Kitchen Deals -> Kitchen tools

Look for models with adjustable baskets and flexible internal layouts for varying load requirements. For example, a tilting upper basket allows large 30cm diameter plates in the lower basket and extra flaps can be raised or lowered to cater for small items or large pans.

An absolute must with a million and a half uses. But do not buy just any plastic wrap. Go to a restaurant supply store and buy a large roll of restaurant plastic wrap. It sticks much better than the common grocery store plastic wrap and is much cheaper per foot.

To remove fat from soup or stock, use one of these techniques:

• Remove fat from soups by allowing a lettuce leaf to float on top of the soup. The lettuce will attract the fat and then the fat and lettuce leaf can be removed.
• Add ice cubes to the soup, stir to allow fat to collect on the ice cubes, and then remove before they have melted.
• Crumple up a piece of plastic wrap and skim the surface of the soup with it. The plastic wrap will attract fat from the surface.
• Allow the soup to cool, place it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours and when it is removed, the fat will have solidified on top and can then be easily scraped off.