Clever Substitutes For Everyday Kitchen Gadgets

Extraordinary uses for the items you already own

- Nancy Stedman

YOU NEED: A WHISK

SUB IN: TWO FORKS

A whisk introduces air as you’re blending ingredients. You can do this with a fork, too; it will just take longer for your mixture to get fluffy. Even better, place two forks so their tines intertwine, tape their handles together, and whisk away. The space between the forks helps add air. Tip: Don’t use this makeshift whisk on nonstick pans; the forks can damage the lining.

YOU NEED: A STEAMER BASKET

SUB IN: ALUMINUM FOIL AND A DISHWASHER-SAFE PLATE

To set food over steam, crumple tinfoil into three large balls and arrange them in a triangle pattern in a large pot. Top them with a dishwasher-safe plate. Add water to the pot (under the plate) and place items such as dumplings or salmon on the plate. Once the water simmers, cover the pot. Tip: For foods that may fall off the plate, such as brussels sprouts, use a metal colander instead.

YOU NEED: A COLANDER

SUB IN: AN ALUMINUM PIE TIN