How to use this strange tool in your kitchen

Before using a kitchen gadget, it helps to understand what it is and what it does. Here are several common — and sometimes unusual — kitchen tools along with their purpose and how to use them.

1. Mandoline Slicer

Appearance:
A flat board with adjustable blades.

Purpose:
Used to quickly slice fruits and vegetables into even, uniform pieces for salads, gratins, chips, or fries.

How to use it:

• Adjust the blade to your desired thickness.

• Hold the food with the safety hand guard (never use bare hands).

• Slide the food back and forth over the blade.

Great for:
French fries, zucchini slices, cucumber rounds, and shredded cabbage.

2. Meat Tenderizer

Appearance:
A hammer-like tool with textured or ridged sides.

Purpose:
Breaks down tough meat fibers to make the meat softer and more tender.

How to use it:

• Place the meat between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.

• Gently pound the meat with the textured side.

• Continue until the meat is evenly flattened.

Ideal for:
Chicken cutlets, veal escalopes, or thin beef steaks.

3. Citrus Zester (Microplane)

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