now i know that I have already touched briefly on the amazingness of the micro plane. sure it is great for lemon zest, but it has some other really great (and important) uses. if you don't yet have one of these handy guys you can purchase one HERE. 

i know what you are thinking... why on earth do i need this wand of grating magic when i already have a grater?

here is why. the ridges of the micro plane are a bit sharper and more defined making it optimal for not only harder cheeses, but also for citrus, garlic, ginger and cucumbers. and that's just what i have come up with so far. 

when i'm looking for just a bit of cucumber juice for a cocktail or for some shredded cucumber for some dip or baking, the micro plane is the tool for the job. 

we know it's a perfection for zesting citrus. that citrus zest can be used in pretty much anything. from meat marinades, to salad dressing, to cakes. you are only limited by your imagination. 

the micro plane is ideal for fine grating hard cheeses. if you want that beautiful, snow looking parmesan or pecorino, you NEED the micro plane. 

i love finely grated ginger and ginger juice is AMAZING for you but oh so hard to chop up. using your micro plane creates that fine ginger great for marinades, sauces and juices that you can't achieve any other way. the micro plane separates the good root from the fibrous bits. 

the micro plane works just as well when you want really fine garlic.

and i know what you are thinking. they must have paid her to say this! nope. i just can't live with out my micro plane and you NEED this kitchen game-changer. 

xo, a

in case you skipped a beat, a few months ago i spent some time focusing on serrated knives and many of their glorious uses. honestly, it is number two in my list of must have knives. and here is one of the most important reasons. 

pico de gallo is one of my staples. when i can get my hands on good tomatoes, i make sure to keep it around at all times. i love it on its own with chips, on a quick quesadilla or spooned over freshly grilled chicken or steak. 

the bonus is that is requires no cooking and is as simple as chopping things. be sure to use your serrated knife for the tomatoes to get nice clean cuts. 

pico de gallo
serves: 4 cups
total time: 20 minutes
ingredients: 3 cups diced (about .5 inch) vine ripe tomatoes. 1 small brown onion, diced (about .25 inch). 4 garlic clove, minced. 2 tbs chopped cilantro. 1 tbs lime juice. 1 tbs kosher salt. 1 tsp fresh ground pepper. 

in a large bowl, combine the tomatoes with half the salt and pepper. 

add in the onion, cilantro and garlic. 

sprinkle the remaining salt and pepper over the top and drizzle with the lime juice. stir well to combine. 

serve with your favorite chips. or store on hand for up to a week.

xo, a

pico de gallo
serves: 4 cups
total time: 20 minutes
ingredients: 3 cups diced (about .5 inch) vine ripe tomatoes. 1 small brown onion, diced (about .25 inch). 4 garlic clove, minced. 2 tbs chopped cilantro. 1 tbs lime juice. 1 tbs kosher salt. 1 tsp fresh ground pepper.
n a large bowl, combine the tomatoes with half the salt and pepper. add in the onion, cilantro and garlic. sprinkle the remaining salt and pepper over the top and drizzle with the lime juice. stir well to combine. serve with your favorite chips. or store on hand for up to a week.