silcone pans and gadgets

This was an interesting post to read. I had looked at the silicone pans - as I'd read several places that a lot of chefs loved them as it was/is so easy to get cakes, mini things, etc. out of them. I did know that you had to have them sitting on a baking sheet (or such) when going into the oven. I even saw madeline pans. I would think would be great for them - as they're so 'fussy' - in and out. But Meg's comments were interesting. I didn't buy any.

I did buy the "Rose" Nordic ware cake pan and like it ... It is so pretty with a dark chocoalte cake - or spice - and then sprinkling powdered sugar on it. I thought it might be a pain to clean, oil, etc. but the 3 time I've used it so fr it has worked well.

I have had the silicone pot holders for quite a few months now and they are great.

Like many of you - I love my salad spinner and my grating 'rasp' and I agree a scale is very much necessary.

I was given (at Xmas time) a large silcone mat that has circles for measuring various size pie crusts, etc. It reminds me of my VERY OLD tupperware one (which is now rather stiff and ragged after 30 or so years.) It works very well and cleans easily and I need to add very very little flour when using it. It is not silipat - but similar. I like it.

Don't know if its considered a 'gadget'but I have used my immersion (or stick) blender for almost 20 years ....it still works well and is wonderful for soups, sauces, etc. - to puree or blend - right in the pot. and for so many other things tha I don't want to use the big cusinart or littler blender for.

and so on ....