Tag Archives: tools

Tools of the Trade: Bench scraper

9 Aug

If you don’t have a bench scraper, you really should pick one up.

How do I love thee…? Let me count the ways:

  • Cuts bread doughs like a champ
  • Scrapes leftover flour and crud from your counters after shaping loaves, cutting biscuits or cookies
  • Makes scooping up and moving small things like chopped veggies (or aforementioned leftover flour) easy
  • Cuts squares, brownies, lasagnas and other dishes in straight even rows

Look for a scraper that has a rigid metal blade. There are plastic ones, but they aren’t quite as sturdy/versatile. A nice handle (like the one on the Oxo Good Grips one pictured) is also a must since you’re likely to have goopy, floury hands while using one.

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Tools of the Trade: Cast Iron Enamel Dutch Oven

18 Jun

The Tool
Most foodie folks lust after the Le Creuset cast iron dutch ovens and pots. So many pretty colours… and *womp womp* a not so budget friendly price.

However, if you’re willing to forego the fancy name and get a pretty good quality pot for 80% less cash, get thee to Crappy Tire (otherwise known as Canadian Tire) this week and take advantage of their sale on this 7 Qt. Kitchen Aid model – regular $199.99 on for $69.99.

The Review
I tried out my own earlier this week (a birthday gift from mom & dad – thanks!) and was really pleased. Let’s hope that it lasts a bit longer than the last one I had which was a from an un-named celebrity chef’s line. (*cough* Emeril *cough*) I certainly wouldn’t pay regular price for this product, but it’s definitely worth the $70 plus tax. Just make sure you check yours as soon as you get home – my first model’s enamel finish was marred but Canadian Tire was happy to swap it for a good one.

Why Do I Need This?
A good dutch oven is a staple pot in any kitchen. It works great both on the stove top and in the oven and is handy for soups, stews, chilis, spaghetti sauces and (what I made for my pot’s maiden voyage) Low Country Boil! A pot like this should last for decades when cared for properly and the enamel means you don’t have to worry about keeping it seasoned like a non-enamel cast iron pot.

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