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    Home » Recipes

    12 Essential Kitchen Tools For Christmas

    Published: Nov 30, 2019 by Cara Kretz · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

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    I've been getting lots of questions on the best kitchen tools and gadgets I use to prepare my Feast of the Seven Fishes menu and the cookies from my Top Ten Italian Christmas Cookies ebook. Having the right tools makes the task easier. With everything else you have to do during the holiday, baking and cooking should be enjoyable.

    These tools also make GREAT gift ideas for the home cook.  All items can be purchased on Amazon, and free shipping with Prime.


    List of the 12 Essential Kitchen Tools 

    clam shells

    Natural Half Clams Shells for Baking:  These are perfect for making Baked Clams, Scallops, or Crab when you want an elegant appetizer. These are dishwasher safe and reusable.


    silicone mat on pan

    Silicone Mats: Saves tons of time from cleaning up sticky and burnt messes on baking sheets. Easier than parchment paper and reusable. Good for frosting cookies too.


    Digital Oven Thermometer

    Digital Oven Probe with Alert:  This is a must for roasting meats such as Prime Rib, or Roast Turkey.  Used in the oven or grill, insert the probe and set the desired temperature for perfect roasts.


    french rolling pin

    Tapered French Rolling Pin:  This is my favorite rolling pin because it is smaller with tapered ends for precision rolling. Also used to whack down chilled dough.


    16 cup food processor

    16- cup Food Processor: The extra large bowl saves lots of time for cooking and baking for a crowd. Easily handles double batches, and dices as well. Kitchen workhorse.


    Deep Fryer

    Deep Fryer:  Essential for Arancini (Fried Risotto balls), Fried Shrimp, Fried Calamari, Fried Italian Dough, Fried anything! Easy clean-up and has oil filter/storage too.


    pasta strainer

    Big mesh scoop: This is a great multi-tasker scoop; especially for pasta and for deep frying  It is much easier to transfer cooked pasta from boiling water to the pan with sauce.


    fine mesh sieve

    Fine Mesh Strainer:  This is the best way to get the creamiest cannoli filling. Also great for sifting large amounts of flour or powdered sugar.


    Pizzelle Maker: -  This is a speciality appliance that is worth it. Making pizzelles is fast and easy with a non-stick electric griddle.


    kitchen shears

    Heavy Duty Kitchen Shears:  A good pair of kitchen shears is essential. I use them to snip the tips off of dried fig, open crab legs, cut chicken bones, and much more.


    cannolli forms

    Cannoli Form:  Roll the pizzelle or cannolli shell while warm to get the shape. Love the slanted sides that make filling the cannoli much easier.


     

    hand held cheese grater

    Hand Held Cheese Grater:  This is our go-to hand held cheese grater for Parmesan, Romano and other hard cheeses. I think it is easier than a stick-style or box grater.


    Have a wonderful Holiday Season!

    « Get Inspired with Seven Thanksgiving Sides & Dessert Recipes!
    Enjoy Super Bowl with Briolata - Italian Sausage & Onion Bread »

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    Comments

    1. Poppy Samuel

      December 03, 2020 at 4:47 am

      Thank you for the list. I think I would most definitely pick the cheese grater.
      To add, I came across these collapsible silicone storage boxes on Amazon which I have ordered. Can be added to this list, utility.
      https://amzn.to/3ogeewn

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Cara Mia Cipolla. My goal is to pass on my recipes, tips and secrets and hopefully inspire others to become great home cooks. In addition to the blog, I also write cookbooks, teach cooking classes, and take on the occasional consulting project for other culinary businesses.

    More about me →

    Delicious Detox & Powerfoods cookbook. Buy Now!

    Global Cuisine

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    Holiday & Special Occasions

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    • Feast of the Seven Fishes: A Sicilian Christmas Eve Dinner
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