The Cook’s Kitchen

The Flat Fold Colander is my new found kitchen gadget - like I need another!  As I (try to) organize, purge, and make space, the colander offers the perfect opportunity to alleviate cabinet congestion. It is easy use, clean, and store. 
I found mine at Bed Bath and Beyond (which has free shipping with a purchase […]

During the holiday rush it’s nice to be able to sit back and enjoy a flavorful cup of hot cocoa and a rich chocolate brownie.  Then soon after you may feel regret on the choice you made.
Well, have no fear, for these brownies are rich, moist and full of flavor.  They can be cooked in […]

In going over holiday menus and trying to facilitate a variety of requests to match time restraints this punch recipe has become a flavorful time saver. It was given to me by my grandmother and has become a family mainstay, as well a terrific crowd pleasing holiday punch at catered events.  You do not need […]

Are you pie crust challenged?  Do you know someone who makes great pies, but would love a cool gadget to make them even more stunning to look at?  Or perhaps you know someone who loves to bake and might enjoy something else to play with next time the mood strikes to make a pie.  Then […]

Patak’s has a very broad line of Indian cooking sauces, curry pastes, chutneys, pickles and pappadums.  I’ve used several but this chutney really caught my attention when I opened it to sample the “…exotic fruits preserved by cooking in sugar and spices.”  At first, I thought that it was too sweet and had a harsh taste but […]

Many people I speak with find baking stressful.  No matter how baffling that thought may be for those of us who find solace in the hum of a mixer, it’s sad but true. But, I think I found something for the baking cynics; a cookie scoop that’s fun for the whole family.
While in Bed Bath […]

I must say, while I am an avid baker, I am not a sifter.  Unless a recipe is “delicate”, or someone has told me sifting is the difference between success and failure, I don’t do it.  At most, the ingredients might meet up with a whisk.  Its all about me, really, since my refusal comes […]

Do you have someone on your gift list that is really hard to shop for each year?  Well, look no further because the Bialetti Hot Chocolate Maker will delight anyone who receives it!
Currently, Williams-Sonoma has the exclusive on this easy-to-use appliance.  While the instruction booklet left a little bit to the imagination, it was easy […]

With all the hype about wings and every chain coming out with their own variation or sauce I took it upon myself to do some taste testing - wing style.  Since there are no Quaker Steak and Lube’s in my immediate area I stopped at one outside of Pittsburgh on myr way to Erie Pa.  I […]

The other day I had planned to make a trifle for visiting company.  Trifle is one of the best desserts for a crowd, since you just pile a bunch of ingredients into a bowl and call it dessert–and everyone usually loves it.
On a recent trip through the grocery store, though, something caught my eye, and […]