The Mortar and Pestle
The mortar and pestle is ubiquitous. Variations of the mortar and pestle are used throughout the world. The stone, granite, mortar and pestle is the most common, but there are also wooden and even metal varieties.I have a small mortar and pestle in which I regularly grind together spices, garlic and ginger; and a larger mortar and pestle for preparing dishes such as sambals.
The mortar and pestle is better than a grinder for many dishes. Allowing you to crush and grind ingredients together so that you release more flavour.
The flat-bed sandwich toaster/press
I find this toaster invaluable for quick meals. Of course you can use it for toasted sandwiches but there are so many other things you can use it for.It makes it quick and easy to make many dishes which usually require you to stand around -for example the quesadilla, or the coconut roti.
Using a flat-bed sandwich press, you can do other things in the kitchen while your food is toasting... because you know both sides will be toasted evenly... you don't have to flip it at the right moment.
You can even use it to make pancakes... and I think the next time I make a Korean omelette I will try with this in the hope of achieving a rectangle!
My flat-bed sandwich toaster has been heavily used in the last few months, recently I have been using it to make -
- quick pizzas on flat bread
- "grilled" eggplant
- "grilled" haloumi
here you see grilled eggplant, sprinkled with a seed and chilli mix, served with rice and a ridged gourd curry. :-) yum!
