Fast & Saucy

Chefs have their own styles and they outfit their kitchen to what suits them. This impetuous kitchen tool, the Flavour Shaker, suits Jamie Oliver's style and attitudes about cooking and entertaining perfectly. He favors energetic displays, getting it done and keeping the fun going. Home cooks live their cooking styles too, but the Flavour Shaker may not pass the test for everyone. Those married to the tradition of the mortal and pestle may find this item too cheeky. We gave it a go and saw enough benefits, particularly for small kitchen cooks, to think it has merit. It's saves wattage because you power it; though it can be as loud as an electric grinder. To have a good time with the Flavour Shaker it is important to read the directions. (Shocking, yes.) A few tips will keep you straight. Tips such as making sure it is closed and don't over fill it. At first you might think that it is pear shaped to fit smartly in the hand. That seems true enough, because it does. Ah, but there's more method in the design than just an ergonomic fit. If you invert the shaker so the small side is facing down you can take the grind smaller. Our testing included coriander seeds, star anise, black peppercorn, fenugreek, fresh garlic. and chili flakes. The chili flakes were the only spice that needed more than 20 shakes. And a quick thwap to garlic with the flat of a chef's knife before putting it in the Flavour Shaker may help it get an even crush started. (Or maybe leave the garlic to the press.) Our salad dressing experiment was a beautifully emulsified concoction of fresh oregano, Maldon Salt, black peppercorns, olive oil, pomegranate syrup and balsamic vinegar. As soon as the temperature rises, we move on to how well the Flavour Shake works for the quickie Mojito -- muddle in the shaker and finish in the glass. Comes with spoon for scooping out rustic pesto, spice pastes and rubs. Or shake and pour dressings, marinades sauces and slurries directly into pots, pans or onto food.

$29.99 AT AMAZON