Mother’s Day cooking tips from the mamas of Singapore’s top chefs

Now, we can all agree that mamas deserve a day off on Mother’s Day. But what if their happiest spot is in the kitchen? We just love these tips from mamas who’ve inspired some of Singapore’s most popular chefs, and they’ve teamed up with cooking emporium Tools of the Trade (ToTT) to share their tips for success in the kitchen. Bon appétit, mamas!

From Mrs Ng, mother of Chef Chris Ng, Chef-Owner of Ah Bong’s Italian.

Mama wisdom: “A blunt knife is more dangerous than a sharp one”.

A blunt knife is more dangerous than a sharp one because it requires more force to cut through food. This can result in a loss of control of the knife, which in turn can lead to accidents. Additionally, a blunt knife makes a more jagged cut than a sharp knife. When cut by a blunt knife, it’s actually harder to stop the bleeding as compared to a cut made by a sharp knife.

To keep your tools in tip-top shape, ToTT recommends Chef’s Choice Diamond UltraHoneTM Sharpener (Usual Price: $144, Now: $100.80). This compact, professional-grade electric 2-stage knife sharpener sharpens both straight edge and serrated knives in just minutes, promising fast and flawless results.

From Mrs Heng, mother of Chef David Heng, Executive Chef of Food For Thought Restaurants

Mama Wisdom: “Time. Plan your meal ahead. Be patient with your stew and braised items to give them enough time to cook to the right consistency.”

Great food is worth the wait, mama, and ToTT recommends De Buyer Affinity Stainless Steel Casserole Dish (RTP $279.90). This pot is great for slow cooking as it can be used on all heat sources. Made with stainless steel alloy, this casserole promises rapid and even heating that can be used both on the stove and in the oven, ensuring food is tender and juicy from the long slow cooking.

 

From Mrs Pei, mother of Chef Vivian Pei, food writer, stylist, consultant, cooking instructor, and FOOD GEEK

Mama wisdom: “Opt for a healthier meal by steaming food.”

Steamed foods are always a healthier option to a meal, and ToTT recommends the Pavonidea STEAMY Steam Cooking Accessory (RTP $29.15) made of platinum silicone, which makes steam cooking even easier. To use, simply fill a standard large pot with water and place STEAMY on top of it with food. Cover it with a steel, glass or silicone lid to fit and one can have a healthy and delicious meal. STEAMY can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher.

From Mrs Low, mother of Chef Eric Low, Chef-Owner of LUSH Epicurean

Mama wisdom: “Respect the food ingredients in your hands and use your knowledge to bring the best out in them.”

If you really want to go all out, ToTT recommends SousVide Supreme Demi (RTP $738), the world’s first water oven designed to make the gourmet sous vide cooking technique (you know, like they use on all the cooking shows) as easy as possible. Sous vide cooking locks in the juices and flavour and preserves the nutritional quality of the food. To cook, just season your dish, vacuum-seal in food-grade pouches, simmer in the Demi water bath, sear or sauce dish if desired, and serve. We’ll say it again, ‘bon appétit’!