Topic: Cookware & Gadgets

Gadget wars and top ten lists

187 days ago by Cyndi Lavin | Comment

A “war” has been brewing (ha ha) between Katharine Shilcutt and Robb Walsh, two Houston food bloggers. Katharine doesn’t think too much of many appliances and gadgets, while Robb shamelessly celebrates them. Katharine wrote about the 10 Most Useless Kitchen Appliances (some of which I agree with, some not…but all … More »
The Sili Sling

189 days ago by Cyndi Lavin | Comment

Score another for silicone! The Sili Sling, despite its goofy name, looks like a terrific meat saver. How many times have to attempted to lift a slow cooked turkey or roast out of the oven just to have to fall off the bone and make a big mess? It happened … More »
Jar Pop lid opener

190 days ago by Cyndi Lavin | 2 Comments

We are always looking for a better jar opener around here! Mostly I rely on the “run hot water over it and then gently tap it on the edge of the sink” method, but sometimes that just doesn’t work. Arieanna has told you about the One-Touch opener and 6-Way opener, … More »
Herb mincer

190 days ago by Cyndi Lavin | Comment

I love my knives, but some chopping chores can benefit from a specialty item. This little Herb Mincer by Oxo makes chopping herbs into fun time. It’s got a non-slip grip that allows you to zoom the stainless steel blades back and forth over the herbs until they’re minced … More »
Pineapple magic presto!

194 days ago by Cyndi Lavin | 2 Comments

Well not quite presto…more like twisto. VacuVin swears that you can core and spiral slice a pineapple in just 30 seconds with their Pineapple Slicer. The January 2010 issue of Real Simple Magazine calls it one of the top ten specialty choppers…the very best of the pineapple slicers available.

Here’s the … More »
An adjustable rolling pin

195 days ago by Cyndi Lavin | Comment

I use a very large and heavy antique maple rolling pin for my baking. If I didn’t, I would seriously think about using this Adjustable Rolling Pin from The Museum of Modern Art Store. We’ve seen other adjustable rolling pins here, and rings that you can add to whatever rolling … More »
Mandolines - love 'em or hate 'em?

196 days ago by Cyndi Lavin | Comment

I do not now, and never have, owned a mandoline. They have never appealed to me, but every once in awhile I cast a glance in their direction. Recently I read some reviews of a couple of models by de Buyer, both of which are available at Williams-Sonoma, and I … More »
Straining ladle

201 days ago by Cyndi Lavin | Comment

Martha Stewart apparently has a beautiful brand new straining ladle out, but it’s ONLY available at Macy’s stores. Skeptical as always, I checked it out, and it’s true… you can’t buy it online. At least not yet.

Well. Martha’s not the only game in town, so I went looking for a … More »
Tappas fondue and server

203 days ago by Cyndi Lavin | 2 Comments

As fondue makes a resurgence in popularity, Crate & Barrel has introduced this nice and sleek Fondue and Server set. Each part is about $20. Designed in Holland and made of earthenware and wood, it can be used for cheese or for chocolate.

Image: Crate & Barrel
… More »
T-Fal nonstick pan set

203 days ago by Cyndi Lavin | Comment

I’m not much for buying sets of pots and pans…I’ve got one of these and two of those, and a couple of those other things. But if you like to have a matched set, or you’re just getting started and you’d like to have non-stick cookware, T-Fal has a set … More »
Salad dressing mixer

206 days ago by Cyndi Lavin | Comment

I usually just use a whisk and a bowl, or sometimes my immersion blender and a glass measuring cup, but I can see the advantage to using this Emulstir Salad Dressing Mixer. The stirring action is lever activated, so you just give it a few squeezes, and voila! Emulsified salad … More »
Le Creuset's new colors

208 days ago by Cyndi Lavin | 2 Comments

Funny that we talked about purple kitchens not too long ago. The two newest colors for Le Creuset’s cookware this spring are cassis and lilac. Hmmm…
Some of the cassis set is shown below. It’s a beautiful deeper purple named after the blackcurrant liqueur that its named for. Lilac, I think … More »
The G-Spout

209 days ago by Cyndi Lavin | Comment

The self-proclaimed best new product of the year is the G-Spout. It snaps onto the side of your pan or bowl and allows you to pour with no dribbles or mess. Clever. I know there are other gadgets that do the same, but I like the construction of this one…at … More »
No more unitaskers in the kitchen!

211 days ago by Cyndi Lavin | Comment

Kevin Purdy of Lifehacker has an incredibly clever list of repurposing tricks for your kitchen gadgets, or even your kitchen waste! Like an old ketchup bottle repurposed into a pancake batter dispenser…brilliant.
My seriously favorite tip in the list is how to use an espresso machine to steam your scrambled eggs. … More »
Stoneware set by Paula Deen

211 days ago by Cyndi Lavin | Comment

Paula says she can’t get along without her oven-to-table stoneware. That’s probably true. I don’t use stoneware that much myself, but I can appreciate a good-looking set. This 5 Piece Stoneware set comes with a 4 quart bean pot, a 9×9 square baking pan, and 3 prep bowls which are … More »