by Joi on January 10, 2010
This is one of the coolest, slickest, and funnest things I’ve come across in a while. The Goodbye Detergent Spaghetti Scrub
is a spaghetti-like cleaning scrub that doesn’t even require detergent to clean! If you’ve gone all out (say, baked on barbecue sauce, meatloaf, or lasagna), it would require just a tiny amount. Can you imagine how much could be saved on detergent?
The Spaghetti Scrubs are completely natural – made from corn cobs and peach pits. They’re from Goodbye Detergent and can, best I can tell, only be purchased online. Fine by me, I love shopping online. My husband would say that I loved shopping, period. And I’d have to say that my husband knows his wife. Period.
From the Website:
Spaghetti Scrubs last for months and because of their unique shape, they’re pliable enough for trickier cleaning jobs and tight spots such as corners, whisks, and behind faucets. The best part is they dry quickly and completely so there’s never a stinky or moldy sponge in your sink. After you’re done cleaning, just rinse them, and hang on the faucet to dry.
- Reusable scrubs last for months
- Unique pliable shape
- Great for peeling vegetables
- Lack of mold and bacteria
- No smell or rust
- Save money and the environment by reducing the need for soaps
Click the following link to purchase one of these ingenious scrubs from Amazon – Goodbye Detergent Spaghetti Scrub.
by Joi on December 29, 2009
Le sigh. My apologies for the ridiculously tiny picture in this post. I came across this insanely wonderful 25 Pc. Cutlery & Gadget Set
(25 pieces!) and wanted to share it with you. But, alas, the website only offers a “zoom” view of the product – leaving me with no other option but this minuscule picture.
It looks like something Barbie would have on her shelf.
If I weren’t so terribly impressed with this set, I wouldn’t have even bothered – who needs a tiny Tim image in a post?! Unfortunately, I’m wild about this cutlery and gadget set, so please overlook the small fry.
The 7-Pc. cutlery features full tang and ergonomic grip, plus poultry shears. I love that everything’s in a black color scheme – that’s always so chic and classy.
You’ll have to click through the link (or the tiny picture) and then zoom in to see everything that’s included in the 15-Pc. gadget set. I’m just wild about the thought of everything being so organized and tidy. A set like this cuts down on the time (and mess) that comes from searching drawers and cabinets.
Get this: The hardwood cutlery block has a built-in 60-minute timer! The whole shebang resides in a great-looking steel wire organizer. It’s all dishwasher safe, which is another plus.
by Joi on December 4, 2009
Sigh. Is this Refurbished Accolade™ Stand Mixer Juniper Berry
not the most breath-taking piece of culinary beautifulness you’ve ever seen? I’m totally weak in the knees and can think of nothing but getting my dough-covered hands all over it.
Features:
High-Performance, 400-watt motor delivers the power to mix everyday household recipes including double batches of batter and cookie dough, quick breads, pizza dough, and basic white bread dough. Includes flat beater, dough hook, stainless steel wire whip. Pouring Shield not included, Pouring Shield sold separately Tilt-head design, Stainless steel bowl with ergonomic handle, Locked rotor protection Soft start mixing feature, Electronic speed sensor, Hinged hub cover for easy use of attachments Dimensions: 14.0″H x 14.5″W x 8.5″D, 22 lbs.
….and it’s UK blue!
On Thanksgiving morning, as a tradition, I make these amazing puff pastries that I fill with a homemade whipped topping. Each year when I make the pastry (as well as the rest of the year when making homemade bread, doughnuts, pizza crust, etc.) I think what a difference a stand alone mixer would make. The dough could be getting all kinds of a beat down while my hands are free to chop, cut, blend, throw chocolate into my mouth… you know, the necessities.
Click through the link above to learn more. These beauties are available in every color you could imagine, making them more than just one of a kitchen’s greatest appliances – they’re killer decor!
I know I don’t have to tell you what wonderful Christmas gifts they’d make. You’d truly light up someone’s world. (Michael, dear, are you listening?…)
by Joi on October 31, 2009
I recently got the Pourfect Bowl Set in the mail and like any crazed baker, I had to try them out immediately. Since they came (two days ago), I’ve used them six different times!
