What is the kitchen utensil/gadget you can't live without?

[krisl6]

Krisl isn't Dutch... but her dutch writing is more than okay.

Thanks for the compliment!

or should I say:

Bedankt voor het compliment!

[Crankin]

My JA Henckels set of knives.
Other than that, I have a lot of cool little tools I like, but they are not expensive or special things. I have had a Kitchen Aid stand up mixer for about 15 years; I hardly use it anymore, since I rarely bake. I also have a bread machine that my exchange student gave us for a present that whenever we use it, we say, "Why don't we use that more often?"

[tulip]

To add to my favorites: it's really gotta be my Le Creuset dutch oven, now that Bleeker has hooked me on using it to bake bread. I never buy any sort of bread anymore. I've had my Le Creuset for nearly 20 years, and I always meant to build upon my collection other pots, but I haven't yet. I only have two other cooking pots--an old cheapola saucepan and a small cast iron skillet.

Oh and one more thing that I really like for cooking fish is my Romertopf for fish. I would like one for chicken someday, too.

[papaver]

Oh and one more thing that I really like for cooking fish is my Romertopf for fish. I would like one for chicken someday, too.

I have a romertopf that someone gave me... but i don't know what to do with it...

[tulip]

I have a romertopf that someone gave me... but i don't know what to do with it...

Is it for chicken or fish? The fish ones are shaped like a fish (imagine that!) and the bottom half is glazed on the inside. The chicken ones are taller and are not glazed on the inside. Don't use fish in a chicken one, unless you want all your future chicken dishes to smell like fish.

Here's what you do, assuming you have one for chicken: Soak the Romertopf in a sinkful of water for at least 20 minutes, preferably an hour. After that, put in some potatoes (chunks), carrots, celery, garlic, onions, fresh herbs--whatever you like. And a bit of white wine or beer--like a cup. Then put the the chicken (whole) in. You can stuff the chicken with garlic and herbs if you want to.

Put it in the oven, but the oven must be COLD. Turn the oven up to 400F / 180C or so and cook for about an hour. I'm not sure about the time. Everything cooks perfectly--moist and delicious and healthy.

Google Romertopf recipes for more info. They are wonderful!

[papaver]

it's the chicken one...

[MommyBird]

We have a new toy that has quickly become a favorite.

My husband and two sons have gotten into the habit of making energy shakes after they ride (Dave) and row (Nick & Drew).
I got tired of having the big blender out and washing the pitcher all the time. It's big, heavy and awkward.

So, I gave my husband a Tribest Personal Blender for our anniversary just this month. The guys love it. I do not use it but I love it too. Multiple containers, lightweight, they put it away, much quieter than the big one, who wouldn't love it.

Here are pics of us using our Dutch Oven for the first time...Notice the bikes on the truck...and the big red gloves...

[sandy87]

Don't use fish in a chicken one, unless you want all your future chicken dishes to smell like fish.

Just let me say: You are right... unfortunately, I did it



seems that i need a new Roemertopf ...
(and we should reanimate this thread .... to get more good tips!)




Regards

[marni]

I have my favorite knife and my favorite cast iron skillet which can pretty much get me through anything.