Fork as a cooking tool

[goodgiver]

How many of you all just love to use a " Grannies Fork" when frying meats or anything else?

 

[Andy M.]

I use tongs rather than any kind of fork when cooking meats. The fork pierces the meat and lets juices out.

 

[Uncle Bob]

Goodgiver...

I had to google the fork. It looks like a nifty fork for cutting in shortning, stirring spaghetti etc. Like Andy I prefer tongs, but sometimes I cheat!


Enjoy!

 

[Katie H]

I used to use a granny fork or tongs for that task but have been using a pigtail turner the last several years. Can't say enough good about this tool. I also use it to dredge my food in flour, egg, etc. I never get my fingers goopy when I use it. Buck gave it to me for a gift a number of years ago.

Here's a link to what they look like. At least it's the best link I could find, but you'll get the idea.

I've used my granny fork so much it's slanted on one side.

 

[Unclechili]

I've never heard of a pigtail turner before, so I looked it up. What a neet little tool. I think I'll have to get one for myself!

 

[Uncle Bob]

I've never heard of a pigtail turner before, so I looked it up. What a neet little tool. I think I'll have to get one for myself!

I have an iron one that is handier than a pocket on a shirt!

 

[Katie H]

Thank you, Uncle Bob. Aren't they great?!!! I wouldn't be without mine. I have 2...one short, small one and another much larger one that is great for using on the outdoor grill.

The large one is great for scaring grandchildren into behaving. Just kidding.

 

[Barb L.]

I use mine quite often, love my fork ! Use tongs usually for turning meat.

 

[Caine]

The fork pierces the meat and lets juices out.

That's an old wive's tale!

 

[Andy M.]

Apparantly you've never stuck a fork into a chicken and watched the juices run out.

 

[Barb L.]

Apparantly you've never stuck a fork into a chicken and watched the juices run out.

I agree, thats how I tell if my chicken is done - if the juices run clear.

 

[Caine]

I've stuck a fork in my hand (acidently of course) and watched the 'juices' run out, but I sure didn't bleed to death.

 

[mudbug]

I must live a sheltered life. I've never heard of either of these.

Thanks to Katie, I now know what a pigtail turner looks like and how it's used (pretty clever), but what the heck is a granny's fork?

 

[ironchef]

Tyson Foods Learning Center: Cooking and Serving Meat

Turn steaks, roasts, or chops with tongs. Do not use a fork. This pierces the meat and allows flavorful juices to escape.

Can someone please e-mail Tyson Foods and inform them that they have no idea what they are talking about?

 

[Andy M.]

I've stuck a fork in my hand (acidently of course) and watched the 'juices' run out, but I sure didn't bleed to death.

Excellent analogy.

 

[ironchef]

Grilling Beef - Knowledge - Hormel Foods

When grilling steaks, use tongs or a spatula to turn the meat. A fork should not be used because it pierces the meat allowing juices to escape.

Someone needs to e-mail these guys too.

 

[kitchenelf]

During cooking, bundles of muscle cells in the meat contract, forcing out liquid from the spaces between them. As the meat cools, those cell bundles relax, reabsorbing the liquid.

It's probably called an "old wives tale" because "he" couldn't admit "she" was right

 

[justplainbill]

Forks are great for turning bacon, sticking into boiled potatoes to see if they're done and perhaps piercing the casings on fatty sausages and baking potatoes (so they don't explode in the oven).

BTW anybody notice how sharp and thin the tines were on old-time eating forks compared to most modern ones?

 

[ironchef]

It's probably called an "old wives tale" because "he" couldn't admit "she" was right

Psssssh. I don't think so KElf

 

[Barb L.]

Forks are great for turning bacon, sticking into boiled potatoes to see if they're done and perhaps piercing the casings on fatty sausages and baking potatoes (so they don't explode in the oven).

BTW anybody notice how sharp and thin the tines were on old-time eating forks compared to most modern ones?

This is exactly what I use mine for !!