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!!
DIY
Umami: Video/Recipe for Vegan Fish Sauce
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Where to Buy: Amazon
