garlic | Beyond The Kitchen Sink

Mini Alligator Makes Mincemeat (Not Out Of You)

Alligators have teeth. Lots of teeth. About eighty as a matter of fact. That’s more teeth than I care to think about, especially as far as alligators are concerned. One would think exchanging those teeth for stainless steel blades would only create an even more terrifying creature, but at least in the case of this alligator, that’s the furthest thing from the truth. Because this little prep gadget is cute.

Instead of teeth, the Mini Alligator features rows of mince-making stainless steel cutting blades. Snapping down like the mouth of an alligator, the kitchen gadget cuts small items like garlic, olives, radishes and shallots into 1/8-inch long sticks. For a fine dice, just take those sticks and give them another run-through, making sure to turn them 180 degrees before snapping down the handle. Certainly a lot more friendly than the carnivore variety — and one whose alligator smile I can actually trust.

***UPDATE 1/7/2025: So garlic and alligators are apparently a thing. The garlic press above is no longer available, but check this Garligator out. Now there’s a cute design you can really sink your teeth into!

OTOTO Garligator Garlic Press - Garlic Mincer Tool - Funny Gifts - Alligator Garlic Press - Garlic Crusher Press with Ergonomic Handle

Two Garlic-Shaped Garlic Keepers (And A Garlic Chopper Too)

Garlic Keeper - Terracotta by MSC International

Garlic is a finicky thing. Some may say that even a little is too much, while others say that there can be no such thing as too much of good thing. Whether you like, love or hate garlic, its pungency isnâ€™t the only aspect that requires a little attention: Where the heck are you supposed to store the stuff?

In the cupboard? In the fridge? On the counter? In a hanging basket with other fruits and vegetables, shedding garlic paper and imparting its essence to everything it touches?

Continue reading Two Garlic-Shaped Garlic Keepers (And A Garlic Chopper Too)

Slicing (garlic) without jail time

You know that scene in Goodfellas when they are in jail? And whatshisname is slicing garlic so thin that it melts in your mouth? That has always appealed to me. (The garlic, not the jail time.) While I may have picked up a few cooking tips from Martin Scorsese films, generally I still crush garlic. There may be a ton of garlic crushers or mincers out on the market, but I still usually prefer to simply whack it with a knife. (The broadside of a knife, that is.)

For those that desire thinly sliced garlic without doing time, the Garlic Slicer may be the answer. Made of 18/10 stainless-steel, the handheld gadget delivers three uniform slices of garlic with a simple twist of the wrist. It holds up to two cloves at a time, and the remainder can simply be stored in the fridge for later use… with no need to bribe anyone in order to go on a garlic run.

***UPDATE 1/11/13*** The link above no longer works, so check out the new one below, but beware: unlike Goodfellas, the reviews aren’t so hot!

Kuchenprofi Primus Twist-Top Garlic Slicer in 18/10 Stainless Steel

Shake up this mortar and pestle

The Jamie Oliver Flavour Shaker may look like a squat bowling pin, but it works like a mortar and pestle. The ‘pin’ separates into two halves, and you simply add your ingredients in the lower half. Top with the included ceramic ball, seal and shake. The ball crushes, grinds and mixes whatever include in the shaker.

Perfect for creating your own spice blends, dressings and marinades, the shaker is surprisingly versatile. Even a couple of cloves of whole garlic can be minced with a few solid shakes.

Available in several colors, this UK gizmo is available domestically at Kitchen Kapers for $29.99.

***UPDATE: Brutal takedown of this now-unavailable gadget over at kierenmccarthy.co.uk

Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit

If there is one thing that there can never be too much of it’s types of hot sauce. Each and every one has its own perfect use. From Sirracha on noodles and rice dishes to Tapatio on all foods Mexican, hot sauce is the essential condiment that completes the meal. From vinegar based recipes to those that rely heavily on the peppers, now you have a chance to find the perfect blend with the Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit.

Including instructions and recipes along with six starter spices (allspice, black cumin, curry powder, achiote, Jamaican jerk, ginger), the kit is attractively priced at $19.95. Perfect for anybody who likes to linger a little extra longer in the hot sauce aisle. Recipes include: Cajun Garlic Lover’s Sauce, Easy Going Achiote, Tropical Storm and Flaming Fruit Sauce.

***Update 10/16/24 Item above no longer available, but luckily the idea kept burning on! Check out this Premium Hot Sauce Making Kit with 5 Varieties of Peppers that looks even better!