It’s easy to think that you can live without the humble mortar and pestle. While it may seem like any number of grinders, processors and blenders in your kitchen arsenal can perform the same job, nothing releases the complex flavours of herbs and spices quite like hand-grinding them with a mortar and pestle.

Zwilling’s mortar features a solid, reduced diameter base, which helps to keep it steady and secure while you’re grinding away (and maybe working out some repressed frustrations). The protective ring in the base prevents the mortar from scratching your kitchen surfaces. Made from polished stainless steel and dark granite, this mortar and pestle set is also attractive enough to use as a kitchen accent piece (and subtly let guests know that you possess some serious culinary prowess).

$54.99; zwilling.com/ca (or visit the new Zwilling J.A. Henckels store in Vaughan Mills)