Chinois/Tamis/Food Mill? Need some advice!

[kfinn]

Hi -
I'm planning to test several recipes from the Alinea cookbook for a dinner party. They call for the use of a tamis and chinois. I own neither, but I have a food mill with a fine disc. Can I use this in place of the other two, or is it really necessary to buy the additional equipment?

If anyone has insights on these tools and/or could recommend some quality brands, I would appreciate it!
Thanks very much.

[brianl999]

I have used sturdy, fine mesh strainers and a spatula in place of a tamis. I've since acquired a tamis, and can't say the end result is any different. A little easier with the tamis, perhaps.

I've also recently acquired a chinois, but haven't used it yet. I've always used a mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth with good results.

Unfortunately, I don't have a food mill, so hopefully someone else will comment on that.

As far as recommending a brand, I just bought what was available. The tamis I purchased at a seafood supply place (they also sell other kitchen items) in northern Toronto, Ontario. Seems a reasonably sturdy piece of equipment, about $30cdn. The chinois was purchased at Tap Phong, a restaurant supply store in Toronto's Chinatown. They had one hanging from the rack marked at $269! It wasn't mislabeled. They had some for $40, and I purchased one of them. Really, it doesn't appear to be much more than a high volume, fine-meshed strainer.

Hope that helps,

Thanks,

Brian

[MikeG]

The holes in even the finest plate of a food mill are much too large to replace either a tamis or a chinois.

[paulsfinest]

You'd really have to say what ingredients they'll be used with... normally a fine mesh strainer or even a big cheap sifter will do for a "tamis", and some strainers/colanders or a food mill can substitute for a chinois, but again, it would depend what for!

[kfinn]

Thanks, everyone. The list of ingredients is so long and varied, I'll spare you the details. I think I'll get a chinois and improvise for the tamis. Thanks for the help!

[almansa]

That is the correct course of action. And make sure it is a chinois and not a "china cap."