December 6, 2009

Why have I been doing things the hard way?  You know how you get used to doing some things the same old way, and don't even think about whether there might be a better or easier way?

I'm not a big fan of kitchen gadgets that have limited uses, with few exceptions like my garlic press.  I've seen these food choppers on TV, and thought they were unnecessary and would just take up my limited kitchen storage space.  But let me tell you, I found out that they're spectacular!  I impulsively bought this Martha Stewart Chopper for $14.99 on Black Friday, and can't believe it took me so long to get one!

I've tried my new chopper on one thing so far, and if that's all I ever use it for, it's money well-spent.  I can't stand how nuts bounce and fly all over the kitchen when you chop them with a knife.  They end up all over the floor and the cats bat them around like little hockey pucks, and then I step on them in my sock feet and say colorful words I shouldn't say.

I don't like to chop nuts in a food processor because they get too fine too fast, even if I pulse.  Now I have the solution: this chopper was made for nuts!  I spread a layer on a paper plate, center the chopper on a pile of them, press down on the plunger 2 or 3 times, then move to a new spot on the plate; repeating til all the nuts are as fine as I want them to be.  You can also use the base of the chopper as a little cutting board for small quantities.

The chopper comes apart for easy cleaning, and doesn't hog too much cupboard real estate.  I'm loving it, and can't wait to try it on onions, herbs, and olives (also bouncy little buggers).

I love Pampered Chef, and they make their own version of the chopper, but it's double the price at $29.50, and I don't see how you need to spend that much for this gadget.

If you're out Christmas shopping and see this chopper at Macy's, get yourself a gift and buy one!  It'll make your holiday baking easier, and who knows what other uses you'll find for it!

~BigSis