Healthy eating is work, but tools make it easier

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Mar 31, 2005 | by Leanne Ely

Being the Dinner Diva that I am, I find the propensity toward convenience foods is rather distressing. True, it is helpful to have something to pull out of your hat when you need to fly out the door for baseball practice, but it doesn't have to come in a box from the freezer and go into the microwave. There is a better solution.

Everything in life worth something takes some form of effort. This is also true with trying to eat healthier. It will require some effort on your part. But with a little bit of forethought and a few good moves, it won't be too hard. Plus, I would never leave a mom in the lurch without one or two quick tricks -- we all need them, don't we?

But to do it right, we need to start with our kitchen tools. I have some good gear I wouldn't want to be without. And then I have some real time-saving tools I call my indentured servants because these babies make life a whole lot easier.

Which tools, you ask? Here's the list:

-- Good, sharp knives: A dull knife will make tomato sauce out of your tomatoes. It is a joy to work with a good knife. I have had my Henckels chef knife for more than 20 years and it's just as wonderful as the first day I bought it. Good knives are a great tool, if they are kept sharpened.

-- A few cutting boards: Working with just one cutting board is a mistake. With all the scary information out there on salmonella and the rest, it might not be a bad idea to be a little more kosher about your cutting boards: use one for vegetables, fruit, etc. and one only for meat. It's a lot cleaner.

-- A flat-bottomed wok: This is another tool I have owned for a long time. This stainless, well-seasoned pan has scrambled eggs and cooked countless stir-frys. I truly wouldn't be without it, and the flat bottom is essential -- no fussing with a ring and a wobbly pan on the stove.

-- Vegetable steamer: Unless you forget about your vegetables in the steamer, you almost can't wreck them. Plus, they're never soggy.

-- Popsicle molds: Cheap and easy dessert for your kids and you, for that matter. Buy a couple of sets.

-- Stainless or non-aluminum cookware: Aluminum has been linked to all kinds of health problems, and rather than debate the issue, why not just get some decent stainless steel pots and pans and forget about it.

-- Cupcake liners: I don't know why on earth it took me so long to figure out that cupcake liners can be used for muffins, too. I have seen them used that way in bakery muffins, but I guess I'm just a slow learner. Cupcake liners keep cleanup to a minimum and really simplify the process.

-- A stash of Pyrex dishes that you can fill and throw in your freezer. If you can get in the habit of doubling your family's dinner, you can stock a mother lode of meals in the freezer with very little extra effort.

-- A timer: If you are anything like me, your good intentions can turn into burnt offerings. A good working timer with a buzzer you can actually hear is really smart.

-- A wire whisk. A quality wire whisk. There is nothing better than a good whisk for beating eggs, making sauces, gravies, etc. An unbeatable and have-to-have tool.

-- Microwave

-- Pizza stone (goodbye Pizza parlors!)

-- Kitchen scissors. You can cut up chickens easily, snip herbs, cut dough for cinnamon buns, even gloppy canned tomatoes (although that kind of grosses me out, to be honest). Truly, an indispensable tool.

-- Dry measuring scoops: You can get these at the dollar store and stick them in your canisters. They work well and it's one less thing to think about when you're trying to measure something out for a recipe. Always use the back of a knife to scrape off the top for an accurate measure.

-- A good supply of Ziploc-type bags. Keep a stock of all sizes, and the freezer kind, too. Yes, they are worth the extra money -- your freezer stuff will really hold up. They're great for marinades, storing doughs, soups and muffin mix. Get a Sharpie pen and hide it in the plastic wrap so no one walks off with it. Then you can even mark the contents and date on your bags! How completely organized can you get?

Now, bring on the servants! These appliances need to be seen with new eyes.

That isn't just a crockpot hiding in the dark corners of your cupboard. That's a cook who'll be whipping up something fabulous for you and your family while you're running around all day or at work. Do you see why you need to yank that thing out from the netherworld of your cupboard?

And the bread machine you got as an anniversary present or wedding gift? Your own personal baker! The freezer? A virtual restaurant waiting to be heated up. Your food processor? Your own personal kitchen assistant.

What more could a gal ask for? Everyone of these tools gets neglected from time to time; but if you use them, you'll find yourself able to do so much more in the kitchen and it will be so much easier to cook. With a little bit of planning, some good recipes (got 'em right here!) and a willingness to try something new, your kitchen will never be the same.

Besides, you can tell everyone you have a full kitchen staff. If you're lucky enough to own a dishwasher, you can have a maid, too!