I test kitchen products for a living, and this veggie slicer is a meal-prep must
Related: We tested hundreds of kitchen products — these 17 are actually worth your money
As someone who loves to cook (but hates to prep vegetables), I was thrilled to receive the Fullstar as a Christmas gift a few years ago. I'd seen similar products online, and while I'm generally wary about using mandolines — they've sent many a cook to the ER! — this one seemed designed for safety. Not only does it come with a protective glove, it also has a nifty finger guard you can stick onto the vegetable you're slicing, so your hand is never at risk of coming in contact with the blade.
Speaking of blades: The aforementioned six interchangeable attachments include 2-millimeter and 5-millimeter mandolines, a julienne blade, a grater blade, a spiral-cut blade and a ribbon-cut blade. Each one easily snaps into the lid, which you place on top of a clear bin that keeps your sliced vegetables nice and contained. So far, I've used all but the ribbon-cut blade, and I can safely say I'll never again shy away from veggie-heavy recipes.
Thanks to the mandoline blades, I've been able to churn out homemade sweet potato chips in minutes with barely any effort. It takes me under a minute to slice a sweet potato, and I always get thin, uniform disks. From there, I just coat them in some olive oil and salt, then bake in the oven for a crunchy snack. Delicious! You could also do the same with beets, carrots — the world is your oyster (mushroom).
Two Thanksgivings ago, my husband made a sweet potato gratin and hand-sliced the potatoes. No more. We made it again this past Thanksgiving using the Fullstar, and it came together in a fraction of the time. (I know we've got a long way to go until Turkey Day, but let me tell you: The Fullstar is a mighty holiday helper.)
I recently made "zoodles" (zucchini noodles) for the first time using the spiral-cut attachment. I was prepared for it to be a cooking fail, but lo and behold, I was greeted by perfectly shredded veggies on my first go. I sautéed them in a bit of olive oil and seasoning, then added some of my favorite jarred tomato sauce (Rao's Marinara all the way, baby) for a quick weeknight side dish. My husband and I both thought it was very tasty (though our weekend pasta nights aren't going anywhere).
The grater attachment comes in handy for cheese, since I don't have to drag out a cutting board. I've also used the julienne blade for shredding carrots for salad, and come Hanukkah, making latkes will no longer be the bane of my existence.
One thing to note: Cleaning the attachments can be a bit of a pain, but there is a mini brush included to get into the hard-to-reach grooves. You can also throw everything into the dishwasher, but I prefer to wash and dry the metal blades by hand to keep them from rusting. Be careful — they're extremely sharp (that's why they work so well).
Over 24,000 Amazon customers also give the Fullstar a perfect rating.
"My arthritis makes it hard to slice things, so I figured I'd get a mandoline so I could stop failing at slicing my veggies," shared one reviewer. "Now I take seconds to slice potatoes, whereas it [used to take] me a few minutes with hands cramping up and locking up."
"No more cut knuckles," said this relieved fan. "I'm telling you, this is good. I don't have part of my fingers in the salad anymore. You can chop, you can do all kinds of stuff with this thing. Big chop, little chop. Very very good product."
"I mostly use this slicer to make hash browns and slice vegetables, and it does it impeccably," raved a generally satisfied buyer. "I've washed it in the dishwasher a half dozen times so far, and it's held up. If I had to express one complaint, it would be that the top doesn't very easily lock onto [the] clear tub part. Gotta fiddle with [it] a little."
"I was afraid this would be flimsy and cheap, but it's not!" wrote a final fan. "I mainly use this to make zucchini noodles and it does a great job. The only issue I've had is it is a little difficult to get the spiral noodle cutter clean, but that happens with this kind of product. I pop it in the dishwasher and it's good to go."
