The Art of Ingenious Cooking: Kitchen Gadgets
Kitchen gadgets are any technological products intended to help make cooking and other chores around the kitchen easier. Now, gadget in itself is a relative term; at one time, the microwave was unheard of, and no one could have imagined that one day, dishes would clean themselves. But aside from the traditional kitchen gadgets that no one can live without, there are other, lesser known gadgets that can bring the fun back to the kitchen, and making cooking an adventure, not a chore.
A Gadget for Every Season
Every year, kitchen gadgets are invented, created and sold in kitchen stores, online and on television. Some of these gadgets become house-hold names; others are forgotten as soon as the package is opened. But in end, all of these gadgets hope to accomplish the same thing: make some part of cooking, no matter how big or small, quicker, safer, better and more fun.
Salad shooters and electric choppers are some of the most common kitchen gadgets. They take large quantities of vegetables, cheese, fruit and garnishes and chop them up much into perfectly-diced cubs or minced mounds. When cooking any meal that includes large quantities of vegetables or garlic, the repetitive act of chopping and slicing can make anyone consider a frozen dinner instead. However, these appliances save time and energy, and give the cook the peace-of-mind to be able to focus on the bigger picture, like the meat, instead of on the tiny details.
Sandwich makers have been a popular appliance for years, but their nephews have become the new trend in kitchen gadgets. The original idea of grilling cheese or paninis on the countertop is old news; now, entire courses can be prepared with the push of a button. Steaks, hamburgers, omelets, waffles, sausages and pastries can be cooked with perfect grill marks without ever having to turn on the gas. Plus, these grills, sandwich makers and presses include various fat-saving and calorie-reducing gadgets of their own, from grease drip trays to non-stick surfaces.
Electric knives are another set of kitchen gadgets that have been around awhile in more rudimentary stages, but are now becoming highly-desirable appliances. From carving turkey to cutting bread, electric knives allow for one-handed cutting, as well as perfectly-even slices. As far as safety is concerned, they can be better or worse. It is still a knife, and without focus, it can be dangerous. But at least with one-handed control, that other hand will not be floating around the roast waiting to lose a finger or two.
