Basic Kitchen Tools and Equipment Spatulas There are many types of spatulas. In your kitchen unit you have the following spatulas • • • • • Cooking spatula Straight edge spatula Rubber spatula Cookie spatula Spatula for nonstick cookware and bake ware Mixing Bowls Mixing bowls are made of glass, stainless steel or plastic. They are sold in sets of 3 or 4. Some have straight sides which work well when using an electric mixer with beaters. Some have sloped sides which work well when tossing and folding ingredients. Graters Graters are a cutting tool. They are used to: – Grate (break food into crumb like pieces) – Shred (cut food into long thin strips) – slice Egg Beaters or Rotary Beaters Rotary beaters are used to beat, whip and blend ingredients. They can work just as well as an electric mixer. Wire Whisks and Whips Wire whisks and whips are used to blend, mix, stir and beat ingredients such as eggs, batters, and cream. Pastry Blender Pastry blenders are used to mix solid fats such as butter and margarine into flour mixtures. Mixing like this produces a flakey product such as biscuits and pie crusts. Tongs Tongs come in many shapes and sizes. They are used to pick up and turn foods such as sugar cubes, corn on the cob, grilled meats and poultry. Pastry Brush Pastry brushes are used to brush the tops of baked goods with butter, glazes and egg mixtures. Pastry brushes can also be used to apply sauces and marinades when grilling. Oven Mitts & Potholders Oven mitts and potholders are used to lift and hold hot pots, pans, oven racks, and casseroles. NEVER use them when they are WET. Colanders Colanders are used to drain foods that have just been washed or rinsed and to separate foods from their cooking water such as spaghetti or noodles. Cutting Boards Cutting boards can be made of wood or plastic. They come in many shapes and sizes. They are used when cutting foods to protect counter surfaces and the blades of knives. Rolling Pins Rolling pins are used to flatten dough. They can also be used to crush foods such as nuts, crackers and cookies into crumbs. Muffin Tin Muffin tins are used to bake muffins, cupcakes and small baked goods. Cookie Sheets Cookie sheets are large flat sheet pans used to bake cookies and other pastries. Cookies bake best on a sheet with NO SIDES. Saucepans Saucepans are used to cook foods on the stovetop. They have one handle and can be lifted with one hand. They come in 1, 2 and 3 quart sizes. Pots Pots are used to cook foods on the stovetop. They are larger than sauce pans (“pans”). They have small handles on each side so they can be lifted. Peelers Peelers are used to “peel” or “pare” fruits and vegetables of their skins. They are a cutting tool. Electric Mixers Electric mixers can be hand held or free standing models. They are used to beat, whip, knead and blend ingredients. Wooden Spoons Wooden spoons come in many shapes and sizes. They are used to mix dough and flour mixtures. They are not good for cooking on the stovetop. Ladles Ladles come in many sizes. They are used to serve foods that are liquids such as soups, stews, gravies, and punches. Sifter Sifters are used to incorporate air into flour by separating the flour particles. The four is pushed through a screen to break the particles apart or separate the particles. Liquid Measuring Cups Liquid measuring cups are used to measure liquid ingredients such as milk, oil, juice, and water. They are clear glass or plastic for reading level measures and have a spout for pouring. They are found in area B Measuring spoons Measuring spoons are used to measure small amounts of all types of ingredients. They come in sets of four ( 1T, 1t. ½ t and ¼ t.) Do not take spoons off their ring. They are found in storage area B Dry Measuring Cups Dry measuring cups come in sets of four (1 c., ½ c., 1/3 c., ¼ c.) They are used to measure dry, solid and moist ingredients. They should be nested together in the cabinet. The are found in area B