Today for the next installment of How to Master Your Kitchen, I am sharing an essential, an essential I tell you, a box grater. You know that four sided grater with a handle on the top and I typically only use one side of the box grater, yah that kitchen tool. Also today I will share with you what the heck the other three sides are used for.
If you are interested in checking out the previous installments of this series, the other kitchen items I have talked about are: stand mixer, garlic press, tongs, citrus juicer, steamer , zester , food processor, Dutch oven , and a whisk
The box grater has four side, large hole-shredder, slicer, small hole-shredder and a grater. I think each side is pretty self-explanatory. Frankly, the only side I really use is the large hole-shredder to shred cheese, carrots, potatoes for hash browns, zucchini for fritters and apples. Did you know that you can shred tomatoes on this side of the box grater?
Also personally, I like to shred my own cheese. Why because I know it is fresh and also the pre-shredded cheese gets corn starch added to the cheese after it is shredded to avoid sticking together. When using the pre-shredded cheese, for example on a pizza, the cheese won't melt as well as if you shredded the cheese yourself from a block.
Also personally, I like to shred my own cheese. Why because I know it is fresh and also the pre-shredded cheese gets corn starch added to the cheese after it is shredded to avoid sticking together. When using the pre-shredded cheese, for example on a pizza, the cheese won't melt as well as if you shredded the cheese yourself from a block.
If I am looking for a smaller shred, say for cheese for tacos, I will use the small hold-shredder size. You will get a finer shred using this side of the box grater.
The slicer side is used to slice potatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, cheese. I am thinking a potato or vegetable gratin for sure.
The grater side is used to grate ginger, nutmeg, lemon or lime zest for example. Grating works best for hard foods like Parmesan or Romano cheese.
Oh, please be careful when shredding cheese too, I have shredded my nail at times too and it hurts!
How frequently do you use a box grater and what do you most commonly use it for?
Oh, please be careful when shredding cheese too, I have shredded my nail at times too and it hurts!
How frequently do you use a box grater and what do you most commonly use it for?
23 comments:
I'm not going to lie, I NEVER use a box grater. I don't know why though!
I use a flat grater, which is much lamer than a box grater. But I use it quite often! It is definitely a handy kitchen tool to have around.
is there a reason you prefer the box shape to a hand held grater? i find hand held is easier for garnishes and zest etc but maybe a box grater is easier for cheese?
<3becky
www.loosefromthezoo.com
I have a grater box because it was what my mom used and it's all I know. I love mine and have been using it a lot lately! I guess I never knew what people used the slicer side for...now I do! :)
We have the microplane version and I love it. I do like a handheld for small things, but prefer the box for cheeses and such...less scraped knuckles!!
I have a box grater.... It's never been out of it's box. But I was given one that has a plastic 'catch' box on it... I've never used any kind of grater, really. Learn something new every day. lol
I have to admit that I buy pre-shredded cheese! I'm lazy!
-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
i have one of these and i pretty much only use it to shred grueyere and cheddar for my baked mac & cheese. but it's awesome!
xoamy
www.cupcakesncouture.com
Do they make ones that don't rust! Ugh we just bought new ones a year ago and they are rusty!!
haha you won't believe this but i honestly never knew what the other sides were for!! i have only used mine for mozzarella shredding!
I forgot to register for one of these, and the first year of married life, never used it. Until this year and now I use it for cheese mostly. :)
-wHiT
I didn't know they added corn starch. Yuck. We just bought 4 huge bags!!
Amy
Fashion and Beauty Finds
Finally, something I have an opinion on! I have the CHOSIGT grater from IKEA and it's one of my absolute favorite things! It is so easy to use and it grates right into a container so there's no mess and it comes with a lid for easy storage! http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50153180/
I like to shred my own cheese too and have the oxo box grater. When I need to grate a fair amount I pull out the food processor :) and then end up grating the whole block.
I looove my box grater and I agree - shredding your nail is so so so painful.
The thing I use on it the most? to shred parmigiano reggiano cheese. It's SO much better freshly shredded! YUM!
What an interesting little tidbit about companies adding cornstarch to shredded cheese- THAT'S why my nachos don't melt up as nicely. :) The more you know.
Happy Thursday back at ya, doll!
-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
My mom always had one...I guess I should invest in one. It would make life easier! ;-)
I always thought the box grater was bulky and annoying (ha!) but obviously I really need to get one!
I pretty much always get my nail every time I use this!
I didn't know that about corn starch being added to pre-shredded cheese! Maybe I should start grating my own more often.
I work in a grocery store and I've noticed that most sliced cheese is simply called "singles" or "slices"...the packaging does actually describe it as cheese!
I never use mine but I was just thinking last night that I should shred a block of cheese since my pre-shredded bag was out.
help me organize my kitchen & help me learn to cook??
xxS
Uh, you have just taught me so much.. I had no idea all that it could do! Wow! I just always thought it was for cheese and that's it lol!
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