Cutting Tools

• From knives to apple corers, there are many cooking tools focused on cutting food. Cookie cutters, garnishing knives and apple wedgers can be used to cut shapes and designs in the food. Graters and peelers can be used to remove outer portions as well as cut the food into thin strips. Knives come in many shapes and varieties and can be used for slicing, dicing and julienne strips. Varieties of knives include paring, filet, santoku and boning knives.
  
  

Mixing

• Bowls, spoons, forks, whisks and spatulas are all common tools used for mixing or blending ingredients. Each one comes in different shapes and sizes based on the task at hand. Electronic mixing tools such as blenders, food processors and hand mixers can speed up the preparation process and incorporate ingredients for you while mixing.
  
  

Straining

• Food items or mixes can be strained using a strainer, cheesecloth or salad spinners to remove excess moisture. The strainer and salad spinner will remove excess water from washed ingredients. Use the cheesecloth to wrap then squeeze moisture out of cheese, yogurt and other dairy products.
  
  

Other Cooking Tools

• Juicers, tongs, slicers, skimmers and basting brushes are also useful preparation tools. Squeeze the juice from lemons, limes or oranges with juicers. Slicers make quick and easy work out of evenly sliced vegetables or meats. Tongs and skimmers remove undesirable substances, such as fat, from jars or pots. Brush marinade or sauces over ingredients with basting brushes to add flavor before and during cooking.