Five Friday Faves! Kitchen Gadgets

       Happy Friday and welcome to our new Friday feature,

         5 FRIDAY FAVES!

      Every Friday my girls and I will answer the question, "What's your favorite______?"  And we will give you our answers and tell you why they are our favorites.

           If you have been following us for long, you know that there are only 4 of us, so that means that each week either one of us will cheat and give 2 answers, or we will interview a special guest to give us their take.  And, guess what!  I get to come up with the questions!  I have been coming up with some good ones, so I am really excited!  Don't worry, we will put links to the things we list so that you can get hold of them if you want to see if our favorites become your favorites as well. 

       This week's question is starting off simply.  It is, "What is your favorite kitchen gadget?"  We will begin with my answer first:

I chose a new item that I just treated myself to right before Christmas.  It is a Citrus Zester.  For years, I have zested lemons with the skinny side of the cheese grater.  I would be lucky to get a tsp of zest for my recipes. It was even worse when the skin of the lemon or orange was some what smooth.  But, no more!  Look at all of that zest from just one orange!  The zester I am using is from Everyday Living.  There is a similar one  here.  There are many different varieties though, like  this one that fits in your palm, or this one by OXO, or this type that both peels and zests.  I haven't gotten to use mine a lot yet, but so far I love it.

        Next up is Madalynn.  Madalynn chose something we have talked about before on this post and it goes hand- in-hand with my choice:

The Lemon or Lime Squeezer! Madalynn loves it because it makes getting the juice from a lemon or lime so easy, it keeps the seeds out, and your hands don't get sticky!  You can find one like we use  here  for only $7!  I love the pretty yellow color, but if I had seen this one in red, I may have gotten it!  (It would match my Kitchen Aid).  This one has a stainless steel, anti-corrosive finish.

       Lindsey weighs in with a fun little gadget:

 This is a spiralizer!  You can find one like it  here..  Lindsey loves it because she can use it to make zucchini noodles, or zoodles, really easily just by pressing and turning.  Since she and her husband are the only ones they are presently cooking for, this small one really does the trick.  It can also be used for different types of squash or even carrots.  If your family is larger than just 2, there are larger ones,  or even  an attachment for your Kitchen Aid!  (hmmm...)

       Last, but not least, Alicia gets to be the cheater and share 2 gadgets this week.  She couldn't decide between them, so we let her be the first one to share 2 things.  First, is her hand held egg beater that her dad and I gave her for Christmas last year in a preparedness package. 

 We gave our kids these to have in case of emergency, you know, in case of a power outage or the Zombie Apocalypse. (just kidding).  I was surprised and happy to hear that it has become one of her favorite go to gadgets!  She says she tends to pull it out instead of her hand mixer, (the electric one) because it is easier and when her little son cooks with her, he likes to turn it.  She even uses it to mix together her dry ingredients.  This one by OXO  is ergonomically engineered to be held with one hand more easily.   But, if you are really into vintage style,  this one  will fit the bill.  This one  also looks easy to hold and is billed as super fast.  The funny thing is I gave these to our kids, but failed to get one for myself.  I think it is a really good idea to have things that work without electricity in your arsenal of gadgets.

    Finally, item #5 is Alicia's can opener.  It doesn't have a brand on it.  It just says,  "Made in the USA".   

   In a world of electric can openers, this may seem a simple thing.  Once again, it is wise to have something that opens cans that is not electric.  Alicia says that this  can opener has lasted longer than any other one she has had and that it opens cans like they are made of butter.  The handle is easy to turn without killing your hand and forearm. 87% of the people who reviewed it give it 5 stars.  Another option to check out is this one by OXO. OXO makes a  smooth edge can opener.  I haven't used it, but I wonder if it is as good.  It has mostly good reviews. 

       Well, there you have it, our first list of Friday Faves!  Have you used any of these gadgets and loved them?  Do you have a favorite kitchen gadget that you love?  Please tell us about them in the comments.  Also, if you would like a chance to be featured as the #5 spot on Friday Faves, let us know that as well!