Autumn Years Fall 2023

BEST BETS

Kitchen Gadgets That Simplify Cooking & Food Prep By Kimberly Blaker

the other attachments, includ ing a pasta roller, spiralizer, juicer, shredder, slicer, sausage stuffer, grinder and even ice cream maker. Instant Pot Pressure Cooker The Instant Pot Pressure Cooker is another multi-use cooking tool that simplifies the cooking process while also speeding it up. You can use it to saute, steam, cook rice, make yogurt and more. It also serves as a pressure cooker or slow cooker. Some versions also include other settings like an air fryer adapter. A stubborn jar lid can wreak havoc on your hands as you strain to twist it open. This automatic jar opener works quickly and easily—just place it over the lid and press the but ton to turn and release. (These gadgets, and specific brands where noted, are avail able on Amazon.) Hamilton Beach Open Ease Automatic Jar Opener

The kitchen may just be the heart of the home. People spend so much time preparing meals, whether for fun, special occasions or out of necessity each day. Home-cooked meals may be best for both your wallet and your health. Yet, meal prep can be challenging to do consistently, whether because of time constraints, health issues or other reasons. However, if you love to cook and want to simplify food preparation or dread the task but want to cut back on takeout, these days there are many smart kitchen gadgets, including the following that can save you time and energy so you can focus on creating delicious, nutritious meals.

Butefo 8 in 1 Kitchen Tool If you are low on counter space, this device conveniently stores eight basic kitchen tools together. It includes a funnel, measuring cup, fruit squeezer, egg masher, spice grater, egg separator, cheese grater and silicone cap opener.

Easy Egg Peeler Peeling hard-boiled eggs can be difficult, especially when those tiny little pieces of shell stick to the egg. The Easy Egg Peeler does the hard work for you. Your only job is to shake it up, then peel off the outside. This gadget simplifies food prep with seven interchange able blades that quickly chop, dice, slice, spiralize, grate and more, quickly and safely. The prepared food then drops into the container, keeping every thing in one place, ready for the next step. Rapid Slicer This simple device makes cut ting small fruits and veggies easy, quick and safe. It holds food in place while you slide the knife through, protecting your fingers while cutting more at once. You can even use it to slice meat and bread products. Fullstar Vegetable Chopper Dicer Mandoline Slicer

Automatic Pan Stirrer with Timer

This device will save you the effort of constantly stirring sauces and other dishes. Set the timer and place the stirrer in your pan. Then work on the rest of your meal or just sit down and relax. This stirrer is perfect, especially if you would rather not stand at the stove or stir for an extended time. Kale & Herb Razor Sometimes, the simplest gad gets can make a huge differ ence. This small razor quickly strips kale, herbs and leafy vegetables to save you from repetitive chopping and slicing with a knife. Salad Cutter Bowl Simplify your salad with this all-in-one device. Wash and strain fruits and veggies, flip it over to cut through slits, turn to cut pieces again, then flip over for a ready-made salad. If salad is not your thing, use it to quickly chop fruits, veggies and more.

OXO Good Grips 3-in-1 Avocado Slicer

Avocados can be slippery, dan gerous fruits to handle with a sharp knife. This tool makes it easy and safe to cut, de-pit and slice avocados.

NutriChef 12 Cup Food Processor

This gadget does a lot of the work for you when it comes to meal prep. It comes with six blades to slice, shred, mash, chop, knead, emulsify and juice large amounts of both wet and dry ingredients. Tilt-head Stand Mixer Countertop stand mixers allow for easy mixing without effort. The tilt-head design comes with a dough hook, beater and whip. It is easy to swap out

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer. She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare

& Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more at sagerarebooks.com

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AUTUMN YEARS I FALL 2023