Cooking Utensils

Cooking Utensils Don't Get the Credit They Deserve

I have an inexpensive industrial plastic slotted spoon that won't scratch any of my nonstick pan surfaces, but I have to admit those stainless steel ones sure look good.

I purchased my plastic slotted spoon at the same place I purchase my tongs but they are available in every kitchen store, restaurant supply shop, and online.  You don't have to spend much money on this item but will get a lot of use out of it.

Although I prefer my wooden cooking utensils more than my plastic utensils, there are many times the plastic cooking utensils come in handy. Some great brands on the market include Oxo utensils designed to fit better in your hand.

My advice is to put them in your hand and get a feel. See if they are comfortable. I own three or four vegetable peelers but only one of them really feels right. I am much more productive with that peeler than any others. I hope I never lose it.

Let's Look More Closely at Cooking Utensils

Cooking utensils are essential tools that every cook or chef should have in their kitchen. They are necessary for preparing and cooking food, making the entire process more comfortable and efficient. A wide variety of cooking utensils are available, and each type has a specific function. This article will discuss some of the most common cooking utensils.

1. Knives are the most crucial utensil in any kitchen. They come in various shapes and sizes, and each type is designed for a specific purpose. For example, a chef's knife is ideal for chopping, slicing, and dicing vegetables and meat, while a bread knife is perfect for cutting through loaves of bread. A good set of knives is essential for any cook.
2. A cutting board is an essential utensil for anyone who wants to prepare food in their kitchen. It is used to chop, slice, and dice food items safely and effectively. A cutting board can be made from various materials, including wood, plastic, and bamboo.
3. Measuring cups and spoons are essential utensils in any kitchen. They are used to measure precise quantities of ingredients when cooking or baking. Measuring cups and spoons are available in various sizes, each designed for a specific purpose. They make measuring the exact amount of ingredients required for a recipe easy, ensuring consistent results every time.
4. Mixing bowls are another essential utensil for any cook or baker. They come in various sizes and are used to mix and combine ingredients for a recipe. They are made from different materials, including glass, stainless steel, and plastic.
5. A whisk is a utensil used for mixing ingredients together or beating eggs. It has wire loops that are designed to incorporate air into the mixture, making it light and fluffy. Whisks come in various sizes and shapes; some are designed for specific tasks, such as whisking egg whites for meringues.
6. A spatula is a versatile utensil used for flipping, turning, and stirring food items. It can be made from various materials, including plastic, silicone, and metal. A spatula is useful for cooking eggs, pancakes, and other delicate items that require a gentle touch.
7. Tongs are versatile utensils used for gripping and picking up food items. They are ideal for grilling, frying, and sautéing. Tongs come in various sizes and materials, and some have a locking mechanism that allows them to be stored safely.
8. A ladle is a large spoon with a long handle used for serving soups, stews, and other liquid-based dishes. It is made from various materials, including stainless steel, plastic, and silicone. A ladle is a useful utensil for portioning out liquid-based dishes.
9. A colander is a bowl-shaped utensil with holes used for draining liquid from food items. It is commonly used to drain pasta, rice, and vegetables. Colanders come in various sizes and materials, including plastic, metal, and silicone.
10. A grater is a utensil for shredding or grating food items like cheese, vegetables, and fruits. It comes in various sizes and shapes and can be made from various materials, including metal and plastic. A grater is useful for adding texture to dishes and recipes.

What are some of the earliest cooking utensils known to man?

The earliest cooking utensils used by humans date back thousands of years and were simple tools made from readily available materials. These utensils were essential for early humans to prepare and cook their food. Here are some of the earliest cooking utensils known to man:

1. Stone Tools: In prehistoric times, early humans used stone tools for various purposes, including cooking. These tools were often used to process food, such as crushing and grinding grains, nuts, and seeds. Stones with smooth surfaces were used as grinding stones or mortars, while stone blades or knives were used for cutting and slicing.
2. Skewers made from wood or bone were used for roasting meat or fish over an open fire. Early humans would impale the food onto the skewer and hold it over the flames to cook. This method allowed for easier handling and even cooking.
3. Clay Pots were one of the earliest cooking vessels used by humans. They were made by shaping clay into a pot-like structure and then firing it in a kiln or over an open fire to harden it. Clay pots were excellent for cooking stews, soups, and other liquid-based dishes as they could withstand high temperatures and distribute heat evenly.
4. Hot Stones: Early humans discovered that heating stones in a fire and then placing them in a container with water or food could cook the contents—this method of boiled water or cooked food, particularly in animal hides or bark containers.
5. Shells and Leaves were used as makeshift plates and bowls. Large seashells or hollowed-out gourds served as vessels to hold and serve food. Leaves like banana leaves were used as natural wraps for cooking food, protecting it from direct heat and adding flavor.
6. Wooden Utensils: Early humans crafted utensils from wood, such as spoons and spatulas. These utensils were used to stir, serve, and manipulate food during cooking.
7. Fire Pit and Roasting Sticks: The discovery of fire revolutionized cooking for early humans. They would dig a fire pit, light it, and use roasting sticks to cook meat and vegetables directly over the flames.
8. Grinding Stones, typically made of volcanic rock or other abrasive materials, were used to grind grains, nuts, and seeds into flour or meal. These ground ingredients were then used to make bread, porridge, and other staple foods.

These early cooking utensils were essential for survival and played a significant role in the evolution of human cuisine. Over time, humans refined their tools and techniques, developing more sophisticated and specialized cooking utensils that we use today.

onlinesources: Cooking Utensils

There are many sources for purchasing quality Kitchen Gadgets and Housewares including whisks, spoons, measuring devices, and all the fun gadgets we home cooks have come to love.  I suggest you check out your local department stores and kitchen supply shops but if you're looking for a wide selection of products and prices, you may want to check out Amazon.com where I buy many of my favorite cookware pieces.