Apple Cutter
This wheel-shaped tool is great for cutting vegetables, such as apples.
Citrus Stripper
Use this tool to cut a thin strip of peel from citrus fruit or other fresh produce.
Decorating Tips
The tips you'll use most often are writing tips, star tips, rose tips, and leaf tips. Start out by purchasing one of each type. Then add to your collection whenever you need an additional tip for a new garnish
Hand Grater
A grater with at least one section for fine pieces and another section for larger shreds is the most practical.
Small Cookie Cutters
These are sold in most cookware shops. Choose the shapes you think you'll use most often. Small cookie cutters are also known as hors d'oeuvre cutters.
Knives
Sharp knives are a must. The knives you'll use most often are a chef's knife for cutting large items, such as watermelons; a utility knife for medium-sized foods, such as pineapples or cantaloupes; and a paring knife for all-purpose cutting.
Scissors
A small pair is ideal for snipping small items, such as green onion tops. Kitchen scissors or poultry shears are better for large, tough jobs.
Skewers and Toothpicks
For garnishing, keep a supply of wooden toothpicks, as well as 6 to 10-inch wooden skewers, on hand. Occasionally you may need a metal skewer. Choose one about 8 inches long.
Vegetable Peeler
The swivel-type of peeler works best. Just make sure it's sharp.
Wire Strainer
This bowl-shaped tool made from wire mesh is great for sifting or sprinkling powdered sugar or cocoa over foods, as well as for draining foods. Wire strainers are also known as sieves.
Cues for Bright and Colorful Garnishes
Once cut, some foods discolor quickly, e.g. pears, apples, bananas, avocados, potatoes and eggplant. To slow the discoloration process down, brush the cut surfaces with lemon juice before wrapping and refrigerating