Kitchen Hacks From Crisp

I love trying new kitchen tools – the novelty never seems to wear off for me. When I was at The International Food Blogger Conference, I was like a kid in a candy store seeing handy new doo-dads in action. While I was there, I was introduced to a company called Crisp and had a chance to try out some of their products in my kitchen at home.

Crisp’s motto is “Tools for healthy eating” and I think their products live up to that. Take, for example, the Crisp Mini Nesting Strainer, which is a set of 3 measuring cups/strainers that fit together neatly: A 2 cup, 1 cup, and 1/2 cup set. This is one of those little things that is just SO USEFUL. As part of my healthy eating plan, my goal is to consume 4 servings of vegetables per day, with a serving equaling 1/2 cup cooked or 1 cup raw. When you’re measuring out raw vegetables – either as part of a diet plan, or for a recipe – you’ll notice that it’s a little clumsy. You either have to measure out the veggies and put them into a strainer to rinse, or if you’re like me, you’ll just stick them in the measuring cup, fill it with water, and try to pour it off without dumping your veg in the sink.

So the concept of making this a 2-in-1 measuring cup plus strainer is just genius! I can easily make a little snack for myself like these tasty peppers, rinse them off, and eat right out of the measuring cup. As you’ll notice, the measuring cup has enough of a base to stand on its own. This will also be perfect when I’m making different recipes – straining beans, for example. I get really excited about new strainers, which is kind of hilarious, but there you have it. I seem to need them constantly and at just $14.99, these are one of those little things that will really be convenient to have.

Next up, we have the Mini Cutting Board and Avocado Tool, which I put to use over the Christmas break making a delicious batch of nachos.

Now, you might be thinking that the Avocado Tool is one of those one-trick-ponies that you run into at kitchen stores – you know, the kind that serve one purpose and end up collecting dust. And this might be true if you don’t eat avocados very often, but we buy them on a regular basis so I frequently find myself fumbling with getting the fruit out of the skin. You’d think I’d have a more efficient method figured out by now, but I usually do a hack job. That’s why I wanted to try this tool!

This tool has a retractable knife that cuts the avocado in half and removes the pit; it then slices the fruit into sections. If you consume avocados with any frequency and don’t have a great method for slicing them nicely and pulling out that dang pit, then you may enjoy this tool as I do! It’s also priced at $14.99, so it’s not a big investment and takes up very little room in your utensil drawer.

As for the Mini Cutting Board, I’m of the mind that I can’t have too many cutting boards, as I can end up using several simultaneously while making a big meal. As you can see, it’s petite, so you’re not going to be able to cut a mountain of vegetables on it; but it has its uses and would also be good for those with a small kitchen. It’s $9.99, and it’s pretty handy!

Finally, we have the Serrated Paring Knife, which retails for $11.99. My knives are all a hodge-podge of hand-me-downs, so I don’t have one “Good” set. I often struggle to cut something with a dull knife that is probably older than me, so I thought this was a sensible time to add another new, sharp knife to my drawer.

I also brought this out while making my signature nachos, and it made short work of the tomato. This is a great little knife for slicing up veggies! It also comes with a handy protective sheath so that you won’t poke yourself while rummaging through the drawer – not that I have ever done that. 😉

Crisp tools would make great wedding gifts because they’re unique, and affordable – put together a couple in a gift basket, or pick up one of their awesome gift bundles! Likewise, anyone from a foodie to a teenager heading to college could benefit from something in their store. I like the fact that their products are practical, but unique enough that the recipient won’t already have 3 of them. I encourage you to check them out!