Summer is the perfect time to experiment with fresh and delicious recipes. From corn salads to grilled lamb and cold noodles, there are endless possibilities to explore in the kitchen. However, when it comes to choosing the right tools and gadgets for summer cooking, it can be overwhelming to decide what you really need. To help you navigate through the sea of options, we reached out to professional chefs to get their recommendations on the best summer kitchen tools to invest in.
Chef-Approved Summer Kitchen Tools at Amazon
1. Ninja Professional Blender & Nutri Ninja Cups, $140
2. Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler, $35
3. Chef’n FreshForce Citrus Juicer, $15 (originally $25)
4. Simpletaste Handheld Milk Frother, $9 (originally $14)
5. Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker, $25
6. Iwatani 35FW Butane Portable Cooktop, $115 (originally $130)
7. Kona Bristle-Free Grill Brush, $22
8. Doqaus Ice Cube Trays, $13 (originally $22)
Don’t Buy: An electric frozen margarita machine
Buy Instead: A high-powered blender
Nothing screams summer like a frozen margarita, but you don’t need an expensive electric churner to make one. Chef Maricel Gentile recommends opting for a versatile high-powered blender instead. Not only does it work beautifully for frozen drinks, but you can also use it year-round for smoothies, sauces, and soups.
Don’t Buy: Single-use can coolers
Buy Instead: A reusable vacuum-insulated tumbler
Instead of wasting money on single-use can coolers that don’t keep drinks cold for long, invest in a reusable vacuum-insulated tumbler like the Stanley Quencher H2.0. This practical water bottle will keep your beverages cold for hours, whether you’re sipping on iced tea, cold brew, or sparkling water.
Don’t Buy: Flimsy plastic citrus juicers
Buy Instead: A stainless steel juicer
Upgrade your citrus juicing game with a sturdy stainless steel handheld press. It’s compact, durable, and perfect for squeezing lemons for salad dressings and marinades. Say goodbye to flimsy plastic juicers that break easily and don’t yield much juice.
Don’t Buy: Drinks at the coffee shop
Buy Instead: A handheld milk frother
Save money and make your own coffee shop-quality drinks at home with a handheld milk frother. This USB-charged tool is fast, space-saving, and cost-effective, making it perfect for whipping up refreshing drinks like lattes and mocktails.
Don’t Buy: Cold brew bottles
Buy Instead: A cold brew maker
Skip the overpriced bottled cold brew and make your own at home with the Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker. This affordable and easy-to-use tool allows you to brew delicious cold brew coffee by simply adding coffee grounds and water and letting it sit in the fridge overnight.
With these chef-approved summer kitchen tools, you’ll be well-equipped to create a wide range of delicious dishes and drinks all season long. Whether you’re blending up frozen margaritas, juicing fresh citrus, frothing milk for lattes, or brewing cold brew coffee, these gadgets will make your summer cooking experience a breeze. As the summer season approaches, many people are gearing up for outdoor entertaining and grilling. Stephen Ingber, owner and executive chef of MileHighCook, emphasizes the importance of using the right equipment to enhance the grilling experience. According to Ingber, investing in quality tools can make a significant difference in the flavor and overall success of your summer gatherings.
One of the key pieces of equipment that Ingber recommends avoiding is a cheap electric grill. These grills often fail to reach the high temperatures needed for a proper sear, which is essential for achieving that delicious grilled flavor. Instead, Ingber suggests opting for an affordable butane tabletop burner, such as the Iwatani 35FW Butane Portable Cooktop. Paired with a cast iron grill pan, this setup provides real heat and flavor, perfect for cooking up Korean barbecue or juicy burgers for a crowd.
In addition to choosing the right cooking equipment, it’s important to consider the tools used for cleaning and maintaining your grill. Ingber cautions against using wire bristle grill brushes, as they can shed bristles that may end up in food and even cause injuries. Instead, he recommends a safer alternative, such as the Kona Bristle-Free Grill Brush. This coiled brush is more durable and just as effective at removing residue from grill grates without the risk of bristles getting into your food.
When it comes to chilling drinks for summer gatherings, Ingber advises against oversized cocktail ice ball makers. While they may look impressive, these oversized ice balls can take a long time to freeze and may water down drinks in unpredictable ways. Ingber suggests using ice cube trays with dividers, like the Doqaus Ice Cube Trays. These trays freeze quickly, are easy to use, and create perfectly sized ice cubes that won’t dilute your beverages.
Overall, Ingber stresses the importance of investing in quality tools and equipment for summer entertaining. By choosing the right gear, such as a butane tabletop burner, a bristle-free grill brush, and efficient ice cube trays, you can elevate your grilling experience and impress your guests with delicious food and drinks. So this summer, make sure to equip yourself with the right tools to make your outdoor entertaining a success. The Benefits of Incorporating Meditation into Your Daily Routine
In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From work deadlines to family responsibilities, it can feel like there is never enough time in the day to take a moment for yourself. However, incorporating meditation into your daily routine can have numerous benefits for both your mental and physical well-being.
One of the key benefits of meditation is stress reduction. Research has shown that meditation can help lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, leading to a decrease in feelings of anxiety and tension. By taking just a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath, you can help calm your mind and alleviate the stresses of the day.
In addition to stress reduction, meditation has also been shown to improve concentration and focus. By practicing mindfulness meditation, you can train your mind to stay present in the moment, allowing you to better focus on the task at hand. This can be especially beneficial for those who struggle with distractions or have difficulty staying focused for long periods of time.
Furthermore, meditation has been linked to improved emotional well-being. By cultivating a sense of inner peace and contentment through meditation, you can learn to better manage your emotions and respond to challenging situations with greater clarity and calm. This can lead to improved relationships with others and a greater sense of overall happiness and fulfillment.
On a physical level, meditation has also been shown to have numerous health benefits. Studies have found that regular meditation practice can help lower blood pressure, improve immune function, and even reduce inflammation in the body. By taking care of your mental well-being through meditation, you can also positively impact your physical health and overall longevity.
Incorporating meditation into your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Even just a few minutes of meditation each day can have a significant impact on your well-being. Whether you choose to meditate first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed, finding a time that works for you is key to establishing a consistent practice.
In conclusion, the benefits of incorporating meditation into your daily routine are vast and far-reaching. From stress reduction and improved focus to enhanced emotional well-being and physical health, meditation has the power to transform your life in countless ways. So why not give it a try and see for yourself the positive impact that meditation can have on your overall well-being?
