Every
trailer chick knows that it’s not how many kitchen tools you have that matters,
but the versatility in each of them. Each kitchen gadget has to function like a
Leatherman. When space is at a premium, it’s important to make sure every
kitchen tool does more than one job. My rule is that every tool has to do
double duty before it’s brought on board my land yacht. My French press
does just that.
Rarely
is such a work horse able to do so much and still sit beautifully on a counter
top. Since most French presses are made with a glass cylinder (highly
recommended) they are ideal for hot and cold applications and won’t trap strong
and lingering flavors like garlic or ginger. Cleaning is a cinch; the plunger
unscrews to quickly rinse out the screen. You can go from coffee to colander in
under 10 seconds.
For the
most versatility, get an eight cup press. Then, consider it for some new tasks:
§ Straining pasta
§ Soaking beans
§ Washing rice
§ Infused teas
§ Cocktails
§ Sangria
Most recently while on vacation, my sister and I needed a hot toddy to help our sore throats. We made the toddy base right in the French press and let it steep; orange and lemon slices, fresh ginger slices, allspice berries, cinnamon sticks, a few whole cloves, and a bit of honey. Poured boiling water over it, let it steep and combined with a hefty slug of bourbon. Cured!
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