Cooking Questions with Mark Lane Your own personal chef

I have been cooking professionally for 38 years, both in New Zealand and internationally. I have my own business, Culinary Lane Catering, providing three and five course dinners in my clients’ homes, outcatering and grazing tables.

Now you can gain the benefit of my experience by emailing me your cooking questions and I will do my best to answer them in an upcoming issue.

Stefan: Which kitchen gadgets do chefs use that you think home cooks should invest in to make their life easier in the kitchen?

All chefs love a good gadget but I’m pretty old school when it comes gadgets. My favourite gadget would be a ‘stick blender’, great for making cold sauces, emulsifying and blending small amounts. Then it’s the ‘Kitchen Wizz’, which does the job of a stick blender but on a larger scale. It’s also great for some pastries and awesome for blitzing items but keeping it chunky or smooth. I can’t do without my ‘Kitchen Mixer’, great for cakes, desserts and whipping items. These for me are the essentials but of course there are dozens of different gadgets, shop away!

CHEF’S TIP: Don’t go with the cheapest version of a gadget as it won’t last as long or have the continued power you need. Quality always wins!!

nothing else. We only wipe it with a paper towel, lightly oil after use and never wash in water. I would invest in a pan (non-stick or cast iron) and save it for this purpose only. Also try not to use metal utensils as this will scratch the surface. We don’t use stainless steel pans much for sautéing/panfrying as they do tend to stick.

CHEF’S TIP: I use BALLARINI Italian non-stick fry pans (I have 3, all 33cm, which is large), They are fairly well priced and perfect on induction and gas. Feel free to email me with the size you are after and I can get a price from my supplier for you and get the pan couriered directly to you, no obligation to buy.

Mark Lane | Culinary Lane Catering www.culinarylane.co.nz

For 3 & 5 course in-house lunches and dinners, out-catering, grazing tables and corporate catering.