If you watch any food videos, you've definitely seen it: the person on camera reaches into a small bowl, grabs a pinch of salt, and effortlessly sprinkles it on their dish. Cooks on TV (Ree Drummond included!) and on social media all seem to do it.
But is that for all for show? Actually, no! And should home cooks be doing that, too? Yes, they probably should. As it turns out, having a vessel containing salt that's within easy reach as you cook will help you season your food properly. And that little bowl has a name. It's called a salt cellar! Watch one in action from Ree's recent solo supper video:
You might be asking yourself, "Why can't I just use my salt shaker?" You most certainly can. The main reason you would want to use a salt cellar instead is that you can actually see and feel the amount of salt you're using which you can't detect from a shaker. Plus, if you prefer using kosher salt in cooking, the holes of a salt shaker are often too small because it's meant for finer table salt.
As time goes on and you get used to seasoning by pinching it from your salt cellar, your sense and understanding of how much to use becomes second nature. Plus, having that little bowl near you is a constant reminder to season as you go. If you're looking for a good option, the one Ree uses now is actually from her revamped line at Walmart.
While not all salt cellars have lids, having one protects the salt from humidity and other kitchen contaminants while not in use. (Speaking of contaminants, please only reach in with a clean hand at all times!) The Pioneer Woman Olivewood Salt Cellar makes it easy with a magnetic swivel top for easy one-handed use.
And of course, you don't have to just use it for salt. Often times, you'll find at least two in a kitchen: one for salt, one for pepper. Plus, olivewood is very durable, so you'll have them for years to come.
Of course, it also helps that Ree's salt cellar is quite pretty to look at, so you won't mind having such a charming accent on your counter. You'll look at it and think: "Oh, isn't it cute? And oh yeah, I should probably season this chicken for dinner while I'm at it." That's the kind of win-win scenario you want in a kitchen. So go on, be your own Ree and season your food properly with a salt cellar.
