Mortar and pestle
Everyone can benefit from the slightest hint of inspiration when on kitchen duty. Even the best cooks are inclined to change a technique, substitute a spice, an herb or even replace an ingredient at the last minute, if sufficiently motivated to do so. I contend that there is no other tool in the kitchen, or in life for that matter (why not go for broke?) which provides as much creative incentive as a mortar. Be it a single spice, a blend, an herb, garlic or even chilies; once placed in a mortar and the pounding or rotating using the pestle begins, the odours reach the nostrils and like magic, the mind begins to race.