If you don’t have the kitchen gadget you need, don’t get upset. Just refer to this list of gadget substitutes and use them instead. Use these alternative items to achieve similar results and save money on kitchen gadgets you don’t really need.
Twin forks
When you have to beat eggs or a cream sauce with a whisk and you don’t have one, use two forks. Lay one fork on top of the other and put a folded up piece of paper towel between the handles. Wrap tape around the handles and use the forks as a whisk. Do not whisk with forks in non-stick pots.
A wide rubber band
If you don’t have a jar opener, a wide rubber band will do. Just place the rubber band around the lid on the jar you want to open and twist. Put another one around the middle section of the jar to make this job even easier.
A food chopper
When you have a food processor and you need a cheese grater to grate some cheese but don’t have one, use your food chopper. Cut the cheese into small cubes and put them in the processor after applying cooking spray to the blades. You can also peel and chop hard vegetables and grate them in your food processor. Use the grater blade and pulse until the desired results are achieved.
An aluminum foil pie pan or aluminum foil
Should you find that you need to drain cooked pasta and don’t have a colander, take an aluminum pie pan, put small holes in it, and use it as a strainer. Use aluminum foil if you don’t have a pie pan. Just make holes in the foil and tightly press the edges over another pot and carefully pour the liquid through it.
A tablespoon
Use a tablespoon to pop a cap off a bottle if you don’t have a bottle opener. To do this, simply place the front edge of the spoon under the edge of the cap and pull up. Another method is to pry the cap open using another capped bottle. Just place the edge of one cap under the cap you want to remove and apply force. Do this carefully so the right cap comes off.
A mesh sieve
A mesh sieve can be used in place of a sifter. To use it, place the sieve above a bowl and put the food in it. Gently slap the side of the sieve to help the ingredients fall through the strainer. Use a whisk to mix the ingredients, but don’t expect the fluffy results you get from a sifter or a mesh sieve.
A heavy pan
Use a heavy pan in place of a meat mallet. If you want to thin out and tenderize meat, place it inside a large plastic bag that has been sprayed with cooking oil. Seal the bag and pound the meat with the pan. A rolling pin also works.