Our most recent creation was Blueberry Streusel Muffins, which we made this morning. The design of the Pourfect bowls made folding in blueberries a lot easier than other bowls. The fact that they have handles allows you to hold on to the bowl with one hand while you use the other to manipulate your food around.
These bowls blow me away. Check out the features that I love so much:
- They’re gorgeous. They have a sleek design that makes me NOT want to hide them in the cabinets. They’re left out on a baker’s rack – you know the rule: Never hide pretty.
- The Pourfect bowls feature convenient handles for gripping and holding onto.
- There is a rubber ring on the bottom of these bowls to keep them from sliding. Brilliant!
- The dripless spout lets you pour the food exactly where you want it – perfect for pancakes, waffles, cupcakes, muffins, scrambled eggs, omelets, and so on.
- Egg cracking edge! There’s literally a spot for you to neatly and effectively crack your eggs.
- The wide slope and design of the bowl keeps foods from sloshing out onto the counter or onto the cook! The bowls are deep and designed brilliantly – the food stays where it needs to until you need it elsewhere.
- There is actually a measuring guide inside these bowls. Yes, as a matter of fact, they did think of everything.
- A clever pivot on the front of the Pourfect Bowl helps to secure it against another bowl, dish, or pan as you pour your food.
The Pourfect Bowls were obviously designed by someone who not only cooks a great deal – but shares our passion for the art. Before you even think about Holiday baking, Thanksgiving recipes or Christmas cookies – head over to Pourfect Bowl.com and order your own Pourfect Bowl set. I promise you, they’ll…. sorry…. bowl you over.
Christmas Gift Idea! These bowls would get my vote for being one of the most briliant gift ideas for the cooks on your Christmas list. They’re highly original, gorgeous, and the lucky recipient would use them all year long – thinking fondly of you each time.
Few things in life are cooler than finding a great new kitchen gadget – and I’ve got an especially clever one to tell you about. The knife above is the Nonstick Dual Knife, a 2-in-1 utility and tomato knife from Kuhn Rikon.
I buy, cook, and eat a great deal of fruits and vegetables. One of the things that makes the whole affair easier is a great set of knives. This little hottie essentially puts two knives in your hand, at at your disposal, at one time.
Hold it this way for the Utility Knife and turn it that way for the serrated Tomato Knife. Both sides work brilliantly. The first meal I used this knife on was a Tex-Mex type meal. I chopped a tomato, cilantro, and onions with one knife. It went through the tomato like a hot knife through butter. Swwwooop.
You’ll absolutley love the Nonstick Dual Knife. It’s ingenious and the knife is perfectly sharp on both sides. Each side features a high-quality razor-sharp carbon steel blade with nonstick coating that prevents foods from sticking while cutting.
I’ve also used the serrated side of the dual knife when cutting bread. It does this task perfectly evenly and allows you to put uniformly cut slices in your bread basket. The nonstick coating ensures that you’ll glide right through all vegetables, fruits, bread, etc.
This dual knife was designed exclusively for Kuhn Rikon by Philipp Beyeler, the award-winning Swiss designer. It expands Kuhn Rikon’s popular collection of nonstick knives.
From the Website:
The Dual Knife is 9-1/2-inches long and ergonomically designed for right- or left-handed users. A protective sheath is included for safe storage and transport. The 2-in-1 knife comes in Blue, Red and Black, with a suggested retail price of $20. It is available at specialty and online retailers including www.factorydirect2you.com (866-233-6587).
Kuhn Rikon is the #1 brand of Swiss cookware and cooks’ tools, marrying Swiss design with American ingenuity to make cooking seriously fun. For more information, visit www.kuhnrikon.com.
Beyond cool. That’s what these two kitchen products are – beyond cool.
First up, the kitchen product to the left is the Spin n’ Stor and it… well… it puts a new spin on greens. As you know, I’ve been posting a lot about salads and healthy eating lately. However, like you, I’m always especially mindful of thoroughly cleaning my produce. I have one of those salad spinners that were all the rage a few years back. It does the job, but it does take up quite a bit of valuable cabinet real estate.
