At this stage of our lives, we try not to load up on stuff, but kitchen necessities are a special category. Although we’re cautious about what we buy, it seems like we’ve been spending a lot. We’ve purchased a few relatively inexpensive tools, but you know, everything adds up.
Two things broke, and we replaced them. We bought a new can opener ($19.95) and a new immersion blender ($50). Our choice was a no-nonsense 2-Speed Kitchenaid Immersion Blender. We don’t make smoothies, so we don’t need ice-crushing power. I pretty much use it for mayonnaise and to puree soups and sauces. The Kuhn Rikon can opener is slick.
We upgraded several tools, including a fantastic new citrus juicer ($22.29). I’ve pretty much moved on from mojitos to margaritas, but both need copious amounts of lime, so I rest my case.
For 20 years, I used a tortilla press with a wobbly hinge. I replaced it with this beauty by Victoria ($36.89). It’s the same size as my old one – 6.5 inches – but I cannot believe the difference. It’s heavy and presses an exceptionally smooth tortilla. I’ve also used it to flatten out naan.
Next up was the hand mixer. Dale had the Sunbeam before he met me, so we’re thinking it’s 46 years old. There was a power surge button that is held together with duct tape, but other than that, it seemed to work fine. The two main things I use it for are to beat egg whites for souffles and to whip mashed potatoes. And yes, I know there are more foodie ways to mash potatoes.
Anyway, I thought my egg whites weren’t stiff enough, so we went with a new hand mixer. I bought the Kitchenaid 5-speed directly from Kitchenaid ($50). The beaters are very different. The new design seems to be a technological advancement. I’ve been super-impressed with the results on egg whites and mashies. Anything more complicated than that, I use the heavy-duty stand mixer.
The final upgrade is a new panini maker. We had the original Cousinart Griddler, which did not have a floating hinge to adjust for thicker sandwiches. The plates were not removable, either. Still, we used it for 12 years with great success.
Dale really wanted one with a floating hinge. Removable plates are a nice feature as well. I researched all the big brands and went with the upgraded Cousinart Griddler ($79). The floating hinge is not exactly a floating hinge, according to Dale, but the height is adjustable, which has the same effect, so he’s good with it. It does more than we need, but it’s not gigantic. We’re not likely to use it as an indoor grill, but you never know.
One of the features I like is that you can buy extra plates and use the Griddler to make waffles. I’ve been, well, waffling about buying a stand-alone waffle maker for years, but I don’t think we would eat waffles often enough to justify it. The Griddler might not make the world-class Belgian waffles of your dreams, but as least we’ll have waffles at home, which I can have with real syrup. Waffle plates are still on my wish list.
The last three items on this shopping spree gone mad are new, as in not a replacement. I’ve been drooling over all the gorgeous bundt pans that are available now, but I just don’t see me making many bundt cakes. So far, I’ve successfully dodged that bullet.
However, I did succumb to a basic scone pan ($31.41). You don’t really need one, but mine become quite irregular when they bake, and I like the idea of containing them for a more uniform shape. I ordered the pan from King Arthur, because it was on sale, and I was getting other stuff anyway.
Also in the baking category, I ordered four stainless steel 6-inch pie pans ($31.94) I love to make savory pies, and I like the idea of making two for us and two for the freezer. The pie pans should arrive tomorrow, just in time to make these mini chicken pot pies from Ree Drummond.
Finally, I bought a rack ($49.99) for drying pasta. I like to make pasta earlier in the day, so I don’t have to mess with it when it comes times to start cooking. The rack keeps the pasta from sticking together as it sits. This little guy works great.
As for spending a lot, now that I add it up, it doesn’t seem so bad. Total cost was $371.47. We haven’t eaten in a restaurant or been anywhere in eight months. But we eat well, and sometimes you just gotta have the right tool for the job.
In theory, I subscribe to the rule of 1 for 1 … you buy something new, you get rid of something else. I have plans to gift the panini maker, but I can’t quite seem to part with that hand mixer. Maybe those new-fangled beaters will turn out to be a hoax. I don’t know … something is telling me to keep it.
