Miss Jo Says 3

Gosh, I was kind of hoping I would get some kind of good idea about a fascinating subject to write about, but all I keep thinking about is cooking stuff. Maybe its cause I am alone in the kitchen most of the afternoon, cooking for the guys. Lots of time to think to say the least.

Anyway, todays tips are about my favorite cooking utensils, etc. Over the years, ya try a lot of stuff and a huge amount of it is just crap and not really worth the money. These are my faves tho.

1. Kitchen Aid Knives- Just got a set of these not too long ago, and they are perfect. The chefs knife fits my hand just right. If they aren't advertising these specially for women, they have missed the boat. It is a nice knife, cuts great, feels good in your hand as the handle is some kind of material that gives a bit, and if you read my first, Miss Jo Says, it also takes that garlic smell right off your hands when you wash it. It is just a little bit different than other knives that I have used. My previous favorite was a Zwillinger and I suppose if I had tons of money I could go out and buy a bunch of those too til I found one that fit my hand. To be honest though, I only ever use 2 or 3 knives. Maybe if I was into cleaning fish, I might use a filleting knife, but cleaning fish is for someone else to do.
2. Mario Batelli Pizza Cutter - This is one of those items that every house seems to have one or two of and mostly they really don't do a good job. But this one, man, it just slices thru your pizza like butter. I love it. Know its expensive, but it is worth it. If you have those non-stick baking pans tho, you will probably have to stick to the ceramic or plastic cutters. Too bad!
3.Turbo Vegetable Peeler - I saw this at the market here in Bornheim and couldn't seem to stop watching the guy and his demonstration. The second week he was there, I broke down and bought one. For TEN euros! I know what you are saying, that is waaay too much for a tater peeler. But its not. It is so much fun to use, that the thought of peeling 10 lbs. of spuds has become a joy. I am actually happy when mashed potatoes are on the menu. I can do 10 lbs in 15 minutes or less. It whizzes thru carrots too. If you see one downtown or at your local market, buy it and you will then understand what I mean.
4. Mandoline - This is the easy way to slice potatoes, tomatoes, cukes, etc. They are hard to find downtown, but sometimes they have them at American bazaars or in front of Woolworths. I got mine for about 25 euros and it has been worthe every penny. It sure is alot easier to clean up than a food processer. Plus, it makes these neat waffle looking slices, like a tic tac toe. If you have little kids, this will help with those veggies.

I have some more faves, but you will have to wait.