Go-Go Gadget: Spice Grater

Our kitchens are the best places to be when aromatic scents waft through the air: freshly ground thyme, rosemary, coriander seed, the zest of a lemon, you name it. To extract the best flavor from the spices you know — and the ones you don't know but are still in your cupboard anyway — use a spice grater. Similar to a cheese grater, a spice grater has a comfortable handle and an eight-inch blade that is great for use with a variety of foods: spices, citrus fruits, cheese and more. Check out this Microplane grater for only 10 bucks! It is stainless steel, very sharp and allows grating in both directions. It cleans easy with a light rinse and is dishwasher safe. Originally, the microplane grater was used by woodworkers as a smoothing tool, but chefs found it amazing for grating and mincing various foods. For full utilization of your grater, look below for recipes that call for it!

>> Check out some amazing spice combinations to jazz up your bland food!

Spinach Basil Pesto: Use your new spice grater in this recipe to mince the garlic cloves and grate the parmesan cheese. This skinny version of the mouthwatering Italian spread calls for less oils and lots of spinach, so no guilt here! Click here for the delicious recipe.

Lemon Pepper Shrimp over Quinoa: Here is a recipe that can be easily modified, as many of the ingredients can be substituted without compromising flavor. Use the spice grater to zest your lemon and freshly grind the pepper. Find yourself full and satisfied with this simple recipe!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Coconut Ginger Sauce: This side dish is easy and flavorful. Follow this recipe and create a healthy side to almost any meal. The coconut ginger sauce calls for 1-½ teaspoons of fresh grated ginger, so this is where your new gadget comes into play! Click here for the recipe.

Chocolate Banana Protein Smoothie: This protein smoothie will surely satisfy your chocolate craving and only has 248 calories! Treat yourself by adding some chocolate shavings on top of the smoothie with a little bit of the leftover chocolate bar. Click here for more info.

If you're looking to do some online shopping, navigate over to Amazon and check out the array of spice graters they have in stock!