I’ve been looking around for some cheap non-stick cookie sheets to use for everyday type of applications. Just something you don’t have to worry about babying. These Baker’s Secret Cookie pans are pretty cheap indeed, with 3 different sizes for under $20. They have a standard silicone non-stick coating and come in a small, medium and large size. Pretty standard, but seems like a good deal. I do wish they sold them invidually as well, because I’ve no need for the extra large one.

I’ve always been a big fan of Corelle dishes for their durability and their wide variety patterns. You’ve also probably seen the latest commercials for Corelle on Food Network (models holding Corelle plates walking down a slippery runway). Yep, Corelle is coming back in a large number of kitchens.

I have several of the retired variety of items (Spring Blossom Green, Snowflake Blue and Butterfly Gold) but haven’t gotten around to checking out the other patterns. This interesting retro pattern is called “Rola” and features purple blue and green polka dots. The set has 4 place settings, each consisting of dinner and luncheon plates, a soup bowl and a mug.

At first glance you might think, what’s going on with this weird looking knife that costs more than a hundred bucks? Also, I know that Global knives have been panned by more than a few pro chefs as well as Cook’s Illustrated.

However, I’ve been using this particular Global 8-Inch Vegetable Knife for almost a decade now. With a blade made of molybdenum/vanadium stainless steel seamlessly connected to a stainless steel dimpled molded handle, it’s very different than your average knife. First off, that metal handle may take some getting used to, but for me I find it’s a perfect fit. I’ve got smaller than average hands, and I’ve heard that their knife handles are actually quite a bit smaller than many European style handled knives.

Continue reading “Global 8-Inch Heavyweight Vegetable Knife” …

These sink protectors are a must for any kitchen for protecting your dishes when washing then, but especially if you’ve just gotten a new sink. Make sure that you get the right size, though, because you want the entire bottom protected. This Rubbermaid flexible mat protector is about 12 inches square and has a hole in the center for access to the drain.

Also, make sure that your sink basin(s) does not have an off-center drain hole (ours does), otherwise you’ll find it awkward to get the sink drain grille out without removing the mat. I find it’s often necessary to clean these things every so often to prevent mildew from forming on the bottoms.

For Kitchen decor, I almost will always go with the more simple option. These Satin Pewter cabinet pulls from Laurey fit that bill. It’s a standard two-screw single-piece handle that has smooth edges and a stylish aerodynamic look to them. Definitely reasonable at $1.34 (down from over $4) as well.

I don’t know an awful lot about immersion blenders, but I’ve been thinking about picking one up for quite awhile. So I can only go by looks, and this model CSB-76BC from Cuisinart looks rather spiffy with its brushed chrome finish. At under $30, it’s quite a bit cheaper than I might have expected.

It features a 200 watt motor - I’ve heard that it’s pretty powerful and yet quiet. And the blending shaft is actually steel as opposed to plastic in lot of other models. Dishwasher safe. I’m particularly interested in using it for making blended soups. I think it’s going on my wish-list.

I’ve been looking around for another microwave cover ever since I accidentally melted the old one into oblivion by placing a bag of fancy microwave popcorn on top of the cover and nuking it. Don’t ask me why I put the bag of popcorn on TOP of the cover. The oil seeped through the bottom of the package and ended up basically eating a huge hole in the top, necessitating a new one. I got replacement at Target but have been less than happy with it.

Continue reading “Nordic Ware Microwave Cover” …

It’s extremely difficult for me not to drool when looking at all the cool Le Creuset cooking stuff they have on Amazon. These famous cast iron beauties are currently out of reach for me, at least the new ones are. I’ve still been hoping to find some Le Creuset goodness at thrift shops or garage sales one of these days. But did I mention their stuff has a 101 year warranty? Definitely a “generational” piece of cookware… and probably the reason you don’t see them for sale in the thrift shops as much.

Continue reading “Le Creuset 2-1/4-Quart Buffet Casserole, Flame” …

I don’t know too much about wine in general. I just know that come the holiday season, we’re left scrambling for glasses to serve the holiday grog in. I saw this simple set of 4 Cabernet/Merlot Wine Glasses by Wine Enthusiast. This is called Symphony Stemware and are pretty nice looking lead-free crystal glasses that are meant for Merlot or Cab. I think maybe the best thing about them is that the price was severely chopped from about $60 to near $20 when I last saw it. Might want to take a look if you’ve been interested in picking up some glasses.