The Spin n’ Stor gets extra cool points because it takes up less space. The patented Spin ‘n Stor Reusable Salad Spinning Bag is designed to easily remove excess moisture from freshly washed salad greens. The clever design of the Spin ‘n Stor also helps produce & herbs stay fresher longer (In today’s economy, that’s a huge deal!) Another plus, the Spin ‘n Stor allows you to take fresh, healthy salads & herbs with you to work, to walk, on picnics, etc. This way, you’ll be less apt to head to the golden arches when you’re hungry. You’ll have your fresh, healthy vegetables or fruit with you to enjoy.
How Does Spin ‘n Stor Work?
Simply place the freshly washed salad greens and/or herbs in the Spin ‘n Stor bag, hold the top closed and vigorously spin the bag in a circular motion. The water collects in the unique Spin ‘n Stor “reservoir” at the bottom of the bag and can be poured out neatly. From there, the bag becomes the produce container and can be closed with provided twist ties and stored in the refrigerator using minimal space. Check out the video on the site: http://www.argeecorp.com/HTML/spinnstor.htm
Used Spin ‘n Stor bags can simply be rinsed out and folded small for easy storage in a refrigerator.
This looks like something I’d be very interested in trying.
Chop Keeper
Next up is something that I absolutely love and can’t help but wonder, “Why hasn’t anyone thought of this before?!” It’s the Chop Keeper Chopping tray and, frankly, I think it’s ingenious.
I know what you’re thinking, “There are already countless cutting boards on the market.” Believe me, I know – half of them are in my cabinets! But get this: the “Chop Keeper” is the only cutting board that has sides. These 1/2 inch raised sides keep juices, flour, and crumbs from spilling out onto the countertop and getting between the countertop and tray.
I get tired of all the clean up associated with chopping and cutting. With the patented ‘Chop Keeper’, you can carve meats, cut fruits, veggies, breads or whatever and be sure that your counters are always clean. It keeps whatever you slice or chop where you want it.
The “Chop Keeper” is a uniquely shaped tray made from FDA approved plastic. The innovative design and shape of the “Chop Keeper” also allows the board to flex and form an easy funnel guide so food will slide right into a bowl, plate or cooking pan. Lightweight yet sturdy, the “Chop! Keeper” is so attractive and versatile it can also double as a serving tray.
Three dishwasher-safe “Chop Keepers” are included in each package: Choice of Luminescent Midnight, Copper or Stainless or a combination to match any kitchen décor. Click HERE for more information and to place your order.
The Chop Keepers and the Spin and Stor are available online at reasonable prices.
I’m headed back to the site because as a cat lover, I noticed they have something called a Kitty Lounge that looks promising.
Chop Keeper
Not long ago, I was in the kitchen floor with my cat Alexa. We were sorting through Cookbooks looking for a particular Oven French Toast recipe. I had a candle burning on the stove – I’m a candle junkie and would have them lit in every room of the house 24/7 left to my own devices.
I normally don’t have any problem with candles either, as far as them being a hazard. I never burn them if I’m not at home or if we’re sleeping. Up until this incident, as a matter of fact, I’d never had one problem.
Anyway, as we were sidetracked while looking through a Nigella Lawson cookbook (temporarily forgetting what it was we were looking for), I smelled something strange. I glanced over toward the stove and flames had shot up over a foot! Somehow the glass container holding the candle had broken and the label had caught fire. It didn’t just burn a little, the flames went completely wild. It was a brand of candle I’d never bought before and never will again.
Pinching pennies seldomly ends well for me!
Anyway, I somehow managed to put the fire out without much of a mess. I’ve often thought about what could have happened since then. What if I had been out of the room temporarily? As fast as the fire got out of hand, I realize, more than ever just how dangerous this could be.
I’ve also questioned the smoke detector in the front of the house. It never went off.
One thing I have decided is that I want a kitchen fire extinguisher – like the one in this post. It’s the Safety Chef from Rainbow Appliances and I think he’d be perfect.
From the Web Site:
The revolutionary Safety Chef is both a hand crafted figurine and a fire extinguisher all in one, providing beauty and built-in safety to your family’s kitchen. Because of the Safety Chef’s patented design, it enables you to put out even those dreaded grease fires in seconds, before it becomes a disaster. The beautiful hand-painted Safety Chef is a great addition to any kitchen decor and an even better emergency device. Let Safety Chef keep watch over your kitchen and be a guardian of your loved ones. Why wait until its too late?
