The Cook’s Kitchen

In Rachael Ray’s magazine, she has a regular “faves” section where she includes a number of products that she likes, and I always check out the feature.  The prices run the gamut, so it’s a nice spot to find something new, whether for my own household or as a gift.  Usually I’ll ooh and aah […]

I’m not sure I can call this the favorite kitchen gadget, but it is definitely a favorite kitchen gadget of mine, and a go-to mini appliance that I use all the time.  This Mini Prep Food Processor from Cuisinart is compact, dependable and super easy to use.  Although I’ve had larger (read: normal size) food […]

Fresh herbs, once picked, seem to have a very short window before they’re wilted and past their prime.  If it’s going to be a day or two before I use the herbs, I either put them in a glass of water in the refrigerator, or I wet a paper towel and put them in a […]

Bananas are such delicate creatures.  The slightest bump and the fruit gets bruised, and if you’re anything like my six-year-old son, you’re not a fan of the brown, mushy spots.  If you’re brown-bagging your lunch and bringing bananas with you, the challenge is even greater.  So what to do?
Simple.  Buy a Banana Saver.  Yes, there […]

Now is the time to nominate your favorite food or drink blog for the 2008 Food Blog Awards. All the details can be found on our main site.

Thank you so much for making our site a part of your regular routine.  Without you, we wouldn’t be here.  We will be taking a short break to celebrate the holidays with our family and friends, and will resume regular postings on Monday, January 5th (the official kick-off of the annual Food Blog Awards!).
Happy holidays!

Are you throwing a party this holiday season?  No matter how much planning ahead you do, nor how much effort you put forth to keep it simple, it can get very overwhelming very quickly.  But it doesn’t have to be such an ordeal.  Just relax, enjoy and focus on those special small touches that people […]

Although they seem to collect faster than I can sometimes use them, I always save the extra sauce packets when we get Chinese take-out.
They’re the perfect little size when you want to do a quick stir-fry, and you can use the duck sauce with a little bit of the hot mustard and soy sauce to make […]

Double-duty kitchen items are just as good as double-duty food.  The folks at Real Simple magazine have a great idea for a new way to use your cookie cutters.
“Stenciling designs on frosted or unfrosted cakes.  Place cookie cutters on top and fill with sprinkles, powdered sugar, or cocoa powder.”
A great, unique way to easily dress […]

Cooking with reduced-fat cheese can sometimes lend to not-so-great results. Courtesy of Family Circle magazine, here are just a few helpful hints to get stellar results:

Heat gently, not for extended periods of time.
Add flour or cornstarch to cheese sauces, and cook over low heat.
Grate cheese extra-fine so it melts evenly.
Add a small amount of […]