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