And for chopping? Look no further than this No. 1 bestseller, also from Fullstar:
If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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Buzz Feed
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Didn't happen." "Friends of my ex-husband stayed with us between moving houses. I came home earlier than expected and found the wife leaving with a cooler of meat from my freezer. Her sister was 'facing hard times' and needed it. They could have actually stayed with her because she had room, but our place was 'nicer.'" "My ex-roommate invited a friend to sleep on our couch for a few weeks…without asking me first. I went along with it despite the rough start. The guest decided to help herself to our food and constantly left the front door unlocked, so I counted the days until she was gone. One Saturday morning, I was rudely awakened by the sound of a vacuum running before 6:00 a.m. However, my vacuum was still broken from the last bad roommate! I walked into the common area to see the house guest blowing up my air mattress with a strange guy. They popped my air mattress before 6:00 a.m. on a Saturday!" 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They had lost multiple apartments because they would stay without paying rent until the landlord figured out a way to kick them out. But she was family, and I couldn't turn her away. While there, they would hide their own food in their room, but eat all our food. At the time, we were installing wood flooring in the living room, so the rule was that there would be no eating or drinking in the living room. I would get up in the morning (because I had to go to work early, so they were still up when I went to bed), and there would be the wrappers from Icy Pops in the living room, so obviously, that rule was ignored." "My husband's aunt and teenage cousin asked to stay with us for two nights (Sunday to Tuesday). I wanted to make them feel welcome, so I made a big dinner both nights, complete with homemade apple pie and crumb cake (my specialty). I also made breakfast and lunch for them, and rescheduled my 2-year-old daughter's gym classes so I could spend time with them. Things were okay, but my husband and I were slightly disappointed because they were sloppy, ate all our food, etc., and never offered to contribute anything. The cousin actually drank an entire gallon of milk and ate all of the homemade chocolate chip cookies I had made. When I asked the aunt to watch my daughter while I ran out to buy more milk, she said no!" "My mom used to have a bestie from school days. At some point, her friend and her adult friend's son stayed with us because he had to apply for a military school in our city. Long story short, they stayed the entire summer, they wrecked our phone bill, they had the AC on 24/7 ( of course, never did they pay for anything ), and when they finally left, her husband suggested that my mom and I stay in one of their summer houses (they were extremely wealthy) during our hollidays. We accepted it, but her son decided to let his pit bull attack my dog during our stay. I rescued my dog at the last minute, and I told him that he was mean by nature and a douchbag. We stopped talking with them until my mom died. Her friend came to the ceremony, where she decided to tell me that my dead dad wasn't my real dad and that my dead mom should have told me years ago. By the way, my face is identical to my father's." "I don't know if this counts as a house guest because it was someone I met at a bar, took home, and haven't seen since that night. I don't even remember his name or if I ever knew it. Lucky for him, because he somehow ordered hundreds of dollars worth of porn on my cable TV account at some point?! I guess he did it while I was using the bathroom because nothing else about that night was good enough to hold my attention long enough for him to do that unnoticed. Lucky for ME, Comcast gave me the benefit of the doubt and refunded the charges because I had never ordered anything like that before." "When my husband and I moved into our new house, my brother-in-law asked if his family (his girlfriend, their kid, and their dog) could rent out the basement until they had saved up to get an apartment. We said okay. At first, it was okay. Then, their dog got pregnant because they hadn't spayed her. She gave birth, and they didn't lift a finger to help with seven pups. My husband and I paid for all the food and vet bills. We raised, cleaned, socialized, and found homes for them. That's only the start. We asked them to use the shed outside to smoke weed and not smoke in the house. They didn't care. They not only smoked inside, but the girlfriend smoked 24/7 until she made herself physically ill from so much weed and vomited all over our floor. They both refused to clean the puke and let it sit for days until my husband cleaned it. This happened multiple