Chapter 17 Planning Healthy Meals 419 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Dry measuring cups are used for measuring dry and solid ingredients such as flour and sugar. These cups are designed so ingredients can be leveled off for an accurate measurement. Measuring spoons are used for measuring small amounts of liquid or dry ingredients. A set usually consists of four to six spoons, each with a different measurement: 1 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon, ½ teaspoon and 1¼ teaspoon sometimes ½ tablespoon and ⅛ teaspoon are included. An offset spatula, also called a turner or simply spatula, has a blade with an offset handle and is used for lifting and turning foods. The offset handle allows your hands to remain a safe distance from the heat. A silicone or rubber spatula has a flexible blade used for scraping the contents from a container. Heat-resistant spatulas are used for cooking in nonstick pans. Ladles have a long handle with a cup on the end for reaching to the bottom of pots or serving containers, and transferring liquids. They come in many sizes, ranging in capacity from 1 to 16 ounces. A masher has a long handle attached to a head with a grid or zigzag pattern. It is used for mashing soft foods such as potatoes and avocados. A peeler has a sharp, slit blade mounted on a handle and is used to remove the skins from fruits and vegetables. Kitchen spoons have long handles with either solid or perforated bowls on the end. They are made from stain- less steel or wood, and are used for mixing, draining, and serving. A cutting board is a flat surface on which to cut food, usually made from plastic or wood and in a variety of sizes. A whisk incorporates air into a mixture, blends ingre- dients, or folds one ingredient into another. A grater is a metal surface with different-sized slots used to shred food. Different types of graters include box graters and flat graters. A colander is a bowl-shaped utensil with holes or slots used to drain food such as pasta. A manual can opener is a plier-type utensil with two small rotating circular blades that remove the lid from a can by turning a key. Tongs are metal, plastic, or wooden pinching tools used to hold or turn food. Mixing bowls are various size kitchen bowls in which ingredients are combined. Garlic press is a utensil used to crush garlic cloves through fine holes. Oven mitts and potholders are constructed of silicone or fabric and protect your hands when handling hot objects or kitchen equipment. An oven mitt is an insulated mitt worn like a glove and a potholder can be a piece of textile or silicone to wrap around the handle of a hot pan. Knives Knives are essential kitchen utensils. Knives are designed for specific cutting tasks. Using the best knife for the task makes the task easier and safer (Figure 17.7). Knives Knives Chef’s knife Utility knife Paring knife Serrated knife From top to bottom: Dron skm/Shutterstock.com Dron skm/Shutterstock.com Dron skm/Shutterstock.com James Clarke/Shutterstock.com Figure 17.7 Using the right knife for the task makes the work much easier.