Have you ever figured something out — after years of failing — that you wanted to shout your discovery from the rooftops? Because that’s how I’m feeling today. But this is the Slice of Life STORY Challenge, not a cooking show. So, I’ll do my best to make this piece story-like since my children will probably not want to read a piece about a must-have kitchen gadget when they’re in their 40s.
I’ve been trying to make healthier choices in the afternoons. Therefore, I added a 6” piece of fresh ginger to Sunday’s shopping list for smoothie making this week. I had forgotten all about it until 3:45 p.m. Once I remembered that it had been sitting in my fridge since Sunday, I realized I needed to use it this afternoon.
I grabbed baby spinach, kale, ginger, frozen pineapple, and agave nectar. After mixing the greens with the water, it was time to add the pineapple, ginger, and agave nectar.
BUT WAIT, I had to peel the ginger! While this might not be a problem for a TV chef who can peel a piece of ginger with ease using the back of a spoon, I am not a TV chef. I’ve always struggled with peeling ginger, especially when it has nubs. I didn’t have time to meticulously peel a piece of ginger since I had 15 minutes to return to the road to drive Isabelle to an after-school activity.
I thought fast and grabbed my newly-acquired Y-peeler from the drawer. I figured it might work since it had made peeling sweet potatoes easier.
The ginger’s skin came off with ease.
“Oh my Gd! I can’t believe it!” I said aloud.
“What?” Ari asked as he shoved a fig bar in his mouth.
“Remember the y-peeler I bought for sweet potatoes?” He nodded. “Well, it’s making the skin of the ginger come off quickly. Look!”
Ari seemed mildly impressed, though he was more interested in watching me grate the ginger with a Microplane.
Minutes later, my smoothie was made. Ari tried some after I poured it into the only clean cup I could find in the car. (My regular one had water in it.)
“Can I try some?” Ari asked. (He liked the green juice I had with the same ingredients last week and loved it.)
I handed the cup over to him. He swallowed it, but didn’t like the taste. Quite frankly, I didn’t either. I made it too quickly and probably used way more kale than I should’ve since it was bitter. But I drank it since I was delighted that after nearly 14 years of trying to peel ginger properly, I finally had a straightforward method.
So, this wasn’t much of a story, BUT at least you got a great kitchen gadget tip!
Raising Literate Humans 
I’m over here chuckling about your enthusiasm for your new gadget – it’s funny which things get us excited, isn’t it? We recently got an ice cream scoop that has made my husband extremely happy – go figure.
A good ice cream scooper is essential!
Isn’t it exciting discovering a new trick that works after trying it other ways for so long? Like cleaning the microwave by boiling a cup of vinegar for a minute or so and then wiping it down. Simple tricks, simple gadgets always seem to do the trick and keep us in wonder.
I’ve never heard of that trick, but I believe it has to work since I use vinegar to clean many other things!
Okay, I need a new peeler now . . . have you ever considered being a host of the Shopping network?
Ha! I don’t think I’m poised enough for that.
That little potato peeler is magic. And don’t feel bad about just learning how to peel ginger. I’m 64 and my so. showed me how to easily cut and core a red pepper Tuesday.
Okay, I need to know about this cut and core method. We eat about a half dozen bell peppers a week in this house so I’m sure I could benefit from whatever this method is.
He showed me how to cut around the sides so that there’s no digging the core out. Hold the stem and cut down. Does that make sense?
It’s the little things, right? 😉
Absolutely!
I have never seen that peeler – but need one! If I found something that peeled ginger easily, I would use it…but that is a story in and of itself! (think band aids)
I linked to the one I have in the post since it’s amazing! (OXO should pay me for singing its praises.)
I’ve lost parts of my fingernails and skin from my knuckles when grating food, so I can only imagine what you’ve done to your fingers when peeling ginger.
I use a knife to peel ginger and always stab myself. Now, I’m on the hung for a Y-peeler! Thanks, Stacey!
Eureka moment 🙂
I have seen that peeler before but now you have convinced me to get it. It’s the little things that always make me happy!
I wanted the end to have the perfect smoothie! LOL But I’m laughing that you drank it anyway from the peeler joy!
Great story, shame the smoothie didn’t taste so good, but it served its purpose by showing you the best way to peel ginger!