I've always seen these being used in cooking and they are really getting more popular as a "must-have" tool in the kitchen.

It seems that the granite ones are the best. But to get a good hand-carved granite one, you need to go to your local Thai food store or look on line for a Thai granite one as they are the the best. The large one shown can be purchased for about $30 and will last a lifetime.

SO- If you have one, let us know how you use it!

 

I use them for making sauces and garnishes, I've been told the flavors that come out are different than if you put it in a food processor or blender. I've only used the granite ones, seems like a lot of people have them.

 

I have a marble one and use it for combing spices, grinding things, etc...

If you have leafy/stem spices, the pulverizing brings out a lot of the oils in the leaves and stems which, if you simply cut a chiffonade or used a processor would remain trapped inside the leaf pieces.

You can also make pesto, etc...

I don't use it often, but when I do I am always glad I have it.

 

Yes.

 

Yes



and yes (to blend the spices)

 

+1, as stogie says, they are best used for grinding spices, making pesto, or smashing garlic into a paste.

 

Mine is ceramic. Use it for leafy herbs and also for hard seed/spices.

The granite ones look nice, but mine is a breeze to clean and maintain where the granite seems like it takes keeping it "seasoned"