The essential tool guide for the home chef
Every artist and craftsman treasure her tools. If you are an avid home cook, let these kitchen essentials power your skills:
Pepper Mill by Peugeot: The French carmaker created this classic pepper mill in 1842. The mill uses a case hardened steel mill mechanism and comes with a lifetime manufacturer warranty. Available at www.junglee.com.
Wood Mortar and Pestle: Available at Contemporary Arts and Crafts, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and soon online, it looks like a piece of art. www.facebook.com/contemporaryartsandcrafts.
Knives by Sabatier: Known in the US as “the French Chef’s knife” the Sabatier makes a mean cut. Look out for single forged steel blades made in Thiers, the home of the original Sabatier knife. Available online at www.amazon.com.
Vagharia in cast iron: It’s made locally in many small towns and is usually found in inner city markets. Spices for seasoning get an unmistakably special taste when heated in these pans. Available in most old city markets in Mumbai, Pune, Chennai and Bangalore.
Skillet grill by Le Creuset: Cast iron cookware, with enamel finish. The skillet grill allows for quick cooking of vegetables, chicken, fish and steaks while excess fat is drained and can be poured off. The iron handle means no burning of wood or Bakelite. But it does get hot, so watch out. Available at Le Creuset Store, Shop no. 25, Lavelle Road, Bangalore.
Stand mixer by Kitchen Aid: It comes with several beaters, a dough hook, flat beater, wire whisk and spiral attachment. It makes up dough for pasta in a jiffy, whips up ice-cream and batter for super-light cakes, and with attachments can do everything from slicing vegetables and grind meat. Check out www.kitchenaidindia.com for distributors.
Pasta Maker by Imperia: Churn out professional looking fettucine and spaghetti with the basic machine. You can get attachments for making other pastas like tagliatelle and ravioli. Available at www.pastamachine.in and www.gourmetco.in.
Apple Cooker by Prestige: The new line made with a new weight valve and some other great features are available in funky colours by Prestige. Available at most good kitchen stores.
Potato Peeler Good Grips by Oxo: The head of the peeler swivels slightly to curve and bend around the natural shape of fruits and vegetables. Good for carrots and cucumbers too. Available at www.zansaar.com.
Casserole by Charterhouse: A beautifully designed, heavy-bottomed, stainless steel tall pan. Its shatter-proof glass lid allows for easy straining and handles lock the lid into place. Super for making soup stock, cooking pasta and boiling vegetables. Available at www.wonderchef.in.
-The Hindu
==================================
