Measure Up!

You know how they say "good things come to those who wait"? Well, I have been patiently waiting for weeks since recieving an email from the nice people at OXO Kitchen Appliances for my very own set of Mini Measuring Beakers.

What happened was, one day I was leisurely surfing Facebook, when I came across the OXO page. They were doing a survey about storing spices, and what better to do when bored then fill out a survey? A week later, I received an email from them saying they wanted to "thank me for my time" with a complimentary set of Mini Measuring Beakers. Awesome!

And now they are here! They are so cute, and definitely handy for measuring small quantities of ingredients since they sit nicely on the counter. There will be no more fumbling with the measuring spoons and the bottle of vanilla! Don't lie, we have all been there, and spilled it all over the counter.

Aside from being super adorable they have other amazing qualities as well like being dishwasher safe, BPA free and they all nest together for easy storage.

Overall I love them and I think you would, too. Next time you're measuring a teaspoon of lemon juice, you will thank me.

 

*OXO did not pay or endorse this post. All opinions are my own, without compensation.

 

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What is This Spoon For?

One of the most common questions people have when dining in The Escoffier Room at The Culinary Institute of America is: "What is this spoon for?".

With white table cloth, fine dining restaurants, far and few in between in America, it isn't hard to understand why the vast majority of people don't know what all of the silverware is for. So, I've made you a little field guide to fine dining. So, next time you're planning on dining out at a top of line restaurant, you will be ahead of the game...and look trés soigné.

 This cute little guys are COCKTAIL FORKS. They are usually used for shellfish or amuse bouches. Their little tines are great for getting into those shells and grabbing tiny things.

Pretty in Pink

I just got this new 12" Microplane Classic in Pink over the past weekend. I was so excited because it seems like every time I look for one they never have pink. But, I struck it lucky at the outlets and just had to buy it.
I have always been a fan of Microplane, but I especially love the Classic Series. Here's why:

• Pink is my favorite color. But fear not! They come in a variety of colors to match any decor or any style.
• The blades are made in the U.S.A, thus supporting the economy.
• The packaging doubles as the blade guard--limiting packaging waste.
• The blade is razor sharp and remains sharp for a years.
• The handle is clean and easy to maintain. I have the all plastic handle as opposed to the Comfort Grip handle. I like it more because the grip cannot be cut or dinged up from wear and tear of the commercial kitchen.

The common ailment of Microplane users is how to clean the tiny teeth free of debris. Well I have created a clever fix. All you need is an ice cube. After zesting, grating, shredding whatever your heart desires, grate an ice cube and voila! Clean!

To Pin or Not to Pin

Pin boning fish seems to be one of those tasks that will follow you everywhere, so I recommend getting a pair of something to aid in the pin boning process. I use a pair of 6" Jewelry Pliers that I picked up at Walmart for $8.00 (it was a set of three). Why do I like these more than the pin boning pliers used in Fish Fabrication Class? Well,

• They fit nicely in my hands and have grips on the handle.
• They can be used for other tasks, like removing the beard from mussels.
• They come in a variety of  sizes from tiny three inch pliers to larger, full sized versions.
• They are inexpensive and readily available.
• They come in different colors so it is very easy to make sure you get them back after loaning them out.
• And they are spring loaded, unlike most pliers purchased at the hardware store.

Happy Birthday To Me

In just a few days my birthday will be here, and we all know what that means: new gadgets. But there is one gift, that I have already received, that has caught me completely off guard, something I never would have seen coming my way.
Upon arriving in Florida, to spend the remainder of my externship break, there was a knock on the door. Delivered was a small Amazon box. After patiently waiting for months, it was here. Whatever "it" was.
Sitting on the coffee table was a beautiful new Shun Ken Onion 8" Chef Knife with display stand and a Kai Magnetic Blade Guard.

May I say I am in love with this knife. Let's talk about it.

• It is lightweight. Weighing in at 18.2 ounces, it is lighter than most traditional forged knives.
• The handle. This handle is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your hand from the first use. At first, I was a little skeptical about the design seeing as I had, before, only used straight handled knives. This knife changed my mind entirely. Never again will I use a straight handled knife. There are also little divots to rest your fingers in. Did I mention I love this knife?
• The blade is not straight either. The blade has a groove in it, perfect for placing your hand when chopping herbs, chocolate, nuts, anything that needs a rock and chop motion.

The Kai Blade Guard is also of superior quality, with a few quirks of its' own.

• It comes in three sizes (small, medium and large) which will fit any knife.
• It can be cut to custom fit any blade, regardless of blade width, curve, etc.
• Its magnetic, to hold on really tight to the knife.
• It wont crack, chip and split like the conventional plastic blade guards. I've had two of those break on me so far and one break ended with the blade in my finger, so I am a little weary of them now.

I am so happy with this gift. Justin could not have picked a more wonderful present.