Erielle, who blogs at Fancy Toast, wanted to know if there was a mandoline support group somewhere that she could join because she just couldn't get the hang of using hers. A mandoline is a kitchen tool designed to make slicing up vegetables into thin, even strips, almost effortless. Potatoes, apples, cabbage and other firm fruits and vegetables can be placed into a (usually) metal holder and are quickly run across a very sharp blade that neatly cuts them into pieces. It is more precise than a grater, but the concept is similar.
Most find the process of using a mandoline to be very clear cut, but judging from the comments on the post, there are many people who have experienced the same type of frustration as Erielle in attempting to use their mandolines. Coming to the rescue, in the comments section of the original post, was none other than OXO - the maker of the mandoline in question! They are offering mandoline lessons to anyone who needs a little assistance in New York City at OXO in the Chelsea Market and at the upcoming housewares show in Chicago in mid-March. Even if you're already experienced with your mandoline, it might be worth taking up their offer to pick up some extra tips. Check Erielle's comments for the contact info if you have any other OXO tech questions.
[thanks alanna]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-10-2007 @ 9:04AM
Berkana said...
Mandolines? What ever happened to mad knife skillz? You'd think with the proliferation of Santoku knives (which, in the span of half a decade, have gone from being oddities to the new standard) there ought to be a proliferation of Asian knife skills. Alas, instead, we find ourselves resorting to fancy mandolines and food processors.
I think mandolines should be reserved for huge mutant truffles, shaving your knuckles off, and for cross-cut fries. Knife skills are rare enough. Before long, we might not even have those, having crutched ourselves on dozens of one-hit-wonder cutting tools.
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2-10-2007 @ 11:41PM
MikeB said...
The only reason I *tried* a mandoline was for French Onion soup and for making potato chip snacks for my dog (she has allergies). The mandoline was returned after the first attempt. Potatoes just chunked and stuck at each pass. I just figured I needed a professional grade mandoline that didn't use a blade reminiscent of a dollar store steak knife.
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