As I said before, one person's indispensible tool is another person's clutter. So, just for comparison: Padded tongs (Teflon tips or some other non-abrasive coating)---I don't use non-stick cookware, so have no particular need for padded tongs. But not counting the grilling stuff, I have 3 or 4 in the kitchen. Rice cooker. See absolutely no need for this. Wooden spoons. Broaden this out to include paddles and other wooden stirrers. Silicone spatulas in at least two sizes. Again, without nonstick surfaces silicone isn't necessary. I have several stainless ones, though. Old-time steel wok. You call this a gadget? Then every pot, pan, and your stove is a gadget. A wok is an undeniable necessity. Burr coffee grinder. For coffee I'd agree. For spices and other grinding chores a bladed one does fine. I have three. See-through containers for everything in your pantry that does not come in bug-proof wrappers, e.g., flour, sugar, cornmeal, etc. Again, I don't see these as gadgets. I use canning jars for all these needs; along with holding grains, beans, pasta, etc. BTW, cornmeal should be stored in the fridge, not in the cupboard. Flour sack towels. I use terrycloth. And, again, don't consider them to be gadgets any more than my stove is a gadget. Bayonet-style carving fork (indispensible during apple placement in tarte tatin, for example). I see no need for this at all. God gave us fingers, donchaknow. Variously sized cutting boards. An interesting addition. I make cutting boards, as gifts and for sale, and fail to see the need for more than one size (unless you're in the market for one---in which case, 6 or 7 sizes would be nice ;>)). The exception would be those custom-designed to fit over the burners on a cooktop to provide more prep room. The kind of manual can opener that makes the edges of the top smooth after cutting it off the can. Are there other kinds? Clear, glass, teensy bowls, so you can premeasure spices and have them ready to go before you start cooking. I prefer stainless to glass for this, and have them in several sizes and designs. Not just for spices. Lot's of prep work consists of cutting and chopping and mincing stuff that then is held for one reason or another. A couple of sets of measuring spoons and measuring cups strategically stashed around the kitchen, so you can grab them wherever you are. Yes! Baking soda. Not a gadget, IMO White vinegar. Not a gadget, IMO Flexible spatula. Handy but not necessary. Orca silicone mits (great for wet work like pouring a vat of pasta into a colander). I found them to be awkward. Ditto the pot-holder tube. Colanders--stainless steel with tiny holes. For sure. Several Hot pads, trivets, oven mits. Again, not gadgets in my mind. Cookbook holder (if you use cookbooks) with lucite cover, so you minimize drips. Totally unneeded. Fine mesh sieve. Strainers. I would group these with colanders. How much they are needed really depends on cooking style. The Rubbermaid non-staining food storage containers that actually withstand dishwashers without clouding or deforming. Being as I'm the dishwasher, I can't accept the rationale for these. Hand washing doesn't affect things the same way. Ice tea maker (never had one of these until I moved to the South and now cannot function without one). A totally unnecessary applience; even less useful than a rice cooker far as I'm concerned. It doesn't take any effort at all to heat water for tea. My comments should not be taken as either an endorsement of, nor a negative statement about KitchenDetective's choices. The whole point of gadgets is that they make the job easier, more enjoyable, performable for you! That somebody else doesn't agree is just a difference in style, not a right/wrong sort of thing.

Neelys Homemade Peach Ice Cream Recipe Yield: 4 servings Level: Easy Ingredients 5 large ripe peaches, peeled, pitted and chopped 1/4 cup water 1 (12-ounce) can peach nectar 1 cup sugar 4 ounces sour cream 1 pint heavy cream 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 teaspoons lemon juice Praline Pecan Sauce, recipe follows Directions Cook's Note: A few hours before making, place ice cream insert into the freezer Place chopped peaches into a saucepan. Add water and a can of peach nectar. Cook over medium heat until soft and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and drain peach juice. Place peaches into a large bowl; add sugar and allow to cool to room temperature. Add sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla extract and lemon juice to the bowl with the peach mixture. Using an immersion blender mix together to incorporate. (If you do not have an immersion blender, a food processor works just as well.) Remove ice cream insert from the freezer and turn the machine on. Pour the peach mixture into the insert and follow manufacturer's instructions for churning. Freeze ice cream in a covered container until ready to serve. Serve warm Praline Pecan Sauce over ice cream. Praline Pecan Sauce: 2 1/2 cups chopped pecans 1 cup light brown sugar 1 cup light corn syrup 1 stick butter, melted 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently until smooth and syrupy. Serve warm. Store leftover sauce, covered, in the refrigerator. I've make this recipe and it's wonderful. So creamy and peachy. Linda

I print out recipes from on line all the time, but any drop of water will make the ink from the inkjet run and make a total mess of the recipe. So then it dawned on me. I have a clear plastic clipboard from staples. I clip the recipe wrong side down on the clipboard. Then I flip it over. I can read the recipe through the clear plastic, the plastic protects the paper and is easy to clean, and the clipper part holds the recipe up at an angle so it's easier to read. I love it when things work out like that!

This is an interesting thread. My favorite kitchens items are large Pyrex measuring cups (4 and 8 cup size)to use as mixing bowels---you have a handle to steady them. Next is the APPLE CORER that cuts the apple into 8 wedges and the center core is separate. These can be bought at the grocery store or Target. Next is a flexible little nozzle you screw onto the end of your kitchen faucet. You can turn it in many angles to direct the water to different areas of your sink. Much handier than pulling out the sprayer. I don't know where my daughter bought it. HD bought one of those onion choppers but the many little square holes are hard to clean. The onion sticks to it--takes longer to clean than to chop the old fashion way.