What the Heck is This Thing?
I must ask my wife that question about a half dozen times when we cruise through cooking stores. She generally is very patient with me, but the first time I stall, admiring a meat cleaver or some other manly cooking tool, she ditches me. At this point, I like to head over to the appliance section and browse around the $1500 automatic espresso cappuccino machines. I’m not a coffee drinker, I just like the mechanics of these things. It also telegraphs the message to the clerks that “this guy takes cooking seriously.” Following the sales pitch I politely inquire if they have a selection of refrigerator magnets and head that direction.
My favorite section however is the gadget aisle. Bins and racks full of specialty items, all usually less than $10. 
This is where I found myself just a few weeks ago when I discovered the nifty blue tool pictured here. “What the heck is this thing?” I thought. It took me a minute, but I figured it out. It was only $5 so I picked it up. So I ask you …… What the heck is this thing?
The second kitchen tool came to me by way of my mother in law. It is circa 1960 and from the markings appears to be a give-away from a farm and ranch supply store. It features an off-set handle and also has one serrated edge. What the heck is this thing?
The answers to both questions are on the next page, but give it a little thought before clicking “More.”
At this point you have either given up, or this is easier than I thought. Either way, here are the answers.
The blue thing is a finger guard. Mostly for using with a grater, although it may work well with an electric slicer too. There is a raised gripping surface for your fingers as well as the curly pattern for gripping something like cheese or chocolate.
The spoon is actually an ice cream scoop. The offset handle provides good leverage and the serrations are a nice touch. The downside, this is not very handy for left handed folks.
Photo Credits - Author
