French Kitchen Utensils

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Top Ten Kitchen Utensils For Entertaining Family & Friends

In our house we love entertaining friends as well as family and are lucky to have a large kitchen and dining area for these occasions. But all this would be useless without the right tools! Like the best ingredients can mean great cooking - the right utensils are vital.

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Firstly, if you are a keen family cook or dinner party chef, quality kitchenware is key. Save up for the best and don't just rush out to any store and buy everything you think you need!

A Good kit will last a lifetime – yours and for your kids!

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Here are my top ten greatest entertaining utensils:

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Set of Knives

Top of the list for any kitchen chef is good cutting and chopping knives. They can be of various sizes and should regularly sharpened. I must, however, be honest and admit I have one favourite knife that I use for nearly all cutting, slicing and chopping – I rarely use any other! The best type of ‘multi-use' knife should have a broad blade and not be serrated.

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Vegetable Peeler

Vital to save time and energy! I recommend one with a broad, ergonomic handle with a moveable blade and ‘eye' remover for great everyday use.

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Potato Masher

In great demand in our house – we love smooth, mashed potatoes. It is surprisingly difficult to get a good masher these days. It should be all metal – definitely not plastic – and with a good number of holes in the masher blade, but not too many. I believe the art of great mashed potato is seasoning, butter and lots of old-fashioned elbow grease!

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Garlic Crusher

Where would great cooking be without garlic and how would the French survive? A good crusher should be robust and easy to clean.

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Roasting Dish

I have a great earthenware roasting dish which, with a touch of olive oil and a sprinkling of salt, gives perfect roasted potatoes every time. Indispensable for the family roast on Sundays – a great British tradition.

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Casserole Dish

Hearty, warming stews are vital for British winters and great favourites with my family. We have a large number of different types of casserole dishes, but all you really need is one large, deep dish – preferably one made by Le Creuset.

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Bottle Opener

Despite what anyone says, I believe there is nothing better than an old-fashioned fold-out wine bottle opener. Have you ever seen a wine waiter use anything else? Always use the serrated blade to cut neatly around the bottle top and screw into the cork centrally. Then pull the cork and enjoy.

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Red Wine Decanter

Whatever the red wine it always looks and tastes better served in an elegant, modern glass decanter. It doesn't have to be an elaborate procedure as all you really need is a steady hand. Always rinse the decanter in mineral water first and then pour the wine down the inside of the decanter to aerate the wine. This is all the breathing most wines need and I would recommend serving the wine as soon as possible – don't let the wine sit for longer than 20-25 minutes – at approximately room temperature.

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Ice Cream Scope

A real must for peaceful family life! Try and buy one of the more expensive types that melt the ice cream when served straight from the freezer. These give lovely round scopes easily, every time. The ideal finishing touch to accompany your stylish desserts too.

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Coffee Maker

The final event of any dinner party is a great cup of coffee. Buy a machine that makes a great espresso – if it does it will do every other type of coffee justice too.

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So, make sure you buy the best quality products you can afford and consider carefully what you really use and need.  Entertaining will be easier, stylish and much more fun!

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About the Author

James Davies has is an interior designer who has worked on many major kitchen, restaurant and bar projects in the commercial and residential sectors. You can get more inspiration and tips on how to improve your kitchen at; www. kitchen desires.com