Hello my Foodie Friends! Making our holiday favorites can require us to reach for our “go to” tools like a Chef knife or a paring knife. One item I find myself reaching for is a Microplane® Grater. Richard Grace, a founder of Grace Manufacturing based in the Arkansas River Valley, said in 1995 that he did not originally set out to make graters. Richard Grace was an engineer by education. His original intent was to make woodworking tools. However, his tools quickly became globally recognized for his innovative process of applying photo-etching technology to graters that created ultra-sharp cutting edges.
Made in the USA, the tiny teeth behave like extremely sharp knives to cut ingredients with precision rather than tearing or shredding like most stamped graters. The blade ensures that food does not stick or block, but instead gently slides along the cutting surface to produce perfect results every time. Microplane® is now the preferred grater of choice for professional chefs and cooking enthusiasts worldwide.
Cheese graters have become an essential tool in a gourmet kitchen. Microplane® graters have distinguished themselves from others as a result of their patented chemical process that produces ultra-sharp cutting edges. They are so much better than their competition that my customers come in and don’t even use the word grater or zester they just ask if I have any Microplanes®! Their zesters were originally a woodworking tool; this best seller grates even the hardest Parmesan Reggiano as well as other hard cheeses into fine lacy wisps. Ideal for topping your favorite spaghetti and meatballs or a Caesar salad. It’s also wonderful for effortless citrus zesting to add natural flavors to a lemon crème brulee or a basic vinaigrette.
They are used by the finest at home chef moms and dads everywhere. I can remember my daughter Aubrey’s first experience with a grater. She had just come home from gymnastic practice at the YMCA. Her coach Kim told her that she has to concentrate and focus when she is on the beam. Well, when coach talked, Aubrey listened so when my wife asked her to help with the cooking she was very excited. Paula asked her to grate some cheese for supper and gave her the grater and about 3 pounds of Romano cheese. The phone rang and Aubrey who was 6 years old was left to concentrate and focus on her task at hand. That was a mistake. She went to town on that block until there was nothing but a nub. There was cheese everywhere and our dog, Scarlett, looked like she had extreme dandruff. We got to her before she got to her knuckles. She is good now but we try not to leave her alone. So if you are looking for a grater, stop by Compliments to the Chef now located at 33 Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs. This cool tool is near and dear to my heart and helps to serve the “grater good.” Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen” especially during the magical holiday season.
Please Join us at Compliments to the Chef on Saturday December 16 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. with Katie of Sundaes Best Hot Fudge for a hot fudge tasting event. — Yummy!
Take Care,
John and Paula
