One-handed Cooking Part 2

One-handed Cooking Part 2

In continuation of my last post, I would like to share some great appliances that make cooking easier for me.

Farberware Hands-Free Battery Operated can opener

I like the Farberware Hands-Free Battery Operated can opener. It provides a smooth edge on the can and lid (no sharp surfaces to get cut). This device takes 2 standard (not rechargeable) AA batteries and is very easy to use. It makes cooking spaghetti sauce or chili a breeze! You can drain one can while the can opener is cutting the top off the next.

To use, lay it across the top of the can and push a large button to start it. It drives itself around the can while it cuts the top off. When it is finished, you press the button again to turn it off. It has a small magnet that sometimes helps to take the lid off. The only downside to this can opener is that the cover can be difficult to remove in order to replace the batteries, but it is not impossible. The batteries last many months with my average use.

Pampered Chef Small Stoneware Bar Pan

I used to have a specialized cutting board that had a built up corner for buttering bread, spreading peanut butter, jelly, or mayo. That board disappeared many moves ago then I learned about the Pampered Chef Small Stoneware Bar Pan. I set this pan onto a small piece of shelf liner and it works wonderfully for all spreading activities. You can even cook small amounts on it in the microwave, toaster oven, or standard oven. It is easy to clean and care for. It will break if dropped on tile. I have lost several of my stoneware pieces that way.

Norwex Fruit and Veggie Scrub Cloth

The Norwex Fruit and Veggie Scrub Cloth takes the chore out of cleaning fruits and vegetables. Did you know that the skin of most fruits and vegetables is where most of the beneficial nutrients are? It is partly that reason and partly due to my one handedness that I gave up peeling fruits and vegetables years ago. I recently received the Norwex Fruit and Veggie Scrub Cloth and thought I would never use it. It sat for weeks before I tried it. It is a microfiber cloth that removes dirt and germs from fruits and vegetables. One side is soft for the more delicate items like peaches and tomatoes. The other side is scratchy, similar to Velcro. You wet it then rub the produce with it. I love it for carrots, cucumbers, and potatoes. I get it wet then rub the vegetables, one at a time, and its clean. The scrubby side takes the rough spots off of produce and makes carrots feel as clean as if they were peeled. No harsh chemicals required or sharp tools. This is even great for the little kitchen helpers.

Instant Pot electric pressure cooker

My Instant Pot electric pressure cooker is a time saver in the kitchen. It works similar to a crock pot; you fill it and put the lid on then walk away. I use it weekly for making hard boiled eggs. The steam makes the egg shells slide off. It makes peeling them so much easier! I do not have to watch for the pot to boil on the stove. I like to use it also to cook frozen chicken breasts for meals. I like to put frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot with diced tomatoes and seasonings for tacos. The chicken is easy to shred when cooked this way. Or frozen chicken with broth and spices to be used as a main course or in recipes like chicken salad. It always makes tender, juicy chicken.

Pampered Chef Cookie Scoop

The Pampered Chef Cookie Scoop (small or medium) makes baking easier for me. I use the small cookie scoop for making mini muffins and also drop cookie dough balls. It is the perfect size for both and I don’t have to use 2 spoons for drop cookies because it works like an ice cream scoop. Just scoop then squeeze to drop. The medium size is perfect for meatballs, standard size cupcakes or standard size muffins. Using this device makes my muffins and cookies the same size so they bake evenly. I like to make double batches of cookie dough then scoop onto wax paper lined cookie sheets and freeze for use later.

Ninja Food processor

The Ninja Food processor makes chopping small amounts of food fast and easy. I like to use it to chop small amounts of celery for tuna or chicken salad, shelled walnuts for oatmeal or baking, chicken for chicken salad, or to blend frozen bananas and peanut butter for a sweet treat. It is so easy to use. You put the blade in the bowl then put your food in(cut into 1 inch pieces), place the lid on then the motor. Pulse 3 times and voila! Everything is nicely chopped. Clean up is easy too. Simply add soap and water then put the lid and motor on and run it about a minute. Then rise with hot water.