Queen of Kitchen Gadgets

Gadget? Did you say "Gadget"? I LOVE Gadgets! Especially "Kitchen Gadgets"!!
Over the years I think I have tried at least 20+ kitchen gadgets. Some were definitely not worth the money and others are still the mules in my kitchen. Home demonstration party hostesses love to see me coming to their parties because you can always count on the "QOKG" (Queen of Kitchen Gadgets) to buy at least one new mule for her kitchen.

KING MUSCLE

Besides the normal arsenal of gadgetry that I'm sure you have in your possession as well, for example..

• Pizzelle Cookie Maker
• Electric Frying Pan
• Two Crock pots (large & small)
• Kitchen Aid Mixer Add-On Gadgets
• Fry Daddy
• Waffle Maker
• Food Processor
• Bread Machine

(What? You don't have all these standard gadgets?)

There are others that are quietly hidden in the drawers and cabinets of my kitchen standing ready to work at any given culinary moment. Let's open my cupboards and see which gadgets fit thee - shall we?

Oma's Bread Crumb Grinder
When I was given this gadget I thought I'd hardly use it, however, there's nothing sweeter than grinding your own bread crumbs. If nothing else, it serves as a handsome antique as well!  Definitely worthy of the space it takes in my cupboard.

Compost Collector
On my counter top sits this lovely red compost collector. When I was considering buying one I fell in love with this one because somehow it looks like a fire hydrant to me. Being that my husband is a firefighter, it fit even better. I collect all my 'green' food scraps in this collector and when it's full I bring it out to my compost heap. I found this one at Gardeners Supply.com

Quick Chef & Grater
While it cost me a small mound of change, this Tupperware Quick Chef is the best non-electric food processor I've ever bought. If you've ever gone to a Tupperware party and the demonstrator goes on about this gadget, believe me.. she means it and it's not just a sales pitch! I love this thing!  It slices through carrots like butter, and with just a few turns chops onions quicker than you can shed a tear.  Now, how about that Microplane Zester/Grater. Funny, I found this gadget all the way in Murrieta, California while visiting dear friends. There's no "greater" grater than this one!  A few glides over a chunk of Parmesan cheese and you're ready for topping a bowl of pasta!

Jar Opener
Come on - admit it - there are days that our "Queen" muscles are not what they need to be, and when "King Muscle" isn't around what do you do when you have to open that jar of roasted peppers? No problem, consult the jar opener. Simply slide the jar lid into this baby,give it a little twist and there you have it - an opened jar!  Another benefit, this gadget hides neatly under your cabinet!

Herb Scissor
Don't go another year with cutting your herbs with a regular scissor, especially if you're an herb gardener. This wonderful scissor isn't just one blade, but FIVE scissors all in one! Talk about a "Scissor hand"! Look at how nice this scissor chops up your herbs too.. No tedious chopping, but a simple cut and your done.

Measuring Cups and Spoons
After being married 27 years, there are some things that you replace from time to time in the kitchen, measuring cups & spoons seem to be one of them. My latest addition to the gadget collection were these magnetic measuring cups and spoons by Copco. Never loose a measure again! Then you have the Super Duper Metric Wonder Cup! Just like all the hoopla about the "Wonder Bra" this measuring cup is hands-down the best gadget for measuring out shortening, brown sugar & peanut butter.

Slide the yellow cup down, fill your ingredient and push the cup back up and out comes your ingredients. Just like that!

Silver Collection
Next up for your review are my smaller gadgets, the ones that will get lost in your drawer if you don't pay attention to them. One, the smallest spatula you've ever taken a corner of a brownie out with. Two, the flat edge, handy dandy chopped vegetable picker-upper. Three, the indispensable gravy whisk. Sure, you have your other whisks but this one is flat edged, it's great for picking up all those little tasty bits and pieces from the gravy pan and because it's rubber coated it doesn't scratch either! Compliments of Pampered Chef. Four, not your mother's meat thermometer.  After living with my daughter for a short period of time, I quickly learned that chef's have their own select gadgetry too! Enter the meat thermometer. Unlike your older types of thermometers, this one doesn't have the words , "Beef, Chicken, etc." written on it, but it's a fine thermometer at that. Chef's never leave home without at least one of these in their pocket! However, for your ordinary, homemaker, I have one in my drawer, right next to a cheat sheet that tells me what each meat temperature should be. 

Food Saver Machine
Save this advise because you're going to want to look this gadget up for future reference. My food saver is the ultimate in saving me money. I will seal and save anything in quanitity and freeze it for later use.

I especially love it for saving tomato sauce and packaging up meat. As you can see, I mean serious business by that statement. 

All in all, I don't have too many gadgets do I? Do you have a favorite gadget, a hardworking mule of an appliance? Please, share it with me, as my other gadgets would love to make friends. Have a question about any of my favorite kitchen gadgets? The "Queen" accepts all comments and questions 24-hours a day!