Some kitchen gadgets do work!

So, Mr T bought an air fryer. Not on my behalf but he wanted one for ages.

I am a sceptic when it comes to these gadgets – I still don’t own a microwave and an air fryer was not on my wishlist. I have a slowcooker and that is as far as it goes.

Now, I am nothing but open to be convinced on things (so far no one was able to convince me on the microwave though!) so I let Mr T make chips – proper ones, from fresh potatoes.

I waited patiently, thinking (and kind of hoping) that the chips would be rubbish. And guess what…they were actually great! Slightly crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Okay, point for the air fryer.

The next day, Mr T got brave and cooked chicken in it. And guess what – it was great again. It actually browned the skin. Imagine the pleased grin Mr T had on his face!

I love cooking with butter and cream – Mr T not so much. He is more health conscious and keeps trying to convince me to change (no luck so far).

For me, cooking without butter or good oil, or adding cream etc. meant no flavour and boring food. I have to admit that the air fryer ain’t half bad.

The air fryer came with a recipe booklet and Mr T is already planning weekly dinners ahead. If I ever get a hankering for chips (which so far has never happened), I will give the air fryer a try but otherwise, I like my pots and pans.

Talking about cooking gadgets, check out Sara de Miguel Hernandez on Facebook who works with Thermomix (a blender that also cooks) and shows great videos on how to cook with the machine (and you can learn some yoga in the process as she is also a yoga instructor).

Every time we meet, which hasn’t happened this year, we laugh as she tries to convince me and I keep resisting – at this stage it’s a running joke with us. Saying that, almost every professional kitchen at this stage has a Thermomix so I might be in the minority here.

Frédéric Desormeaux was the first chef I saw to use it many years ago at a cookery demonstration. I am a big fan of Fred since his times at Greenes so I forgave him the gadget but watching Sara shows why the machine has so many fans among chefs. It’s fast and easy.

As with so many things in life – it is right for some, not so much for others. But I am open to some new things though as Kinsale Mead Co have released the second of their new, limited edition series of barrel aged meads, the Atlantic Dry Mead – Sauternes Barrel Aged 12% ABV.

This three year old mead is finished dry, crisp and honeyed, matured for the last 12 months in a French oak wine barrel in the meadery to add intriguing structure and depth. I can’t wait to get my hands on a bottle of this.

In case you are looking for some gift ideas, Kinsale Mead Co. is offering online tastings – you get everything you need to follow the tasting online while learning about mead.

Gift vouchers for tours when opening again are also a great idea for the food lover in your life (or simply treat yourself – you are worth it).