]January always feels like a time to refresh and renew. In the kitchen, it’s easy to get caught in a rut. Why not use this time of year to get a few gadgets that will inspire you to try new dishes and hopefully stay away from the drive-through window? Here are a few that I am planning on adding to mine and to up my cooking game. Guys, get past gender norms and get your butt into the kitchen and get in soon. Guys who cook are sexy, and with these few new gadgets, it will look like you know what you are doing there.
Crew Bottle
I love these innovative bottles that solve the sticky mess of infused syrups, vinegar, and oil bottles—designed by former bartenders frustrated by the lack of quality bar gear in their bars. The recycled glass bottle features a watertight silicone bottom that makes it easy to fill with simple syrups, fresh juices, oil infusions, vinaigrettes, and more. They are entirely dishwasher safe making cleaning them for subsequent use is a breeze. Check out their collection at crewsupplyco.com.
Shitake Mushroom Log
Shitake mushrooms, if seasoned and sauced correctly, can taste like a high-end cut of meat. They have a great texture and an earthy, smokey flavor. How food nerd of you would it be to grow some in your kitchen? Get a log kit from Howard Berk, and Todd Pittard’s on uncommongoods.com to get started. Soak the wood and keep it in a cool, damp, dark place, and your first harvest will be ready in about six weeks. Regrow the mushrooms for up to three years.
Maldon Sea Salt
These tiny salty flakes will help you to elevate your baked potato to gourmet status. Just brush your spud with olive oil and then crush the flakes of Maldon all over it and bake until nice and crispy perfect crust forms. It’s available in most gourmet stores. I got my first box in one of those overpriced kitchen stores that I can’t seem to walk past without going in.
Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker
It’s a process that takes your standard drip-brewed coffee into a thick foamy iced coffee that has been a highly coveted order in coffee shops. Think of the texture of Guinness Beer meets your cold brew giving it a nice sweet, less bitter flavor. Plus, I think it looks fantastic on the counter. The patented pressurization system keeps the brew fresh and creamy for weeks. Go to growlerwerks.com to get one for yourself.
Prepworks International 6-Piece Progressive Clear Storage Container Set
This six-piece set solves the dilemma of storing your baking essentials cleanly and efficiently. The flour container feature a bar that helps to level your measuring cups, the brown sugar container features a brick that, when soaked, keeps it from drying out. The powdered sugar container features a spoon that helps to sprinkle the sweetness onto baked goods when they are finished. It’s a great way to bring an organized feel to any pantry. It’s available on Amazon.com, and the 6-piece set is priced at a very reasonable $44.97.