You wouldn’t risk ruining your handiest knife, favorite frying pan, or your grandmother’s good china, right? Well, we hate to break it to you, but your dishwasher could do just that — if not after one cycle, then perhaps over time. Here are the kitchen tools, dishes, utensils, and cookware that you’re better off hand-washing.
Make the holidays simpler with our collection of make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes. Everything on the table—from turkey and sides to desserts—can be prepared in advance.
Adding some freshly shredded cheese to your dinner may seem like an afterthought, but the truth is that your humble box cheese grater has merit that extends beyond a hunk of Parmesan (not that there’s anything wrong with that). You can (and should) utilize your grater to shred all kinds of foods, like ginger root, lemon zest, butter, and even herbs — and thanks to this clever trick, you can do so without making a mess.
The trick? Simply look at your grater from a different angle. Instead of holding your box grater vertically and not exactly knowing how much food you’re grating, turn the tool on its side and grate while it’s lying flat. Since you aren’t holding the grater up, you can use that now-free hand to keep the grater in place and exercise greater control.
I love my blender. It is my most-used small appliance. I worked at the smoothie bar in college, and my family even once owned a frozen yogurt and shake shop, meaning that for years I nearly always had a blender in at least one hand. I am a true believer, a worshiper at the altar of an ultra-smooth mix.
But this essential tool needs to be cared for in order for it to remain useful for years and keep your food safe. Here are some things you should definitely avoid putting in the blender—no matter how powerful your blades are.
Pie usually gets all the praise this time of year, but we encourage you to not sleep on Thanksgiving cookies. These seasonal treats—flavored with fall’s best spices, decorated to look like turkeys or just plain cozy—are a welcome delight after a big holiday meal.
And the best part: They taste great the morning after the holiday with a steaming hot cup of coffee.
Book Reviews by the Reluctant Retiree 