OK, "foodies," Listen up!

[grayhawkfh]

OK, so for years and years now, I've enjoyed cooking. Perhaps equally important, people have enjoyed what I've cooked. I harbor no illusions that I'm the next great chef - I am, at best, a talented amateur.

Besides, I don't need that kind of stress.

What I have come to realize more and more in recent years is that while the tools don't "make the dish", the right tools *do* increase your "bargaining position", if you will. To that end, my wife and I have slowly been upgrading/updating our tools and appliances.

However, I am not sure where to go next. I know I need a good set of knives; mine are ok at best. My question to you is this: What piece of equipment do you use that you find invaluable.

Suggestions on knives are good, but not the only thing that I'm looking for. The Good Eats DVD set, while fun to watch, is also not helpful. ;-)

I thank all of you in advance for your wealth of knowledge.

(x-posted to good_eats)

Comments

[byronczimmer.livejournal.com]

RE: Garlic press

I used to care about these, but now-a-days, if I need garlic chopped, I either run a knife through it, or I spoon it out of the jar.

Most of the time, when using garlic, I really don't mind if the olive oil it's packed in gets into the dish as well... And the jars are extremely convenient.

[ironkite.livejournal.com]

I reallllly despise garlic from a jar. No Zing! But it does work well as a dip for potato chips or fries when mixed with ketchup and a bit of Old Bay.

That press crushes unpeeled garlic and cleans up in about 3 seconds since it flips apart. And it's stainless handles, so you rub your hands on it and the smell is gone, if you want.

But you are also talking to someone who took the time out to mince 3 whole avacados into 1/8 inch cubes.