Appliances...

Here are a few kitchen tools that lend themselves well to some of the recipes listed on this site. If you have any personal recommendations, let me know.

I have yet to find a hand slicer than can produce as fine a slice as the Mouli. This unit is available in three different models. I recommend either the plated or stainless steel units. Each model comes with three grating blades (superfine, fine, and coarse) and one slicing blade.

You may find this item advertised in cooking mail order catalogs, but very often it is sold only with the grating cylinders. The Chef's Catalog (at  chefscatalog.com or 1-800-338-3232) offers the stainless steel model for $24.99 and describes it as coming with the fine and coarse graters and the slicing blade. (The accompanying photo, however, illustrates the unit with just the three grating blades...?)

Save yourself some grief and avoid cheap imitations. I've tried a couple of low-cost hand slicers of the same design and the results were unacceptable.

Note: The Viennese model sold by Kitchen Emporium lacks a handle on the dough hopper as shown in the picture above (sigh!...). Otherwise it is the same. They also sell a unit called a "Swabian Spaetzle Maker". I have purchased and tested this style and was frustrated by its limited capacity. There are several other brands around but I found the holes in many of them to be too small, producing rice size noodles. The 5/16" holes on the Viennese unit are perfect.

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