Having the Right Equipment Makes a Difference
Saucier
A saucier is a type of cooking vessel that is designed for making sauces and other liquid-based dishes. It is similar to a saucepan, but it has a more rounded bottom and a wider rim, which allows for easier whisking and stirring. The shape of the saucier also makes it easier to pour sauces and other liquids without spills or splashes.
One of the main features of a saucier is its high, sloping sides, which are typically taller than those of a saucepan. This allows for more space to mix and whisk ingredients, making it easier to create smooth, velvety sauces. The tall sides also help to contain splatters and boilovers, making the saucier a safer and more efficient tool in the kitchen.
In addition to its practical design, a saucier is also made from a range of materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. Each type of material has its own unique properties that affect the saucier's performance and durability. Stainless steel sauciers are known for their durability and resistance to corrosion, while aluminum sauciers are lightweight and heat up quickly. Copper sauciers are highly conductive and provide even heat distribution, but they require more maintenance and are more expensive.
When choosing a saucier, it's important to consider the size and capacity of the vessel, as well as the type of material it is made from. A smaller saucier is ideal for making sauces and small quantities of liquids, while a larger saucier is better suited for making larger batches of soup or stew. It's also important to choose a saucier that is compatible with the type of stove you have, as certain materials, such as copper, may not be suitable for use on an induction stove.
In conclusion, a saucier is a versatile and practical cooking tool that is essential for any home cook or professional chef. Its unique design and range of materials make it perfect for making sauces, soups, and other liquid-based dishes, and it is an indispensable tool in any kitchen.
Chinois
A chinois is a type of strainer that is typically used in professional kitchens and is often made of stainless steel or another durable material. It has a conical shape with a fine mesh screen at the bottom, which allows for the smooth, even straining of sauces, soups, and other liquid dishes.
One of the main benefits of using a chinois is its ability to remove small particles, seeds, and other unwanted solids from liquids, resulting in a smooth and refined texture. It is often used in conjunction with a pestle or wooden spoon to push the solids through the fine mesh screen, ensuring that only the desired liquid passes through.
In addition to straining liquids, a chinois can also be used to puree soft foods, such as fruit or vegetables. Simply place the food in the chinois and use a pestle or spoon to press it through the fine mesh screen, creating a smooth puree.
A chinois is an essential tool for any professional chef, as it allows for precise and efficient straining and pureeing of ingredients. It is also a useful tool for home cooks who want to create smooth, velvety sauces and soups without any unwanted solids.
When using a chinois, it's important to be gentle and avoid applying too much pressure, as this can damage the fine mesh screen and result in unwanted solids passing through. It's also important to clean the chinois thoroughly after use to prevent any food particles from getting stuck in the mesh screen.
In conclusion, a chinois is a valuable tool for any cook who wants to create smooth, refined sauces, soups, and purees. Its fine mesh screen and conical shape make it perfect for straining and pureeing a variety of ingredients.
Immersion Blender
A long immersion blender only found in restaurant kitchens, small versions of the sometimes 2-foot-tall powerful "Bermixers" (Electrolux's commercial immersion blender, now kitchen slang for any large immersion blender) have made huge inroads in home kitchens, and for good reason.
Rather than dealing with the mess and possible injuries from transferring hot liquids to a blender in batches, an immersion blender can puree a huge pot of sauce with no transfer necessary. Just immerse it in the sauce and blend, moving the mixer all around the pot, until the sauce is as smooth as you want it....continue reading about Immersion Blenders
Flat Whisk
A whisk with looped metal wires that are attached all in the same plane, thus presenting a flat profile. Flat whisks can aerate as well as stir, and sometimes you don't want bubbles in your sauce. In these instances, a flat whisk is the perfect tool. It allows you to stir with the whisk flat against the bottom of the pan, preventing both bubbles in your sauce as well as sticking....continue reading about whisks
Wooden Spoons
Purchase wooden spoons that have substantial handles that are made of one solid piece of carved wood. Wooden spoons are great for long stirring sessions since they don't make noise in the pan, are comfortable to hold and don't transfer heat from a hot sauce to your hand....continue reading about wooden spoons
Nancy
Very well-detailed and informative article. Thanks