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Unlike my girlfriend who has a college degree in Culinary Arts (really), I learned most of my cooking skills out of basic survival. Cooking shows such as Hawaii's Kitchen, Sam Choy's and the Food Network are also one of my greatest resources of learning.
One of the most important things to know besides basic food science and cooking methods are the TOOLS you use to prepare food.
Are you on a power trip? Does everything you use in the kitchen have to have a motor and a plug on it?
Or do you prefer doing the job by hand? Just a good 'n sharp chef's knife and a cutting board gets it done?
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For the most part I prefer hand jobs - my trusty J.A. Henkels 10" chef's knife and bamboo cutting board puts our plate on the table.
But what I just recently discovered is the greatness of the Electric Carving Knife! This must be one of the oldest electric kitchen appliance gadgets invented, yet I think many overlook it's abilities. Just the other day I was preparing French Dip Sandwiches, where I had cut to a London Broil into very thin pieces. The electric knife went through that thing like butter. Another advantage I've found was that the meat didn't lose as much of it's juices from cutting. In fact, hardly a drop. It all stayed where it should be.. in the meat.
Another hand tool I rely on when making Tonkotsu is the Benriner Japanese Mandalin. This is the best tool to use if you want shredded cabbage that's sliced paper thin. They're available at Daiei, Shirokiya and Marukai for about $25.00.
Another must-have powertool for me is the good 'ole blender. While I don't use it often, there are occasions when it comes in handy, like for making Pesto or milk shakes.
Another must-have for is the good 'ole electric cake mixer. I'm not a baker, but this is THE tool for making my favorite Clam Dip recipe.
My girlfriend relies on our Electric Coffee Maker (the old school 'kine with the paper filter). She doesn't care for instant.
We also have an arsenal of Haoule Koa bowls and trays for when we serve Hawaiian food to guests.
During the work week we use disposable plates and cups. Beats washing dishes.
My aunt has one of those "why make coffee when you can redefine it" coffee maker gadgets. It grinds! It froths! It.. it's a pain in the okole to clean. Plus you need a damn college degree just to operate it.
One of the most important things to know besides basic food science and cooking methods are the TOOLS you use to prepare food.
Are you on a power trip? Does everything you use in the kitchen have to have a motor and a plug on it?
Or do you prefer doing the job by hand? Just a good 'n sharp chef's knife and a cutting board gets it done?
---------------------------------
For the most part I prefer hand jobs - my trusty J.A. Henkels 10" chef's knife and bamboo cutting board puts our plate on the table.
But what I just recently discovered is the greatness of the Electric Carving Knife! This must be one of the oldest electric kitchen appliance gadgets invented, yet I think many overlook it's abilities. Just the other day I was preparing French Dip Sandwiches, where I had cut to a London Broil into very thin pieces. The electric knife went through that thing like butter. Another advantage I've found was that the meat didn't lose as much of it's juices from cutting. In fact, hardly a drop. It all stayed where it should be.. in the meat.
Another hand tool I rely on when making Tonkotsu is the Benriner Japanese Mandalin. This is the best tool to use if you want shredded cabbage that's sliced paper thin. They're available at Daiei, Shirokiya and Marukai for about $25.00.
Another must-have powertool for me is the good 'ole blender. While I don't use it often, there are occasions when it comes in handy, like for making Pesto or milk shakes.
Another must-have for is the good 'ole electric cake mixer. I'm not a baker, but this is THE tool for making my favorite Clam Dip recipe.
My girlfriend relies on our Electric Coffee Maker (the old school 'kine with the paper filter). She doesn't care for instant.
We also have an arsenal of Haoule Koa bowls and trays for when we serve Hawaiian food to guests.
During the work week we use disposable plates and cups. Beats washing dishes.
My aunt has one of those "why make coffee when you can redefine it" coffee maker gadgets. It grinds! It froths! It.. it's a pain in the okole to clean. Plus you need a damn college degree just to operate it.
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