When it comes to cooking, having the right tools can make all the difference. A good set of kitchen gadgets can help you prepare meals quickly and efficiently, while also allowing for more creative experimentation in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 essential pretty good tools recipes that will take your cooking to the next level. From classic comfort foods to innovative twists on traditional dishes, these recipes showcase the versatility and power of some of our favorite kitchen tools.
In the following pages, you’ll find inspiration for a wide range of delicious meals, from creamy pasta sauces made with an immersion blender to perfectly flaky biscuits crafted with a pastry cutter. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to become new favorites.
Garlic Press Pesto Pasta
A flavorful and quick pasta dish that combines the richness of garlic press pesto with al dente spaghetti.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 1/4 cup garlic press pesto
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, combine garlic press pesto, minced garlic, and reserved pasta water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and well combined (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat with the pesto mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley (if using) on top of the pasta. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mandoline Slicer Veggie Chips
Get ready to experience the perfect snack – crispy veggie chips made with your favorite vegetables! In this recipe, we’ll show you how to use a mandoline slicer to create thin, uniform slices that cook up crunchy and delicious.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large carrots
– 1-2 large zucchinis
– 1 large beetroot
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel the vegetables and use a mandoline slicer to create thin slices.
3. Place the sliced vegetables in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the vegetable slices in a single layer.
5. Sprinkle salt to taste over the chips.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chips are crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Immersion Blender Creamy Tomato Soup
Warm up with this comforting and creamy tomato soup recipe, perfect for a cozy evening or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
3. Add chopped tomatoes, broth, and basil. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
4. Use an Immersion Blender (or transfer soup to a blender in batches) to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Stand Mixer Chocolate Chip Cookies
These chewy cookies are a staple for any chocolate lover’s pantry. With the help of your trusty stand mixer, whipping up a batch is a breeze.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In the stand mixer bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Stir in chocolate chips.
7. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Food Processor Hummus
A classic Middle Eastern dip, hummus is a flavorful and healthy snack that’s easy to make with your food processor. This recipe yields a creamy and delicious result.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained
– 2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: paprika or cumin for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
2. Add the chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and olive oil to your food processor.
3. Process until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a pinch of paprika or cumin for extra flavor.
5. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: 5-10 minutes
Microplane Zested Lemon Cake
A bright and citrusy dessert perfect for springtime gatherings or a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, and eggs until smooth.
3. Add lemon zest and juice; whisk until well combined.
4. Melt butter in microwave or on stovetop; let cool slightly. Fold into batter until fully incorporated.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Dutch Oven Beef Stew
A hearty and comforting stew perfect for a chilly evening, this Dutch Oven Beef Stew recipe is a classic favorite that’s easy to make and feeds a crowd.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Dutch oven to 300°F.
2. Brown the beef cubes in a little oil over medium-high heat, then set aside.
3. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic, carrots, potatoes, beef broth, red wine (if using), thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Return the browned beef to the pot and bring the stew to a simmer.
6. Cover the Dutch oven with a lid or foil and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Spiralizer Zucchini Noodles
Transform zucchinis into a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pasta with this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: garlic powder, basil leaves, or other herbs of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat the spiralizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Wash and dry the zucchinis.
3. Feed the zucchinis through the spiralizer, creating long noodles.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they reach your desired level of tenderness.
6. Season with salt and any additional herbs or spices you like.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Meat Grinder Homemade Sausage
Meat Grinder Homemade Sausage Recipe
Create your own delicious homemade sausage using a meat grinder and a few simple ingredients!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Sausage casings (optional)
Instructions:
- Grind the pork through a meat grinder or food processor until it’s finely chopped.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
- Stuff the mixture into sausage casings, if using, or form into patties or links.
- Cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Serve hot!
Cooking Time:
10-14 minutes total, depending on the shape and size of your sausage.
Pastry Cutter Flaky Biscuits
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with these tender and flaky biscuits, made easy with the help of a pastry cutter.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup heavy cream or buttermilk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Pour in heavy cream or buttermilk and stir until the dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
5. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times until smooth.
