheld, portable mixer is sufficient for most recipes. If you do a lot of cooking, you may want to invest in a heavy-duty stand mixer, which can handle large amounts of thick batter and allows you a bit of freedom while operating. In addition, many stand mixers can knead bread dough with special attachments. Another "sister" to the food processor, but is designed for much larger mixing duties. Food Processor:
This appliance performs many of the same jobs as a blender or electric mixer. While it can't whip foods, it can slice and shred. When processing heated mixtures, cool mixture slightly; fill bowl only half full. Cover lid with a clean towel while operating. Available in three sizes, the food processor is an incredibly handy tool for smaller cutting, pureeing and chopping jobs. Toaster Oven:
Because these take little time to preheat, they're ideal for toasting several slices of bread at once and baking small amounts of food. Ideal for cooking jobs not large enough for conventional ovens. |  |
