Home Cooks Essentials
The best kitchen arsenals are usually acquired over time but there are some things just too handy not to get as soon as possible. Here are six items we’re loving right now. Don’t forget to shop for these and all your kitchen tools at your nearest mom-and-pop cookware store.
CHAMPAGNE STOPPER
If you’re anything like me, the holidays mean a lot of prosecco or other bubbly beverages. But what happens when you can’t quite fi nish a bottle that can’t be re-corked? Enter the champagne saver! Pop this bottle topper onto any open bottle to keep the festive fi zz in your drink. It’s a simple concept, but highly effective. Get this gadget and never waste a bubble again!
BEESWAX WRAP
If you’re looking for a more sustainable way to preserve food than plastic cling wrap, beeswax wrap is just the thing. Wrap half an avocado, cover up those leftovers, or pack a snack for the kids. Beeswax wrap works like the plastic stuff but it’s washable, reusable and compostable! Whether you want to buy cute beeswax wrap or just DIY some of your own, its versatility and sustainability are unmatched.
DUTCH OVEN
Dutch ovens have been around for centuries, and they can serve as one of the most versatile gadgets in your kitchen. They can be used on the stovetop, in the oven or even over an open fi re. Dutch ovens are great for a variety of tasks, from braising meat and making stews to baking bread. Because of their durability, some can even last generations.
ROLLING PIN
The rolling pin is one of the oldest cooking utensils in the world, but I’ve found it’s an item people rarely purchase. You may have inherited one from your grandma, or you just use something found around the house. Either way, it’s time to upgrade. The French rolling pin is generally used to roll out various types of dough while making bread, pasta, pastries, etc. But this tool also works well for crushing foods or decorating. Whatever you intend to do with it, the rolling pin is a staple every home chef and baker needs.
COLD BREW MAKER
Let’s be honest: Making a cup of coffee and dumping it over ice is not the same as an iced coffee. But gourmet cold brew from a trendy shop can be plain costly. Time to invest in a cold brew maker! This handy gadget makes it easy to brew large batches you can keep in your fridge for up to two weeks. Just pick your favorite ground coffee and let it steep overnight for a delicious cup of cold brew by morning!
DUMPLING MOLD
Almost every major culture in the world has some form of dumplings. That’s why a dumpling maker is a great utensil for any kitchen. This versatile mold can be used to make pot stickers, kreplach, pasties, ravioli, perogies, piroshki, samosas, empanadas, or turnovers. It’s like an all-in-one food world tour thanks to one nifty gadget! So, if you’re into various foods stuffed inside of dough, this gadget is going to be your new best friend
