Not sure about your family, but at my house, there is a huge workshop full of tools. There are at least 10 types of saws alone, myriad toolboxes large and small, fleets of wrenches in both English and metric, and boxes and boxes of nails and screws, each one with a special job to do (although somehow there is always a need for one more). It is like a small hardware store down there.
In the kitchen however, I have a high standard for new tools. Each must either replace an existing tool or do multiple jobs very well. However, there are some tools that are so good at one job alone that I am willing to buy them, store them, clean them and otherwise fully embrace their existence. In fact, I'm beyond embracing these tools, I'm ready to proselytize - to share with the world how great they really are.
To provide context, while I am not a minimalist, I do believe that every single possession we bring into our lives lays a tiny claim on us - to use it, clean it and repair it. To find it when we want it, and put it away when we are done. So it's somewhat embarrassing to own these one trick ponies. But when you see what they can do, you will understand how they have worn down my defenses against excess "stuff".
To begin, the world's best inexpensive apple peeler, made by Starfrit. Using six of this cool tool, retailing for around $20, a half-dozen middle school kids peeled 12 bushels of apples for an apple pie fundraiser at my church...in under two hours! Twelve bushels people, that is over 575 pounds of apples!!
In the kitchen however, I have a high standard for new tools. Each must either replace an existing tool or do multiple jobs very well. However, there are some tools that are so good at one job alone that I am willing to buy them, store them, clean them and otherwise fully embrace their existence. In fact, I'm beyond embracing these tools, I'm ready to proselytize - to share with the world how great they really are.
To provide context, while I am not a minimalist, I do believe that every single possession we bring into our lives lays a tiny claim on us - to use it, clean it and repair it. To find it when we want it, and put it away when we are done. So it's somewhat embarrassing to own these one trick ponies. But when you see what they can do, you will understand how they have worn down my defenses against excess "stuff".
To begin, the world's best inexpensive apple peeler, made by Starfrit. Using six of this cool tool, retailing for around $20, a half-dozen middle school kids peeled 12 bushels of apples for an apple pie fundraiser at my church...in under two hours! Twelve bushels people, that is over 575 pounds of apples!!
Next, a mandolin that I have used daily for nearly 10 years without ever sharpening the blade. The insert reverses to quickly change the thickness of each slice, and it comes with inserts to julienne fruits and veggies as well. Google "Borner V-slicer" to find this on-line, where you can purchase it for about $40; including a sturdy case.
And finally, a tiny strawberry huller that also removes the stems from tomatoes. For a mere $7, the Chef'n strawberry huller can be yours!
If you want to restock your kitchen's toolkit, these can all be purchased at Amazon.com, or at many well-stocked kitchen stores. Enjoy feathering your nest!
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