My Super Six!

Doing the job that I do means I often get asked the question, "what's your favourite kitchen gadget?" The truth is, I despise the term "gadget" It conjures up images of useless items being thrown in the back of the drawer after being used once. I truly try to not sell such things. But one persons "gadget" is another persons saviour!

So, I thought I'd write a post about the tools/utensils I genuinely could not live without in my kitchen and make my life easier on a daily basis.

1. Knife Set. Quite predictably is a good set of knives. I use a variety of knives all housed in a knife block to keep them safe. My absolute favourite knives are Wusthof with Global coming a close second. I believe it is better to spend a little bit more on two or three knives that will (with care) literally last you a lifetime. A sharp knife makes every chopping job simple and speeds up the whole prep process. We love our knives (in a non-threatening way!) so if you need any advice just let us know.

2. My Bourgeat 28cm fry pan. There is literally nothing that this frying pan cannot handle! From eggs, to delicate fish, meat and even pancakes I literally use this pan every day. Being a commercial pan it takes some serious abuse! The non-stick is fantastic and though you shouldn't dishwasher them, they do wipe clean beautifully. They're not "pretty" pans, they're not shiny and lovely looking but my goodness they are brilliant.

3. OXO Good Grip Tongs. Who would have though tongs would make it into such a list? I truly love these. I've tried more expensive but these are just the best. The non-stick head means you can use them on non stick, I use them for turning anything from sausages to grilled asparagus. I use them for stirring pasta and for taking spaghetti out of the pot

4. Zyliss Garlic Press. Garlic crushers get a bad press. Chef's claim to hate them proclaiming it as easy to use a knife. Well I disagree. Sometimes I use a knife but more often than not the crusher comes out. With this one you don't even need to peel the clove-just pop it straight in! No mess, no smelly fingers or chopping board and it goes in the dishwasher. It couldn't be easier!

5. Potato Ricer. If you like mash and you don't have a ricer YOU MUST INVEST! Truly makes the smoothest mash potato. So simple to use, just pop a couple of potatoes in and squeeze (exactly like the garlic crusher!) add milk, cream, butter or whatever takes you fancy and hey presto! Perfect mash! I must add, it's a great gift for mother-in-laws ;)

6. Stainless Steel Measuring Cups & Spoons: If you bake often, measuring cups and spoons are invaluable. The cups are brilliant if you are using an American recipe and the spoons are great when you need just a teaspoon measure. It's easier than guessing!

I could go on.....and I probably will in another post! But for now, I hope this gives you an indication that just because something may be labelled a gadget doesn't mean it's rubbish!

I'd be interested to hear if you have any favourites, or indeed anything languishing in the drawer that you don't use. You never know I may be able to talk you round!