With restaurants closed and everyone spending more time at home, it’s important to have the right tools to master those challenging Bon Appetit recipes and to prepare drinks as well as Stanley Tucci (see below).
The New York Times has devoted a new section to At Home that features, among other things, tons of great recipes. Growing up in the restaurant supply business, I’ve been fortunate to have access to these tools of the trade, items that most people receive when they get married or move to a new house. Without question, these tools will up your game. All of these can be purchased individually or as part of our four Home Packages - Home Chef, Grill Master, Deluxe Bar and Home Bar.
Digital Pocket Thermometer
For anyone who cooks meat regularly, this is a crucial item. Never again worry about grilling a perfect medium rare steak or being fearful of pulling chicken too early. Just pop this in for a quick read and you’ll add peace of mind. It also helps you learn when meat is done based on feel the more you use it.
10” High Heat Spatula
I have two of these and I can’t recall a day in the past year where both weren’t being washed. It’s perfect for scrambled eggs and omelettes, sauteing vegetables, and scraping every last drop of liquid or small piece of food out of a bowl. The two main benefits that make the spatula so versatile are the contoured, flexible blade and heat resistance up to 500 degrees. An absolute must have for home chefs.
Microplane Grater
Unlike a regular grater with larger holes, the Microplane is an extremely versatile tool, whether for grating parmesan over pasta, orange zest in a cake recipe or fresh ginger in a cocktail. The ergonomic handle gives you a firm grip and the shavings are very fine, which unlock aromas and are a consistent size.
Grill Cleaning Brush
I love to grill. My wife bought me an MHP Grill for my birthday nine years ago and I love it almost as much as her. Keeping it clean is imperative and this brush saves a tremendous amount of time. The back side is a solid metal edge for large particles and the wire bristles get between the grates and really scrape off every last bit of food left behind.
Metal Tongs, 9” and 12”
This seems like a pretty straightforward item to have, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to someone’s house and they don’t have all-metal tongs. I use these the most during grilling as well during prep to transfer food to a sheet pan or to grab a baked potato out of the oven. They’re also fun for snapping at your kids (at a safe distance) to keep them in check!
