Peeling ginger.... use a spoon. You just draw the tip of the bowl down the ginger and it comes off without any pain. Or, if you keep it frozen, just grate what you need. The skin sloughs off on the side as you shred.

Also... a tagine is actually the ceramic cooking plate/pot and funnel lid. I love the stews, except for the fruit that's usually included. i don't like fruit cooked into my food.