Favorite Kitchen Tool: My Little Green Colander

One of the things I reach for most in my kitchen, besides my electric kettle and chef's knife, is a plastic colander. I picked it up about a year ago mostly because its small size and bright green color were charming. Little did I know how often I'd use it.

I keep this favorite tool hanging from a hook over my sink--its small size means that it's always handy. It's the perfect fit for rinsing a box of berries, or a bunch of fresh herbs or a half-dozen hard boiled eggs. Lined with cheese cloth, it strains a quart of yogurt perfectly.

I especially appreciate the little rim on the bottom with tiny gripper dots that holds the colander place in a sturdy, reliable way. The flared edge with handles on either end means I can hook it over the inside of a bowl and capture what ever is being strained.

I've even used it as a serving piece when I noticed how lovely a basket of cherry tomatoes looked after rinsing. Visitors are always admiring it and I've purchased several as gifts. All-in-all, this is an amazing kitchen helper and it costs less than $10!

How about you? Is there something ordinary in your kitchen that has an extraordinary usefulness?

For a similar colander, check out these at Sur la Table.

(Image: Dana Velden)

Comments (6)

You can also use it to defrost shrimp or frozen peas or to drain canned beans!

I love my microplane! I also have a stainless steel meshed colander that I use a lot! And I love my red measuring cups and spoons :)

posted by orchidgirl1979 on July 23rd 2009 at 10:01am
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I love your colander, and I love my KitchenAid Mixer.

Emily

posted by Emily Sneds on July 23rd 2009 at 11:11am
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your colander is really cute.
My favorites are my small bamboo cutting boards, way nicer when I need to cut up something small instead of getting the HUGE cutting board half the size of my arm.

posted by witchbaby on July 23rd 2009 at 11:46am
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I agree - I love my little green colanders from C&B... but I must admit, yours is WAY nicer.

I also like my collection of mesh strainers/spiders (wow, I must really like to strain stuff) and my not-so-practical collection of aluminum and copper jello molds.

posted by keltrue on July 23rd 2009 at 1:33pm
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I have an 8" enameled cast iron skillet that I keep finding more and more uses for. I live alone, and use it for everything - Dutch Baby's in the oven, fried eggs, sauteing/searing on stove, cooking/heating on the grill. Love it!

My son's GF loves green, where do you get the little colanders?

posted by itsworthalook on July 23rd 2009 at 5:03pm
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I think this is the colander in the picture - complete with gripper bottom.

posted by cara_mia on July 25th 2009 at 11:46am
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