I was browsing for a new non-stick pan when I came across this special brownie pan that gives 2 edges on each brownie. Some people prefer the edges because they’re chewier. The pan is great if everyone in the family likes edge pieces but what if someone likes a center? Me, I can eat the edge or center, I’m not picky.
This reminded me that I had seen another specialty pan in a cooking catalog that I wanted to buy, an Aebleskiver pan. But I had put off buying it because the last thing I need to be making is pancakes balls with jelly in the middle or I will look even more like a pancake ball with jelly in the middle.
I like looking through kitchen sections of stores or catalogs and I often find myself coveting some unusual piece of equipment or cookware that I probably don’t really need. This got me thinking, does anyone else have any unusual specialty kitchen equipment that you never knew you needed until you saw it? Or really didn’t need it but wanted it anyway? And if so where can I find it because I might need it too?
[sub]Anyone want to come over for some Aebleskiver and Edgy Brownies?[/sub]
I keep borrowing a friend’s madeleine pan. I need to buy my own. But at least I can find one for $10…$34 just to get chewy edges on brownies is not so hot.
Well, I’ve owned one of these for quite a few years now. They make very nice “different” gifts, especially when I use them to make Super Cookies (2 pizelles, melted white or dark chocolate. Put large glob of chocolate on one pizelle, smear around, top with other pizelle. Let cool.)
Ooh, I make those pizzelle cookies too…but I use purchased pizzelles (I’m a slacker) and spread Nutella (or Trader Joe’s chocolate hazelnut spread) and whipped topping btween the layers. Your version sounds better…doesn’t have to be eaten immediately, and won’t melt at an un-air-conditioned baby shower. (hey, I didn’t serve them…it’s just where I learned about them…).
kittenblue: I do own a nice non-stick madeleine pan. It was probably a little more than $10 but significantly less than $34. I needed it! I’ve made chocolate, lemon and coconut madeleines. My favorite so far is the coconut.
silenus: I have been eyeing a pizelle maker, too. That one is so nice and shiny. drools
I just ran across a castle shaped bundt pan. What do I need it for? I don’t know, but it’s cool!
I also like the Pie Dam, mostly because I envision serving pie, and then grabbing a bullhorn to make announcements: “Stand Back! We Will Now Install the PIE DAM.” I like the concept of pie with industrial needs.
I broke down and bought a cake pan that makes 9 cars of a train. My 2-year-old calls it the “choo-choo-choo-choo train.” It’s only useful around Christmas and the boys’ birthdays, but hey, whatever [del]shuts them up[/del] makes them happy a few days a year…
The brownie pan is intriguing. I like the chewy edge pieces.
My most unusual kitchen gadget is a cheese ruffler. I’ve never used it, but I can’t even think about getting rid of it, because you never know when you’ll need to ruffle some cheese! I need to find a good reason to use the cheese ruffler. Any suggestions?
I got my cousin the sandcastle cake pan for her wedding. I want one. It would be so much fun to decorate!
I am going to buy this and make the coolest gingerbread houses ever! (Checks calendar to count days left 'till Christmas…)
As for specialized kitchen equipment, I never knew how handy an egg slicer that cuts eggs into wedges can be. Boy, those hold up much better in a salad than the thin round slices.
I’m such a dork. I still really want a Betty Crocker Bake and Fill cake mold. I know I’d use it like twice a year, but it just looks so…neat!
Wile E, I come from a family of Aebleskiver eaters, and there’s just nothing better. However, I share this anecdote to help you save yourself. Imagine, if you will, my grandmother. Old German grandmother, natch. Raised by late-Victorian era grandparents herself, so she’s rather prim. One day, in the middle of a breakfast of Aebleskivers, she leans over to me and whispers, “You know, the only way to really enjoy these is to eat them naked with someone you love.” They’re very messy, you see, because you cut them open like little Pac-Mans and stuff them full of sweets, and they’re eaten by hand, with all the applesauce and syrup and stuff oozing out down your wrist to plop in your lap. Well, the image of Gran and Gramps eating Aebleskivers together nekkid…well, let’s just say it made me wish for a pukey smilie IRL!
Well, we have Henrietta. She was on sale at a local gourmet store and I couldn’t help myself. She soft-boils, hard-boils, or poaches. Uses much less water than the traditional method and the eggs are always easy to peel. I’m gonna keep her.
