Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Summer Tips--Vegan Umami Power: Activate!, Fruit Ninja, Inspector Gadget on the Grill



My Monday morning ritual usually includes listening to America’s Test Kitchen radio podcast on Stitcher radio. Here are some “ATK” tips for summer. Some of the gadgets featured would make great gifts. If you order soon or hit your local hardware store, you can get some items by this weekend for Father’s Day, a cookout or that graduation party coming up!!
This is great for vegans or those allergic to fish. I use soy sauce but notice that depth of flavor is lacking…
Try making the following summer-friendly (and now vegan) recipes with the substitute fish sauce!

Bean Thread Noodles with Quick-Pickled Vegetables (Featured photo: Christina Holmes)

Become a Fruit Ninja: With Mangoes at their prime and melon season upon us, here are some tips for quicker cutting.


Inspector Gadget on the Grill-- If you have a dad or grad “grillhead” or are self-appointed, consider these "hot" items. The best part is everyone reaps the benefits of these new gadgets!

1. Thermoworks Splash-Proof Super-Fast Thermapen

Simply the best. The Thermoworks Splash-Proof Super-Fast Thermapen is fast, accurate, and easy to use. It also has the widest temperature range: -58.0 to 572.0°F (-49.9 to 299.9°C).
Where to Buy: Amazon

2. The Tool Wizard BBQ Brush

This highly recommended grill brush sports a lightweight polypropylene grip and a large, tough "scrubbie" pad (with a spare included) that did an excellent job cleaning off a baked-on mixture of honey, molasses, barbecue sauce, and mustard.
Where to Buy: Amazon

3. Weber Rapid Fire Chimney Starter

This no-frills chimney starter holds just enough charcoal (6 quarts) to handle the frequent grilling applications that require high heat and it works well for most grill sizes. We loved this starter's sturdy construction, generous capacity, heat-resistant handle, and second handle for easier-to-control coal distribution. With plenty of ventilation holes in its canister, coals ignited quickly.
Where to Buy: Amazon

4. Polder Dual Sensor Meat and Oven Thermometer

For long and slow barbecuing, it's especially important to monitor grill temperature. If your grill doesn't have a built-in thermometer, use this simple dual oven/meat thermometer, stuck through the lid vents. It has an easy-to-read face. A heatproof silicone finger-grip under the dial helps you take the thermometer out of the lid vents and check the temperature of the meat. Best of all, its price is a bargain.
Where to Buy: Amazon

5. OXO 16-inch Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs

These tongs, with soft, nonslip handles, outperformed all other tongs, even those especially designed for use on the grill.
Where to Buy: Amazon

6. EZGrill Disposable Instant Grill

We had our doubts—the whole kit looked pretty flimsy—but once we struck a match, we were cooking. The spacious cooking surface accommodated three steaks at a time with room to spare, and the heat held steady enough for us to follow up with three chicken breasts—a total of more than 45 minutes of cooking time. Once cool, the grill can be thrown away or recycled. We wouldn’t use the EZGrill for a big backyard barbecue, but it’s ideal for a movable feast.
Where to Buy: Amazon

7. Charcoal Companion Nonstick Reversible Rib Rack

This sturdy rack supports six rib racks and cleans up in moments (though not in the dishwasher), thanks to a nonstick coating. It also doubles as a roasting rack, elevating a whole chicken or small turkey above hot grill grates.
Where to Buy: Amazon

8. Zippo Flexible Neck Utility Lighter

Both the easiest to light and the most comfortable to handle, this lighter offered a unique length-adjustable flame that stayed lit even in the face of gusty wind.
Where to Buy: Amazon

9. Taylor Wireless Thermometer with Remote Pager Plus Timer

For walk-away grilling, get a remote thermometer with a pager that pings you when the food's ready. This model is the most accurate and easy-to-use model we came across. And despite being the least expensive of the models we tested, it had impressive quality of craftsmanship. Another remote thermometer we recommend for cooks who own an iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad is the iGrill, which lets you monitor your food’s temperature on the grill using your smartphone or tablet.
Where to Buy: Amazon

By Lisa McManus at http://www.americastestkitchenfeed.com/gadgets-and-gear/2013/06/favorite-grilling-gadgets-for-outdoor-cooking/

 


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