Kitchen Gadgets, Tools & Utensils
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Old flames spark vintage love in the kitchen
Long before granite and stainless steel dominated kitchens, chrome mixed with high-gloss, playful color was the look. These kitchens and their appliances of years past have droves of fans. The owners of vintage appliances are a proud lot, quick to show off a refrigerator's special features,... more
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Cutting-edge knives need two kinds of care Photo
Knives get their cutting bite thanks to rows of microscopic metal "teeth" running down the edge of blade. That's why, when talking about keeping knives sharp, a dental analogy seems so natural to Norman Weinstein, author of "Mastering Knife Skills" (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2008). more
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Chill out with proper refrigerator temps Photo
One of the best purchases for your kitchen is a refrigerator thermometer. It's a good check on those temperatures that are so crucial for proper food storage. And though the dial on the inside of the fridge may say one thing, you still need to double-check its accuracy. more
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More favorite kitchen tools Photos
We all know the appliances in our kitchen that we use most (fridge, faucet and stove) and those that we never use (the cotton candy maker that seemed like a good idea at the time). But then there are the appliances that just bring us the most joy, those that make us happy to be in the kitchen... more
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Kitchen face lift can make all the difference
What do you love about your kitchen? There's probably some aspect that you truly appreciate, since most of us spend a considerable amount of time in the kitchen. more
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New and noteworthy food products: Caramels, squeeze fruit and a raw cookbook Photo
Check out the latest product to make navigating the kitchen much easier. more
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Storage envy Photo
Like surgeons with their array of implements, well-organized cooks know that having ingredients, pans and utensils near at hand makes all the difference — only at home, no surgical team is on duty. more
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New foodie app is spot on Photo
Facebook asks, "What's on your mind?" Twitter wonders, "What are you doing?" Foursquare wants to know where you are. Flickr wants to see what photographs you're taking. Now, there's Foodspotting and the questions are: What are you eating and where? more
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Slow-smoking ribs in the great indoors Photo
The other day, I just couldn't shake the thought of slow-smoking some ribs. I was in the mood for Memphis-style baby backs, the meat fall-off-the-bone tender, a simple dry rub tantalizingly complicated with deep hickory notes, the flavors drawn out with a tart vinegar-Dijon mop. more
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The goods: Shakers Photo
Poms for your palm: They are so gorgeous and lifelike, the only thing keeping us from eating these Michael Aram Pomegranate Salt & Pepper Shakers is their chic gold-plate and oxidized bronze finish. Cost: $99; michaelaram.com and select Neiman Marcus and Macy's stores more
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6 perfect peelers Photos
In Mom's kitchen, I often had the job of peeling carrots or potatoes. The only utensil to turn to (besides the treacherous paring knife) was a stainless steel, vertical swivel peeler from the supermarket (also known as the Lancashire peeler). Today, a quick visit to a kitchen store... more
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Sous vide machine simmers with possibilities
You already roast a fine, juicy chicken, whip up creamy scrambled eggs and know how to braise succulent short ribs till they fall off the bone. more
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Cellphone applications are the new weight-loss tool
The Weight Watchers plan is just one of a growing number of cellphone-based applications helping people manage their weight. more
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A holiday gift guide for foodies
When it comes to fabulous holiday gifts, sometimes all it takes to please your loved ones is a little outside-the-box ingenuity. We're sorry to report that Wolfgang Puck has proved resistant to being gift-wrapped and stashed under your tree, but here are a dozen other food-centric gift ideas, with... more
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Rating the graters Photos
A really good grater can make the difference between kitchen frustration and delicious success more
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Baking tips: 13 kitchen necessities for any pastry work Photos
Peeking into a baker's pantry is a lot like peeping into someone's refrigerator -- it yields a glimpse of their individuality and personality. more
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You can equip a workable kitchen on $200
The question I'm asked more often than any other is, "What kitchen equipment should I buy?" more
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New products: Salter scale, Daisy brush, Near East couscous Photo
Keep counters clean with the Sili Gourmet Daisy Brush. Get strong flavors from Near East. Measure up with Salter's new scale. more
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Let's do lunch: Cool lunchbox looks Photos
Think carrying your lunch is strictly old school? Whether you're 5 or 50, these cool boxes might change your mind about PB&J: --Barbara Mahany, McClatchy-Tribune more
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Chefs share their favorite items
So you love your food processor and garlic press so much it hurts. You're in good company, because everybody who is passionate about cooking has a prized kitchen tool they wouldn't do without. more
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Juicers with juice Photos
When it comes to simply squeezing an orange, though, it seems there's a shelf full of options. more
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Still curious about kitchen knives?
All kinds of information about kitchen knives can be found online. Here are a few of the sites that are most useful: more
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Picnic place settings and equipment with a few twists Photos
Looking to set the picnic table with something a little more interesting than the old paper plates? more
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Ready, set ... grill!
From summer's first fajitas to autumn's final s'mores, few dishes are more satisfying than those cooked in the great outdoors. more
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Baker's helpers
Everybody knows one, the beloved home baker who cranks out consistently fudgy brownies (without a mix!), always volunteers cookies for the charity bake sale, and responds to every invitation with "I'll bring the cake!" But... more