With most house fires starting in the kitchen this unique product was designed, developed and manufactured to not only enhance any kitchen décor but also insures quick response time to any kitchen fire. Placed on a counter top or wall mounted this product is a constant reminder that a fire extinguisher is always in arms reach. Proven and tested to save lives and property. Includes fire extinguisher and figurine. Wall mountable. Mounting kit and instructions included.
The kitchen unit is fitted with a “one touch” pressure check device to ensure reliable performance. it is manufactured from lightweight aluminum and a tough nylon valve assembly.
Additional Features:
• Clear instruction label using graphics to show steps required to operate extinguisher
• Easy-to-pull safety clip
• Rust and impact resistant nylon handle
• 1.5 lb of fire extinguishing agent (Average)
• UL approved bracket
• Powder coated cylinder for corrosion protection
“Why wait until it’s too late?” Indeed.
Check out the deal outlined in the ad below – The Safety Chef is free with a $100 purchase at Rainbow Appliances. The little safety guardian even comes with a fire extinguisher, ready to save the day. Click through the link below to take advantage of the special offer OR to simply order the Safety Chef and his fire extinguisher by themselves.
by Joi on February 16, 2009
Have you been buying more fruits and vegetables lately? If you’ve jumped on the health bandwagon, you certainly have. I know, they can be costly, but I figure the cost of eating NOT eating healthy foods is much higher.
It can be hard to present fruit in an attractive way sometimes, though. I’m anal about my kitchen, I love for everything to look just so. Since fruit in the fridge is out of the question (no one in my family likes their fruit chilled), it’s destined to hang out on the counter.
Lilian Vernon has us taken care of, though with this beautiful 2-Tier Fruit Hammock
.
From the Website:
Double the capacity, double your counter space! 2 tiers maximize the amount of fruits and vegetables you can keep on your countertop. The decorative chrome-plated iron design allows air to circulate so everything ripens evenly! Sturdy handle makes transporting and serving a snap! Hand wash.
The beauty is less than $20, so if you have a large family and/or an especially strong love of fruit, you might want to grab two.
by Joi on February 14, 2009
The Modified Granite Kitchen Island
from Bed Bath Store could transform any kitchen into the kitchen of our dreams!
Features:
Solid hardwood/granite top.
Beadboard doors and panels.
Swing-out pocket doors with pantry in rear.
2 wooden towel bars and paper towel holder.
5 Casters add mobility.
Measurements 35″ x 24″ x 24″
I love the extra space it’d provide and more places for kitchen towels is a real bonus. I kind of have an obsession with bright, fun kitchen towels (and bath towels too, for that matter) and have never left one behind. In stores, I literally have to avert my eyes, sometimes, to keep from seeing them. Because once their in my sites, forget about it – they’re coming home with me! I’m also mad for the little oven mitts, pot holders, etc. The little matched sets always make my heart skip a beat.
Click the link to take a closer look at this beautiful Modified Granite Kitchen Island.
Hearts and Stars Matrix Kitchen Towel
by Joi on November 17, 2008
Joy Of Cooking Square Slotted Spatula
The Joy of Cooking Square Slotted Spatula features a large 4.5 inch wide flexible stainless steel turning surface making it easy to flip everything from burgers to pancakes Stainless steel shaft with plastic handle featuring the Joy of Cooking logo. A hole in the handle allows for hanging storage keeping your utensils in easy reach. Dishwasher safe!
Joy Of Cooking 2.5 Inch Silicone Spatula with Wood Handle
The Joy Of Cooking Silicone Spatula is heat resistant to 500 degrees F. Beechwood handle featuring the Joy of Cooking logo has a hole in the end for hanging storage keeping your utensils in easy reach. The 2.5 inch wide silicone head is stain resistant. Also dishwasher safe.
Joy of Cooking 2009 Desk Calendar
The three Joy of Cooking items above would go together nicely to make a great Christmas Gift bundle. Especially if, say, you happen to be my husband and are, oh I dunno, doing a little early Christmas shopping….
