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How to Avoid a Sticky Situation

By Sarah Baird After determining the correct ingredients and proper cooking technique, there’s no weightier decision when preparing a recipe than selecting the right kitchen tools for the job. Sauteeing tilapia in a stainless steel pan will produce a completely different outcome than if a nonstick pan is used, and paella will be much smoother if constantly stirred with a wooden spoon than a silicone one. If you’ve always been curious which utensils are best suited for which meal-prepping purposes, never fear! We’ve outlined it for you.

silicone spatula is your new go-to. With thin, flexible edges perfect for smoothing out icing or making the mashed potatoes atop a shepherd’s pie crest into perfect peaks, silicone spoons and spatulas have a distinct wheelhouse of skills. Nonstick, stain-resistant and pliable enough not to damage even the fussiest pans while sizzling breakfast sausage or flipping fragile crepes, silicone utensils often come in a set featuring multiple sizes, ensuring that the spatula you use while cooking is just the right shape for the job. But buyer beware! Shoppers should ensure the construction of whatever silicone tool they’re buying is 100% high-grade silicone without any “filler” material, which could cause unexpected melting at high temperatures or in the dishwasher. (That’s right, the magic words: Top-quality silicone tools are dishwasher safe .) ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT DON’T USE IT WHEN... ... you’ll be doing a lot of pan scraping. While silicone has a lot going for it, the manmade material just can’t match up to wood when it comes to toughness. If you’re planning on scraping up fond from the bottom of a pan, best to err on the side of nature. consider expanding further into the silicone cookware universe by investing in a silicone baking mat. These nonstick, ultra-flexible sheets line baking trays and cut out the need for keeping an endless roll of parchment paper in your cabinet. Silicone baking mats can be used upward of 2,000 times before being replaced, making them a wallet- friendly gift (and long-term investment!) for the galette and macaron baker in your life. ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT TRY THIS PRODUCT: If you’re a loyal silicone spatula user,

spoons to dry completely in a place with good airflow to prevent bacteria from developing. Also, if you’re concerned about keeping the aesthetic appeal of your wooden spoon pristine, avoid using it with ingredients that could stain, like blueberry pie filling or within a mile of turmeric. While it won’t impact the functionality of the spoon, you might end up with an unexpectedly purple- or yellow-hued utensil. ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT TRY THIS PRODUCT: A food-grade mineral oil (which runs around $6) is critical for ensuring the longevity and functionality of your wooden spoons. Any time the woodgrain begins to look a little dry, blurry or worn, pour a bit of mineral oil onto a soft cloth and give the spoon a rub. Allow it to soak in overnight, rinse off any excess, and your wooden spoon will be good as new. With proper care, wooden spoons can be the sort of family heirlooms passed through generations alongside storied dishes and skillets.

Arrow-Circle-Down WHEN TO USE A WOODEN SPOON:

Is there anything a wooden spoon can’t do? This kitchen catchall is the go-to stirring, sampling and scooping tool for a reason — not the least of which is its au naturel material. Remarkably durable and sturdy with just-enough friction — making them ideal utensils for viscous pots of rice or thick brownie batter — wooden spoons don’t conduct heat like metal spoons. They won’t “shock” high-temperature mixtures like candy, meaning that these non-reactive tools can be used in even the most challenging stovetop situations. Wooden spoons won’t scratch surfaces, including nonstick pans, and can be trusted not to change or absorb flavors from acidic, pungent recipes. (Looking at you, tomato sauce.) Plus, wood simply feels softer to grip, particularly if you’re constantly stirring something over a long time, like risotto. They’re environmentally friendly and don’t have the potential to release chemicals into dishes if used incorrectly (read: over high heat) like some plastic kitchen tools.

Arrow-Circle-Down WHEN TO USE A SILICONE SPOON (OR SPATULA): Looking for the perfect tool to scrape down the sides of a stand mixer while you’re whipping up a carrot cake? The

ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT DON’T USE IT WHEN... ... there are obvious cracks in the wood, or the spoon has split. Always allow wooden

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