Pre-preparation Utensils
Preparing the Mis-en-Place
Mis-en-Place
We learned in culinary school that good execution depends, among other things, on proper pre-preparation.
We call this “mis-en-place“.
It’s during this phase that you’ll sort out the ingredients you’re going to use and weigh them, sanitize them, chop them, slice them, separate them into pots or jars, etc. In addition, you’ll keep spatulas, sieves, forks, spoons and other utensils to be used at hand.
In short, you’re going to do everything necessary to ensure that you have everything to hand during the execution phase of the dish(s)
In addition to the utensils we’ve already mentioned, such as knives, cutting boards and pots, let’s take a look at others that are just as important.
Shears
It may not seem very obvious, but scissors are also used in the kitchen, whether for chopping leaves, cutting herbs, opening packages and so on.
Have a pair of scissors just for the kitchen and don’t let them be used for other activities, such as gardening!!! Cutting flower stalks will not help maintain the cut of the wire or the hygiene of your food.
KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears
Grater
Used mainly for cheeses and vegetables. There are many types and models. Let’s stick to the basics for now. A good choice should have cutting options (thin, medium and thick).
Cheese Grater with Garlic Crusher
Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer
Fruit squeezer
It’s very common to need to juice some fruit to add to preparations.
There are electric ones, but it’s just a little-used piece of junk that takes up space, unless you drink fruit juice frequently.
The models below are basic and great for sporadic use.
Kitchen Cast-Iron Orange Juice Squeezer
Kitchen Metal 2-in-1 Lemon Squeezer
Can opener
It needs no introduction, indispensable in everyday life.
Kitchen Mama Auto Electric Can Opener
KitchenAid Classic Multifunction Can Opener
Vegetable peeler
They are widely used in everyday life. They help speed up production and combat food waste. I have both and I really like both ways of using them.
Good Grips Swivel Vegetable Peeler
Bottle opener / Corkscrew
Many recipes use drinks in their preparation. A bottle opener with a corkscrew is a very useful tool. What’s more, preparing a meal while drinking wine or beer is a great idea.
Zinc Alloy Premium Wing Corkscrew
Premium Automatic Beer Bottle Opener
Mandoline
Used for slicing vegetables quickly and precisely.
Look for one with easy adjustment of the cutting thickness and a finger guard. And use it VERY carefully!!!
Gramercy Adjustable Mandoline Food Slicer
Multifunctional 13 in 1 Food Chopper