It’s strange how the lockdown and social distancing changed our lives. Our rushing from one place to the next BC (Before COVID), allowed us not nearly enough time in our homes. Therefore, when we lockdown forced us to stay home, circumstances were unfamiliar. I call it strange because we used to wish for more time at home to do this and that. Suddenly, time was not a problem, but we needed help in finding things to do. Boredom led to my rediscovery of an egg slicer.
During one of those strolls through the house to find something to do, I peeked into my junk drawer in the kitchen. It is one of those places where unused gadgets breed. Every now and then, I discover some long-forgotten gadget and wonder why I even bought it. I never found what I looked for that day but came across my long-forgotten egg slicer. With no memory of buying it, I set my mind to find things other than eggs to slice on it. I had all the time in the world, and here’s a list of things I now slice into perfect, thin slices. Needless to say — I’m now a bit possessive and hide my egg slicer right in the back of the drawer.
The intended use of an egg slicer
Perfect slices of hard-boiled eggs make the best garnish for spinach and any other salads containing leafy greens. Similarly, they elevate salads like chicken, rice, noodle, potato and even asparagus salad. Meatloaf with a thinly sliced egg is so much nicer than without.
Did you know you could even cut thin julienne-like sticks if you turn the sliced item one-quarter turn and then slice it again? Also, if you turn it 90 degrees after the first cut, you can slice it into squares. It works better on other products than eggs because the yolk separates from the white of the egg with too much handling.
Use the slicer for pickled beets
Boil the beets in water and a bit of salt until they are just tender enough to let you push a fork into them. Let them cool down and use the egg slicer to get nice and even slices. You might have your own pickled beet recipe, but here’s what I do. I keep the water from boiling the beet. Depending on how many beets you have, mix equal quantities of beet water, vinegar and sugar.
I cook about six or seven medium-sized beets at a time. Then I make the pickling liquid with one cup each of beet water, vinegar and sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar, and then cover your beet slices with the pickling juice. You can serve it immediately, but they are much tastier after a couple of days.
Your egg slicer is perfect for slicing mushrooms
The list of uses for sliced mushrooms is endless. They’re perfect for just about any savory dish, on pizzas, in stir-fries and pasta dishes. Sauté them with onions to top steaks. I’m sure you’ll find more.
You can use the slicer for fresh mozzarella
You must have noticed that using a knife for slicing fresh mozzarella typically leaves a smashed mess, even when you use a sharp knife. Use cold mozzarella from the fridge, and you’ll get perfect, evenly cut slices for a salad or pizza.
Your egg slicer is ideal for making strawberry fans
Strawberry slices are perfect for fruit salad, top ice cream deserts, peanut butter and jelly pies and brownies. If you place the strawberry with the sharp end pointing up, and push the slicer down but stop just before the base of the fruit. Now you can shape the fan by gently pushing the slices open to form a fan.
Use your egg slicer for the perfect avocado slices
Avocado slices on whole wheat or rye bread are to die for. Add a slice or two to your grilled cheese or with a piece of smoked ham on a sandwich. Similarly, a ring of avocado slices on a pizza is delicious.
Get perfect little olive rings with an egg slicer
Sliced olives, both black and green, are added to salads, tacos, pizzas, burritos, pasta and many other recipes. Cut in perfectly even slices to make it look and taste better.
Use the slicer to prepare bananas for freezing
The uses of perfectly sliced bananas are endless. You can top desserts, brownies or cookies with banana slices. Instead of wasting unused bananas, use your egg slicer to slice the whole lot. Pack the slices on a sheet of paper on a baking tray and freeze them. Once frozen, put them in a Ziploc bag, ready to use when you make smoothies.
Various soft fruits are suitable for slicing
You can slice any fresh soft fruit like plums, peaches, kiwis, grapes and others with the egg slicer. Furthermore, you can even slice canned fruit like apples and pears for better presentations.
Slice hot dogs and frankfurters
If you add franks or hot dogs to sauerkraut and pork dishes, sliced in thin slices is perfect. Another option is cooking it with baked beans, and cutting them for a toddler to eat is also a good idea.
One last tip: Slicing cold fruit and vegetables will always have better results than warm or even room temperature products.
I hope this encouraged you to go looking for your egg slicer. I’m sure, if you look in the right places, you’ll find it, even if you can’t remember where it came from.
Oops, I forgot to mention a banana treat to spoil the kids. Place banana sliced on a plate and sprinkle them with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. Microwave it on 100% for only a minute or so — YUMMM (They are very hot, so make sure they cool down a bit before you let them eat it.
