Welcome to Sunday All Day Brunch. This is an open topic thread so help yourself to the goodies and sit a spell and let us know what is new with you. I thought today I could give you a brief tour through my world of kitchen gadgets. As many of you know I love to cook and am currently writing a cookbook, which like Topsy keeps growing and growing. I have severe arthritis and have purchased several things to make it easier for me to continue to cook. Here are a few new things I've gotten and a few oldies but goodies I still use.
Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
My stand mixer is a workhorse. I use it frequently. I got it several years ago when I was married so it is an older model of the Kitchenaid Professional mixer. I use it when I go on my Christmas cookie-baking spree. I am also using it to do bread recipes since with my arthritis it is hard to knead bread and the bread hook on the mixer is fantastic.
Cuisinart Mini Prep Food Processor
Food Processors are wonderful! I have a full size one and a mini prep. It gets a real workout making salsa and hummus for my family. They can slice and chop much faster and neater than you can by hand.
Ninja Food Prep Center
The last time I saw my older brother he dropped by a birthday present for me. It was a Ninja. I use it as both a mini processor and to make slushies. It is a gift I will always treasure.
Oxo Good Grips V-Shape Mandolin
A recent purchase is a mandolin. This one is by Oxo Good Grips and this thing rocks. You can dial up the width of slices you want, you can crinkle cut vegetables, you can julienne them, and it has safety features that will keep your hand safe. I use it a lot when I'm making things with sliced potatoes.
Oxo Good Grips Adjustable Measuring Cup
This is also new. It is an adjustable measuring cup. It is great for sticky things like molasses and mustard that you have to try and scrap out of the containers. This one you measure what you need and push on the bottom and it all comes out. This particular one is also by Oxo Good Grips.
Presto Electric Skillet
I have two older things that I use constantly. One of my favorites is my electric skillet. It is great on hot days when I don't want to heat up the kitchen and the oven. It is non-stick and cleans up like a dream.
JC Penney Electric Wok
I know this is controversial but I have used my electric wok for years. It actually does heat up quite well and I stir-fry a lot. I can also use it to deep fat fry and to steam. I have a cheap electric stove in my apartment and I can get higher heat from my old wok then I can on the stove top.
Oxo Good Grips Potato Ricer
A new gadget for me is a potato ricer. As with a lot of my gadgets it is from Oxo Good Grips. I cannot tell you how easy it makes doing mashed potatoes. I made some last night and they were the fluffiest potatoes I've ever had.
Kitchenaid Immersion Blender
Immersion blenders are fantastic. I use mine a lot in soups. You can stick it right in the pot and blend or puree soups. It sure beats having to blend them in batches in a blender.
Okay so these are a few of the gadgets I have in my kitchen. I refused to let severe arthritis stop me from cooking. I will use gadgets that make it easier for me to cook. What do you have in your kitchen? What devices make your life easier?