We’ve all been there: you’re rummaging through your kitchen drawers or unpacking a gift, and you stumble upon a strange tool that leaves you scratching your head. What is it? How does it work? And most importantly, how can you use it in your kitchen? Whether it’s an oddly shaped gadget from a thrift store, a quirky hand-me-down, or a trendy kitchen tool you forgot you bought, chances are it has a purpose—and we’re here to help you figure it out! Let’s demystify some common (and not-so-common) kitchen tools and explore creative ways to put them to use.
Step 1: Identify the Tool
Before you can use it, you need to know what it is. Here are some common “strange” kitchen tools and their purposes:
1. Mandoline Slicer
- What It Is: A flat or handheld slicer with adjustable blades.
- How to Use It: Perfect for thinly slicing vegetables, fruits, or cheese for salads, gratins, or garnishes. Be cautious—these blades are sharp!
- Pro Tip: Use the guard to protect your fingers while slicing.
2. Herb Stripper
- What It Is: A small tool with holes of varying sizes designed to strip herbs like thyme, rosemary, or cilantro from their stems.
- How to Use It: Simply pull the herb stem through the appropriate-sized hole, and the leaves will detach easily.
- Pro Tip: Use it to prep large batches of herbs for cooking or freezing.
3. Meat Tenderizer Hammer
- What It Is: A mallet-like tool with textured sides for pounding meat.
- How to Use It: Flatten chicken breasts, tenderize steaks, or even crush nuts and crackers for breading.
- Pro Tip: Place meat in a plastic bag before pounding to avoid splatter.
4. Zester or Microplane
- What It Is: A small grater-like tool with fine blades.
- How to Use It: Zest citrus fruits, grate Parmesan cheese, shave chocolate, or finely mince garlic or ginger.
- Pro Tip: Always zest fruit before juicing to avoid wasting the peel.
5. Egg Separator
- What It Is: A small tool shaped like a spoon or a slotted gadget.
- How to Use It: Crack an egg into the separator, and the yolk stays behind while the white drains through.
- Pro Tip: Use clean hands as a free alternative if you don’t have one!
6. Rolling Pin with Textured Surface
- What It Is: A rolling pin with patterns engraved on the surface.
- How to Use It: Roll out dough for cookies, pasta, or pie crusts while imprinting decorative designs.
- Pro Tip: Dust the rolling pin lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
7. Silicone Pastry Brush
- What It Is: A brush made of silicone bristles.
- How to Use It: Brush melted butter, oil, or egg wash onto baked goods, meats, or vegetables.
- Pro Tip: Silicone brushes are heat-resistant and easy to clean compared to traditional ones.
8. Avocado Slicer
- What It Is: A multi-tool with a blade, pitter, and slicer.
- How to Use It: Cut, pit, and slice avocados safely and efficiently.
- Pro Tip: Use the blade to score the avocado flesh before scooping it out for salads or guacamole.
Step 2: Get Creative with Unusual Tools
Sometimes, the tool might not have an obvious purpose—or its intended use feels too niche. Don’t worry! Many tools can be repurposed for other tasks. Here are some ideas:
1. Ice Cream Scoop
- Original Use: Scooping ice cream.
- Creative Uses: Portion cookie dough, scoop muffin batter, or shape meatballs.
2. Melon Baller
- Original Use: Creating melon balls for fruit salads.
- Creative Uses: Hollow out zucchini for stuffing, core apples, or make small scoops of cheese for appetizers.
3. Pizza Cutter
- Original Use: Cutting pizza slices.
- Creative Uses: Slice flatbreads, cut rolled-out pastry dough, or trim fresh pasta sheets.
4. Citrus Juicer
- Original Use: Juicing lemons, limes, or oranges.
- Creative Uses: Use the ridged side to zest citrus peels before juicing, or crush small herbs like mint for cocktails.
5. Garlic Peeler Tube
- Original Use: Peeling garlic cloves without sticky residue.
- Creative Uses: Use it to peel ginger knobs or loosen the skin of shallots.
6. Spiralizer
- Original Use: Turning vegetables into noodles (zoodles, carrot spirals, etc.).
- Creative Uses: Make vegetable ribbons for salads, garnishes, or layered casseroles.
Step 3: Experiment and Have Fun
If you’re still unsure about your strange tool, here’s how to experiment safely:
- Search Online: Look up images or videos of the tool to see how others use it.
- Ask Around: Post a picture on social media or ask friends and family if they recognize it.
- Test It Out: Try using it on different foods to discover its potential.
- Repurpose It: If it’s truly unusable for cooking, consider turning it into a craft supply, plant stand, or decor item.
Final Thoughts
Every strange tool in your kitchen has a story—and likely a purpose waiting to be uncovered. By identifying its function, getting creative with its uses, and experimenting fearlessly, you can breathe new life into forgotten gadgets and simplify your cooking process.
So next time you find yourself staring at a mysterious kitchen tool, don’t toss it aside! Instead, embrace the challenge, unlock its potential, and watch as it becomes an indispensable part of your culinary arsenal. Who knows? That weird gadget might just become your new favorite tool! 🔪
