Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer
A set of the right spoons for all occasions is always most helpful in the kitchen. This set of modern-living spoons contains: (set of four from left) jam spoon, tea spoon, sugar ladel and an expresso spoon. From right: are: a tablespoon, soup spoon and teaspoon. - PHOTOS BY SHELLY-ANN THOMPSON/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
In the first of our series on the right tools for use in the kitchen ,we featured a variety of knives; this week we turn the spotlight on spoons.
SPOONS, THINK carefully and you will realise that they are one of the most often used utensils. Spoons are more essential than a forks as you can't have your soup, porridge or ice cream without them. Plus, if you are forced to, you can certainly eat your rice using a spoon.
The important thing to note about spoons is to choose those that are durable when making a purchase. The best bet would be spoons that are made of stainless silver steel, or gold. Stainless silverware will outlive your children and can be passed down to your grandchildren. But, it gives a good feeling to be using gold utensils and they also make a wonderful display on your counter.
Cooking experts often recommend wooden spoons, as they are excellent for stirring needs, especially when making the batter for baking. Wooden spoons also will not scratch your pots and pans and look good as display. In addition, spoons have also been made from metals (such as gold, silver, iron, brass and pewter), ivory, bone, pottery, porcelain, shell and crystal.
TYPES OF SPOONS
Of course there are the very popular tea and tablespoons, but like knives, there are dozens of varieties of spoons. Here is a list, check and see which of these you don't have in your kitchen.
Soup spoon (such as metal soup spoon similar in shape to a teaspoon and a Chinese soup spoons that is usually ceramic and of a distinct Chinese soup spoon shape)
Iced tea spoon used to stir or sweeten iced tea.
Dessert spoon (between tablespoon and teaspoon in size)
Demitasse spoon for after-dinner coffee/tea.
Dessert spoon for the final and favourite course in a meal.
Bouillon spoon for special soups.
Grapefruit spoon (a special spoon with serrated edges for cutting into and eating grapefruit halves).
Egg spoon (used for hens' eggs; smaller than a teaspoon)
Caviar spoon (usually made of mother of pearl, gold, animal horn or wood. Silver cannot be used because it affects the taste).
Plastic spoon for mass cooking.
Spoodle (a cross between a spoon and a ladle, often used in European cooking, particularly for soups and stews).
Ladle (spoon with a long handle attached vertically; for liquids).
Serving spoon for scooping servings at the table.
Slotted spoon to ensure that liquid does not drip onto the tablecloth.
Silver spoon (a small spoon given to a new-born child to ensure good fortune; used as a metaphor for someone born to riches).
Many of these spoons are vailable at Decorator's Corner located at 19 Hillcrest Avenue in Kingston. Additional information taken from: http://en.wikipedia. org/ wiki/Soup_spoon
