Step 1: Identify the Tool
Before you can use it, you need to figure out what it is. Here are some common “strange” kitchen tools and their purposes:

1. Mandoline Slicer
What It Looks Like : A flat board with adjustable blades.
Purpose : Quickly slices fruits and vegetables into uniform thicknesses for salads, gratins, or chips.
How to Use It :
Adjust the blade setting for desired thickness.
Hold the food firmly with a hand guard (never use bare hands!) and slide it across the blade.
Perfect for making potato chips, zucchini noodles, or cabbage shreds.
2. Meat Tenderizer Hammer
What It Looks Like : A hammer-like tool with textured sides.
Purpose : Breaks down tough fibers in meat to make it more tender.
How to Use It :
Place the meat between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
Gently pound the meat with the textured side until it’s evenly flattened.
Great for chicken cutlets, schnitzel, or marinated steaks.
3. Citrus Zester/Microplane
What It Looks Like : A small grater with sharp holes.
Purpose : Zests citrus fruits or finely grates ingredients like garlic, ginger, or hard cheeses.
How to Use It :
Rub the fruit or ingredient against the microplane, applying gentle pressure.
Avoid grating the bitter white pith when zesting citrus.
Perfect for adding lemon zest to desserts or grating Parmesan over pasta.
4. Egg Separator
What It Looks Like : A small silicone or plastic tool shaped like a fish or cup.
Purpose : Separates egg yolks from whites without breaking the yolk.
How to Use It :
Crack the egg into a bowl.
Hover the separator over another bowl and pour the egg mixture into it—the white drips through, leaving the yolk behind.
5. Silicone Pastry Brush
What It Looks Like : A flexible brush with soft bristles.
Purpose : Brushes oil, butter, or glaze onto food.
How to Use It :
Dip the brush into the liquid and gently spread it over meats, pastries, or veggies.
Ideal for basting roasts, glazing cookies, or greasing pans.
6. Avocado Slicer
What It Looks Like : A multi-functional tool with a knife edge, a pit remover, and a slicing grid.
Purpose : Safely cuts, pits, and slices avocados.
How to Use It :
Use the knife edge to cut the avocado lengthwise around the pit.
Twist the halves apart and use the pit remover to scoop out the seed.
Use the slicing grid to create even slices or chunks.
7. Ravioli Mold
What It Looks Like : A tray with indented pockets and a perforated top.
Purpose : Makes homemade ravioli with perfectly sealed edges.
How to Use It :
Roll out pasta dough and place one sheet over the mold.
Add filling to each pocket, then cover with another sheet of dough.
Press down with the perforated top to seal and cut the ravioli.
Step 2: Experiment with Recipes
Once you’ve identified the tool, it’s time to put it to work! Here are some recipe ideas based on the tools above:

Mandoline Slicer : Make crispy baked zucchini fries or beet chips.
Meat Tenderizer : Prepare classic chicken piccata or juicy pork chops.
Microplane : Add orange zest to chocolate chip cookies or grate fresh nutmeg over mashed potatoes.
Egg Separator : Whip up meringues or light-as-air soufflés.
Silicone Pastry Brush : Glaze cinnamon rolls with butter or baste grilled salmon with honey mustard sauce.
Avocado Slicer : Create Instagram-worthy avocado toast or a creamy guacamole.
Ravioli Mold : Stuff ravioli with ricotta and spinach or sweet pumpkin filling.
Step 3: Clean and Store Properly
To keep your strange tool functional and hygienic:

Clean After Use : Wash with warm, soapy water or according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid soaking wooden tools.
Store Safely : Keep sharp tools like mandolines or zesters in protective cases to prevent accidents.
Final Thoughts
That strange tool gathering dust in your drawer might just be the key to unlocking new culinary possibilities! By identifying its purpose, experimenting with recipes, and storing it properly, you’ll transform it from a kitchen mystery into a trusted companion.

Your Turn! Do you have a strange kitchen tool you’re unsure how to use? Share a photo or description below, and we’ll help you figure it out! ‍