times." "My wife's sister, who lives 11 hours away, likes to travel. She has money and occasionally talks about how much she has in the bank. Travel is a fun pastime, but instead of hotels, she regularly finds distant relatives, friends, etc., to stay with. Last summer, she rented her house for a week, so she had no place to stay, and then asked if she could stay with us for a few days. We said no problem. After the first three days, she asked if she could stay longer and if her son could come too and sleep on the couch for a few days. Once again, we said okay. She then added that her son's new girlfriend would also be staying. The short stay turned into a week. Despite having money for dinners, drinks, etc., they never contributed to any food. My wife accepted this behavior since her sister has always been like this." "My live-in boyfriend at the time invited his friend and his friend's family of four (plus two dogs) to stay at my two-bedroom apartment for a weekend. Mind you, he did not pay rent or share any household expenses. I politely reminded him of my apartment complex's no-dog rule and expected him to tell his friends to stay elsewhere. I came home from work to find them, their dogs, and their luggage in my living room. I reluctantly set up the air bed and kicked my kid out of her bedroom so they could stay in it." And: "We met a middle-aged, single, Australian man while on a trip to Britain. Two years later, he called to say he was coming for a visit to Canada. We told him clearly that I, now working full time, was also dealing with both my mother and father in the hospital, who were dying. We had no idea that he intended to crash with us for free for three weeks, and he expected his meals on time, his laundry done, and free transportation everywhere, to whatever he wanted to see. He was also continually rude and abusive to my husband, who was only attempting to get him to pitch in for costs and allow me precious time with my parents. Our future travels have not included sharing addresses or phone numbers with others we meet." Have you ever had a horrible house guest? What did they do? Tell us in the comments or share anonymously using this form. Note: Submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
37 Rare Photos Depicting Life Inside the Kennedy Compound, Through the Camelot Years and Beyond
The Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, is one of the most storied family properties in American history. This sprawling six-acre waterfront estate, with three white-clapboard houses, has been the backdrop for nearly a century of Kennedy family history. Born from an unexpected snub at an exclusive country club, Joseph P. Kennedy Sr.'s purchase of the Malcolm Cottage in 1928 laid the foundation for what would become a legendary family retreat. Over the years, the compound expanded to include the 'Big House,' a 21-room mansion meticulously decorated by Rose Kennedy, and two additional properties acquired by John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy in the 1950s. This haven has witnessed the family's triumphs and tragedies, from JFK's presidency to intimate family gatherings following the loss of loved ones. Most notably, the compound became a refuge of grief and healing after President Kennedy's assassination in Dallas in November of 1963, when the family retreated to Hyannis Port to mourn and find comfort in each other's presence. The compound holds particular poignancy this week with the 26th anniversary of the tragic deaths of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy on July 16, 1999, in a plane crash off Martha's Vineyard. They were flying to attend his cousin Rory Kennedy's wedding at the compound when the single-engine Piper Saratoga disappeared into the Atlantic Ocean, claiming the lives of JFK Jr., his wife Carolyn, and her sister Lauren Bessette. The family gathered at Hyannis Port in the aftermath, as they had in the aftermath of JFK's death. Read on to see rare photos of the family at home, from their earliest days right through the Camelot years and beyond.1947 John F. Kennedy at his home in Hyannis Port with his dog after winning the nomination for congressman from Massachusetts. Look at that smile!1948 Three of the Kennedy brothers, John, Robert, and Edward (Ted), at the Kennedy Family Compound.1948 John F. Kennedy, Jean Ann Smith, Rose Kennedy, Joseph Kennedy Sr., Patricia Lawford, Robert F. Kennedy, Eunice Mary Shriver, and Edward Kennedy on Thanksgiving at the Kennedy Family Compound. Twenty years earlier, Joseph and Rose began remodeling the cottage, beginning the transformation into the compound we know today.1953 Senator John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier stroll across the lawn of his family's home after announcing their engagement.1953 Jackie playing baseball with Edward and John at the compound, where games were commonly held on the lawn.1953 Eunice