Julie Powell

Photo: Kelly Campbell

Author Julie Powell
Julia Powell, author of Julie & Julia, spent a year of her life cooking her way through Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Now, she's on a mission to become a butcher in her new book, Cleaving: A Story of Marriage, Meat, and Obsession. While Julie's culinary journeys are adventurous to say the least, her kitchen isn't overflowing with a ton of gadgets—just a few tried and true tools. Julie shares her top three tools for the kitchen.
Immersion mixer

Photo: © 2009 Jupiterimages Corporation

Immersion Mixer
When it comes to blending and pulsing, Julie reaches for her immersion mixer whenever possible. "I kind of hate bringing out the food processor, because you have to clean it all up after you cook. So, I love my immersion mixer," she says.
Microplane

Photo: © 2009 Jupiterimages Corporation

Microplane
If you don't have a Microplane, Julie says you are missing out on a great way to easily add a little zest to your recipes. "Before I had my microplane, I would look at a recipe that said lemon zest and say, 'Nope, not doing it,' because you would use a grater box and scrape up your knuckles, so now I love a Microplane."

Photo: © 2009 Jupiterimages Corporation

A Sharp Knife
Slicing and dicing is much easier with a sharp knife, but Julie says you don't have to splurge on an expensive one. "What I have found, especially during my butchering training, is I prefer a less expensive knife. Expensive knifes are beautiful and cool, but once they get dull it is just ridiculous to get them sharpened! So, I love inexpensive knifes that I can sharpen myself easily," Julie says.

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