6. Roll dough to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thickness and use pastry cutter to cut into desired shapes.
7. Place biscuits on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) space between each biscuit.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grill Pan Chicken Fajitas
Transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a flavorful fiesta with this easy and delicious recipe for Grill Pan Chicken Fajitas.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 small flour tortillas
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat.
3. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, add olive oil to the grill pan and sauté onions and bell peppers for 5 minutes or until tender.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
6. Assemble fajitas by placing grilled chicken and vegetables onto tortillas.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread
Warm up your kitchen with a classic Southern staple – cast iron skillet cornbread! This recipe yields a crispy, golden-brown crust and a moist, buttery interior.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, salt, and baking soda.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter should still be slightly lumpy.
5. Pour the batter into a preheated cast iron skillet (9-10 inches in diameter).
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Optional: Brush the top with honey or maple syrup during the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra layer of flavor and sweetness.
Juicer Fresh Orange Juice
Start your day with a glass of sunshine by making your own fresh orange juice at home.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 oranges, depending on size and juiciness
– 1/2 cup water (optional)
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut the oranges in half and juice them using a manual or electric juicer.
2. Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp or seeds.
3. Add 1/2 cup of water if you prefer a lighter consistency.
4. Chill the juice by placing it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve immediately, or add ice cubes and stir well before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Tips:
– Use fresh, ripe oranges for the best flavor.
– Adjust the amount of water to your taste, depending on how thick you like your juice.
– Experiment with adding a squeeze of lemon or lime for extra citrus zing!
Pizza Cutter Homemade Pizza
A classic favorite, homemade pizza cutter pizza is a staple for any occasion. With this simple recipe, you can create a delicious and customized pie that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of warm water
– 1 tablespoon of sugar
– 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast
– 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– Your favorite toppings (e.g. mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, etc.)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until yeast is activated.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Punch down the dough and shape into your desired pizza crust form.
7. Add your favorite toppings and bake for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Egg Separator Angel Food Cake
This light and airy cake is a classic dessert that’s perfect for special occasions. With the help of an egg separator, you’ll be able to create a fluffy and tender crumb that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 5 large egg whites, separated
– 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch angel food cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
3. In a large bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
4. Add softened butter and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and gently fold until no streaks remain.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until cake is golden brown and springs back when touched.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Mortar and Pestle Guacamole
Mortar and Pestle Guacamole Recipe
In this traditional recipe, we’ll use a mortar and pestle to craft the perfect guacamole with a silky texture and rich flavor.
Ingredients:
• 3 ripe avocados
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Crack the avocados into the mortar and pestle.
2. Add the chopped red onion, jalapeño pepper, lime juice, and garlic on top of the avocado.
3. Use the pestle to grind the ingredients together until smooth and creamy, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides with a spatula.
4. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time:
None! This recipe is ready in just 10-15 minutes of grinding and scraping.
Tips: Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less jalapeño pepper. Enjoy your freshly made guacamole with tortilla chips, on tacos, or as a dip for veggies!
Waffle Maker Belgian Waffles
Get ready to elevate your breakfast game with these fluffy and delicious Belgian waffles, made easy with the help of your trusty waffle maker.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Flavorings of your choice (e.g., vanilla extract, chocolate chips)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and melted butter.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the center of your preheated waffle maker.
6. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time: 3-5 minutes per waffle
Yield: 2-3 Belgian waffles, depending on the size of your waffle maker.
Enjoy your fluffy and delicious Belgian waffles!
Can Opener Chili Con Carne
A hearty, comforting chili recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (16 oz) ground beef, browned and drained
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, red kidney beans, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Summary
Discover the power of your kitchen tools with these 18 essential recipes! From savory dishes like Beef Stew and Homemade Sausage to sweet treats like Chocolate Chip Cookies and Flaky Biscuits, this collection showcases the versatility of popular cooking tools. Use a Garlic Press for Pesto Pasta, a Mandoline Slicer for Veggie Chips, or an Immersion Blender for Creamy Tomato Soup. These recipes will help you unlock your kitchen’s full potential and create delicious meals with ease.
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