Marye Audet
DCL
Perhaps it is because I have been primarily a food writer that people often come into my kitchen expecting high tech appliances, expensive gadgets, and top of the line kitchen equipment. You can almost read their thoughts as they look around quizzically for a few moments before gaining control of their facial muscles and smoothly transitioning from gaping to smiling.
While I don't cook on a wood stove (yet) I don't have nearly as many cool tools as people think. The ones I use most often are usually the ones that they would consider trash.
My Best Dough Cutter? A Can.
My favorite set of cutters for biscuits, cookies, doughnuts, scones, and hamburger buns is a set I made from a variety of cans.
- Tomato paste cans are the smallest. They make perfectly sized cookie cutters, creating smooth rounds for all kinds of sandwich cookies. They are also excellent for dainty scones for a child's tea, or small size biscuits for appetizers. They can double as ravioli cutters as well, if you make your own pasta.
- Vegetable cans are the normal biscuit size. These make biscuits and mini-hamburger buns. They can be used to cut Parkerhouse rolls or homemade doughnuts.
- Large (28 oz) tomato cans are great for hamburger buns, scones, half-moon pies, and tarts.
How To Make Your Tin Can Dough Cutter
Making them isn't difficult. Obviously you are working with an empty can, right?
1. Choose your can size.
2. Remove the bottom so it is hollow.
3. Sand down any rough edges on the inside.
4. Wash and dry thoroughly.
5. It is ready to use.
Just remember, when you are cutting dough always cut straight down, never twist the cutter.
But Wait! There's More!
Not only is this handy dandy item the best little dough cutter you will ever use but it also is perfect for crushing soft fruit in order to prepare jams or fresh coulis. Place the washed fruit in a stainless steel bowl and crush to the desired consistency with the can. You will find you have complete control on how coarse or fine the fruit is chopped. When you are preparing crushed fruit press down and twist a bit for the best results.
Guard Your Homemade Dough Cutter Well
Now, you may think that since this is a simple item it is safe. Not so. You will find your humble cutter being used for all kinds of things from pirate telescopes to sandcastle molds. Amazing how something so simple can be so effective, isn't it?
