Miscellaneous Kitchenware

No, it's not recommended to put your cast iron skillet in the dishwasher. The high heat and harsh chemicals can damage the seasoning and cause rusting. Instead, rinse with hot water and use a brush to remove any stuck-on food.

Yes, a food processor can be used to chop nuts. However, you have to be careful not to over-process them and turn them into nut butter. Pulse a few times until the nuts are evenly chopped.

Wooden cutting boards should be hand washed with hot water and soap, then dried immediately. Every few weeks, it's recommended to oil the board with food-grade oil to keep it in good condition. It's also important to avoid soaking the board in water, as this can cause splitting or warping.

It's best to avoid using abrasive sponges or dish soaps when cleaning non-stick cookware. Instead, use a soft sponge or cloth with mild soap and warm water. If there are stubborn stains, try using a non-abrasive cleaner specifically designed for non-stick cookware.

There are a variety of sharpening tools available, including sharpening stones and electric sharpeners. However, it's important to use the correct angle and technique to avoid damaging your knives. If you're unsure, it's best to have a professional sharpen your knives.

A mandoline is used for slicing vegetables or fruit very thinly and evenly. It's helpful for creating uniform slices for dishes like potato gratin or cucumber salad.

A blender is best suited for liquifying ingredients, such as smoothies or soups. A food processor is better for chopping, slicing, and grating solid ingredients, such as vegetables or cheese.

Both items serve the same purpose, which is to drain liquid from food. However, a colander usually has larger holes and is used for draining larger items like pasta or vegetables. A strainer has smaller holes and is used for straining liquids and smaller items like quinoa or tea leaves.

A kitchen scale is used for precise measurements of ingredients, especially in baking. This ensures that ingredients are accurately measured for the best results in your recipes.

A mortar and pestle is used for grinding and crushing ingredients, such as herbs or spices, into a fine powder or paste. This helps release the flavors and oils of the ingredient for more intense and flavorful cooking.