Sieves, sifters, shakers

In old times every kitchen had a sieve in heavy use - flour came from the mill with  bran and germ, and sifting was used not just to air the flour (practice long forgotten) but to separate these extras.

Nowadays one will consciously pay extra money for the whole wheat flour.
Great for making something like cauliflower or broccoli cheese quiche or bread (don't take whole as a substitute, just add some) but troublesome when it comes to baking of something that is supposed to be light, white and tender. Why don't skip the desert instead of spoiling your dough or batter? But I digressed.

I see the following principally different kinds of sifters:

de Buyer® Stainless Steel Flour Tamis @ Sur La Table, $32

a mesh spoon or strainer for powdering (sizes vary), crank-handle flour sifter, drum mesh sieve (also called tamis) and coffee-shop style sifter / dredger  one can use for sifting powdered sugar, cinnamon, cocoa etc. over his cappuccino, pancakes, donuts or like. 

Sur La Table® Stainless Steel Sifter, 5 cup @ $13

Rösle® Fine Mesh Kitchen Strainer @ Sur La Table, $48

Donuts (photo credit)

Here are homemade donuts (milk-eggs-sugar-yeast batter). Sprinkled with powdered sugar dispensed with the shaker.

I own one and you can get one for a few bucks at random store or Amazon.
Won't use it for cinnamon at home since turnaround it low and the spice will loose its flavour.

Dredger shaker with handle @ Amazon.com

labels: amazon, consumer review, cookware, de Buyer, dessert, food, gadgets, recipes, sur la table