I was toodling around the internet last week and came across this must have list of kitchen tools which included (I kid you not) an avocado dicer, banana slicer (while I wouldn’t advocate buying one it is worth spending a few minutes reading the awesome customer reviews) and strawberry huller. Who invented these things, and more to the point who buys them?
In general I am not a fan of gadgets or products that promise to do a dozen different tasks, but when I looked at the gadgets I listed above I thought to myself,
“Avocado dicer or paring knife?”
“Banana slicer or paring knife?”
“Strawberry huller or paring knife?”
I think a sharp little paring knife would do it all of those tasks and more.
So before you get suckered into buying put these spiffy, fun-looking gadgets on your Christmas wish-list get a paring knife (or two) instead. Here’s what to look for – something with a 4″ blade that is wicked sharp. That’s it. It will take care of avocados, bananas, strawberries, apples, and so much more. You and your gadget drawer will thank me.
P.S. I admit I got a chuckle out of these Farfalloni pasta potholders, but not enough to pull out my wallet.
50years50recipes 
Toolarious!
Up at the Shaker Village, I bought a little melon scooper, which is cute. I also bought a very nice wooden avocado scoop while up on Deer Isle this summer. Maybe not essential, and yes a paring knife can substitute (or a spoon), but they are fun to have, small in the drawer, and make me think of pleasant outings.
Leslie I must say that a melon baller/scooper is a must have tool in my tool drawer! Nothing else does the job and I have three in a variety of sizes.
I’m not trying to dismiss kitchen gadgets, Lord knows I have enough of them, but as I get older I am finding that I am pickier about what I have in my drawer. If you love something and it gives you good memories I think that’s wonderful!