Kennedy and Jean Kennedy together on the grass at the family compound.1953 When this stunning photo was taken, John was still a senator, and he and Jackie were only engaged. We are loving the beachy, carefree vibes of 1953!1953 Jackie and JFK preparing for an interview together inside one of the estate's light-filled living rooms.1953 We're never getting over this one. JFK and Jackie run toward the compound after spending the day on the beach, and it's oh-so-magical.1953 Senator John F. Kennedy and Jackie are interviewed for a Life magazine story at the Kennedy Compound. Currently swooning over that floral chair!1953 Summers in Hyannis Port were a much-needed respite for the Kennedys. JFK is photographed here playing baseball with his soon-t0-be wife.1953 An adorable JFK and Jackie enjoying each other's company on the shore of the Kennedy Compound.1953 A barefoot JFK and Jackie chat with Eunice and Patricia Kennedy driving up the entryway of the Kennedy Compound.1953 Jean, Jacqueline, and Eunice Kennedy sitting on the lawn of the family compound. Jackie and Jean were especially close.1953 A gorgeous Jackie sitting on the ledge of the porch at the compound, while her fiancé at the time plays football on the lawn.1953 Eunice, Jacqueline, Jean, and Patricia Kennedy with John and Teddy sailing in the waters near the compound.1953 John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier sit together in the sunshine at the family home a few months before their wedding.1960 Jacqueline Kennedy and JFK, still a senator at the time, are seen here reading a story to their daughter, Caroline, outside of the Hyannis Port home.1960 John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline with their daughter, Caroline, on Election Day in 1960. The next day, Kennedy was declared the winner and became the president-elect.1961 This isn't your average White House meeting—this one has floral decor and cozy vibes! Here, President Kennedy meets with some of his top advisers to discuss military spending. The chief executive also discussed civil defense and foreign trade with officials who flew from Washington to Cape Cod to meet with the president at the family compound.1963 The first family on the patio of their home with their pets, lounging on outdoor furniture. JFK's favorite dog was Charlie, a Welsh terrier gifted to him by his wife during his presidential campaign.1964 A young Caroline Kennedy in the yard at the Kennedy Compound.1972 How sweet! Senator Edward M. Kennedy and his mother, Rose, at the Kennedy Compound. (The sunglasses are everything.)1973 This look! Caroline Kennedy, Jackie (now Onassis), and Ted Kennedy during Caroline's graduation party at the compound.1980 Even in the '80s, the Kennedy family still gathered at the compound. Here, Eunice Shriver, Jacqueline Onassis, Kara Kennedy and her dad, Teddy (at the time a Democratic candidate for president), and Ethel Kennedy hanging out together.1980 Jackie, in an adorable jersey print peasant skirt, walking into the Kennedy Compound during a gathering of family members and friends.1980 Well, hello! John F. Kennedy Jr. near the Kennedy Compound pier during Labor Day weekend.1981 Kerry Kennedy and David Kennedy during the RFK Pro-Celebrity Tennis Tournament. The tournament featured tennis stars, Hollywood celebrities, and members of the Kennedy family.1981 Eunice Kennedy Shriver and her daughter, Maria Shriver, attending the annual RFK Pro-Celebrity Tennis Tournament at the compound.1981 How cute is this?! Courtney Kennedy and niece Meaghan Anne Kennedy Townsend at the RFK tennis tournament.1981 Another dog lover! Courtney Kennedy is seen petting this good boy at the family compound.1981 Maria Shriver and the actress Susan Saint James laughing together during the RFK Pro-Celebrity Tennis Tournament. The tournament was an annual event that raised money for underprivileged children while also providing a chance for celebrities to mingle.1989 Ted Kennedy greets friends before a boat ride around Hyannis Port Harbor during a clambake at the Kennedy Compound.1991 Ethel Kennedy, John Dougherty, and Bob Duffy rowing in Hyannis Port Harbor during a picnic held at the Kennedy Compound.1995 JFK, Jr. with his dog, walks along the beach in front of the Kennedy compound.1999 John F. Kennedy, Jr. and his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy arrive at a dinner in Martha's Vineyard.1999 Members of the Kennedy family, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife Mary Richardson Kennedy, gather in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts to await news after the disappearance of John F. Kennedy, Jr., his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and her sister Lauren Bessette. You Might Also Like From the Archive: Tour Sarah Jessica Parker's Relaxed Hamptons Retreat 75 Small (But Mighty) Kitchens to Steal Inspiration from Right This Instant Solve the daily Crossword
