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Delia's Kitchen Essentials
Have you ever wondered which equipment and utensils Delia really rates? Well, we have raided her cupboards and found that all of these things – from vanilla extract to breadmakers – are what she relies on to do a good job every time.
Little Gem saucepan
Delia has long been a fan of Mermaid cookware, for its quality and durability, and Little Gem saucepans are no exception. Made from heavy-duty aluminium, with a 6mm ground base, these versatile little pans are suitable for all hobs except for induction.
Microplane grater
Delia says: ‘This flat version is relatively new and super-efficient at grating fresh ginger.’ The microplane is a revelation – its fine 28cm grater will rapidly zest citrus fruits, Parmesan and nutmeg, or purée garlic or ginger, while the coarse grater is great for vegetables, cheese and chocolate.
Mini whisk
Delia says: ‘The miniature Wonder Whisk is far more practical than a standard balloon whisk when making sauce in a small pan, and for whisking oil and vinegar for a salad dressing.’ Brilliant for mixing small quantities, a stainless-steel mini Wonder Whisk will never be out of use!
Stainless-steel whisk
While a fork is adequate for mixing some things, you really need a good-quality, stainless-steel whisk for smooth sauces and well-combined salad dressings, as well as many other kitchen methods.
Mermaid pudding moulds
Pudding moulds are essential for making all those traditional English puddings we love so much! And you’ll be pleased to hear that Delia has included quite a few individual puddings at Delia Online, giving you plenty of excuses to use them.
Flexible spatula
There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to coax the last bits of sauce, or cake mix from the depths of a pan or bowl of a food processor. This flexible spatula from Lakeland will pay for itself thousands of times over in the amount of time and effort it saves you!
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Blowtorch
Delia says: ‘A blowtorch is self-igniting and makes short shrift of changing sugar into caramel. It also helps unmould a jelly, skins tomatoes and gives a smoky, charred taste to aubergines.’ In the hands of a serious cook, this cordless blowtorch fast becomes a magic wand!
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Palette knife
If you’ve ever tried spreading buttercream on top of a cake, or lifting a thin slice of tart with a knife you’ll know just how essential a good palette knife is for spreading and lifting. Made in Sheffield, this particular one has a durable stainless-steel blade.
Gaggia Gelatiera ice cream maker
With this brilliant machine, you can now churn out the ice cream of your dreams in only 30 minutes. Voted tops by leading chefs and tasting panels, including BBC Good Food magazine, this is a serious ice cream maker that boasts its own in-built freezing unit for high levels of production!
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Panasonic breadmaker
‘I think breadmakers are great – the natural flavour of wheat in freshly baked bread with a crisp, crunchy crust is one of life's simplest and pleasures,’ says Delia. And this brilliant machine, popular with Good Housekeeping and BBC Good Food even makes the bread while you sleep!
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Citrus reamer
A wooden citrus reamer really is one of those must-have kitchen utensils, as it offers the easiest way of juicing citrus fruits quickly and effectively. Its pointed end will ensure that every drop of juice is extracted!
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Zester
Delia says: ‘ When you want only the outer zest of a lemon (or lime or orange) and none of the bitter pith, a zester does the job perfectly. The outer zest of the fruit contains all the fragrance and oils that give maximum flavour.’
For oil-rich rind with no white pith, try this great little zester!.
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Chomette ramekins
Ramekins are endlessly useful in the kitchen, for cooking dishes en cocotte and for rich desserts, but also for sauces and small quantities of foods, either for storage or while you are cooking.
