Last time you checked into an Airbnb, or stayed somewhere with a kitchen that’s not your own, did you think, “I wish there was a ____ in this kitchen!” I’ve been cooking for nearly all my life, and when away from home I’ve learned to make do with pretty much anything… But there are certain tools that make dinnertime so much easier!
Below is my list of items that might not immediately come to mind as essential, but once you’ve got ‘em, you won’t look back. With the holidays coming up, this is also a great list to work from for anyone you know who loves to cook or could just use a few new pieces in their kitchen.
Batter Bowl
You’re a step closer to baking bliss with a cute batter bowl. Mix up some pancakes for the grand-kids on Christmas morning, or a decadent cake for the holidays. Just the right size with a handy handle and convenient pour spout, you’ll love having this and friends will love receiving one.
Dish Towels
No matter how much or how little you cook, dish towels are a MUST in any kitchen, and always make a great gift. Hanging from an oven door or a drawer handle, they can add a pop of color and interest to your kitchen space, or can blend in if you’d rather it not be a feature. Whichever direction you choose, be it muted or making a statement, they are at their core functional and necessary.
Fine Zester
This is a valuable tool in any kitchen. Yes, you can get along without one, using a chef’s knife to finely chop garlic and ginger, but it makes short work of these ingredients, and more, while also producing a finer texture than you could ever get with a knife and cutting board. Use it for grating fresh nutmeg, finely grating hard cheese like Parmigiano, and of course for zesting citrus. If I could, I’d rename this gadget “flavor booster.”
Utensil Holder
It’s easier to find what you need when you can see it clearly, and a countertop utensil holder keeps things neat and organized. Spatulas, spoons and tongs are at your reach whenever you need them, and an attractive vessel can add a touch of style to your kitchen’s ambiance.
Kitchen Shears
A pair of dedicated kitchen scissors is an asset to any kitchen. From cutting parchment paper down to size for lining cake pans, to removing the backbone from chickens so they can be spatchcocked for even roasting, or my favorite use… cutting pizzas. They’re also handy for snipping herbs over salads, adding garnish to finish a dish, or opening that stubborn bag of chips.
Wooden Cutting Board
This workhorse of the kitchen also makes a great gift. The Zest K+H board, sleekly shaped of handsome acacia wood, can go from utilitarian chopping and dicing, to an attractive platform for serving cheese and charcuterie.
Citrus Juicer
From salad dressings to cocktails, to the all-important lemon glaze dripping gorgeously down the sides of a cake, citrus juice has many uses. And the best way to get to the juice is a citrus press. Not only will it juice lemons and limes quickly, but you get more juice than hand squeezing alone. Pair it with a zester for a perfect gift for the citrus lover in your life.
