not the sharpest knife in the drawer

This post is for the tools topic on @weeklyblogpost...

I have a lot of fun tools to work with in the kitchen. I've built my collection over the years while passing through places like Foster's, browsing Amazon, etc.  I often add a new kitchen utensil when I find myself saying, "boy if i had ____, this would really be a lot easier." (Can you say microplane zester? Cookie scoop? SILPAT!!!)

There's one tool that I reach for, without fail, every time I cook. It's not the garlic press or the spatula or even the best wooden spoon.  I reach for an old crappy $2 knife that one of my old college roommates bought at the dollar store (guess that means it was actually $1).

It's your run of the mill utility knife, looks somewhat like a steak knife, often comes in sets of 4 or 6.  This one came on its own, with a slightly serrated edge and a sturdy black handle.  I only have one, I've never purchased more. 

I've got two chef's knives (French and Japanese), a paring knife, and a bunch of butter knives, but none are as satisfying and reliable as my trusty old utility knife.

Viva la utility knife!

Comments

[jonny goldstein]

Good tools are nice....and often simple is good. People think they need to get all fancy with their cookware, but that's bull. A few basics and some good ingredients, and it's dinnertime.

[Reed Gustow]

A wok is really useful. I used to make popcorn in a wok. And before you get snarky, yes, it had a lid. I did need to use potholders on either side to keep the lid on while shaking the thing over the flame.

[phillygrrl]

The dollar store rocks.

[ACG]

I went and bought a fancy ass chef's knife, but still favor the older cheaper chef's knife from IKEA every time I cook.