I love the shape and drama of this pitcher. It matches everything and every decor and the price point is perfect for a gift or to treat yourself!
$39 www.billycotton.com

I love these microwave and dishwasher safe mugs that have a cute compartment for crackers or bread. Perfect portions and no boxes on the table.
Available at vat19.com for $11.99 for a set of two mugs.

Did you hear about this? It was all the rage at the tech show in Vegas and is being adored and mocked all over the news. The Hapifork is a fork that vibrates if you eat too fast. Touted as a weight loss assistant and promoting good health. It really vibrates if you take more than one bite of food every 10 seconds and has a removable bottom that plugs into an App that provides your consumption amounts and speeds. I’m not sure if it really helps you lose weight, but it has certainly caused quite a funny stir. If you are excited about it, you need to wait to get one because the release date is Spring 2013.
hapifork.jpg

The Hapifork ask you to, “Eat slowly. Lose weight. Feel great.” Well that and to pitch over $99 to preorder one.

Awhile back I posted a cool ipad holder for mounting. Now I’ve found two great tabletop options.  One simple, the other with speakers and some hi-tech options.  The first, simple and made from Oregon hardwood and finished with beeswax has natural appeal and a great look on any countertop.  The second is super chic and full of features.  It has USB ports for charging, speakerphone, wireless Bluetooth and speakers.  It’s designed and made by Williams-sonoma with a steep price tag but really perfect for watching all those new GKC videos that are coming soon.

Check them each out online.

Wood stand available at beamandanchor.com for $60 or at snwwood.com. Write to them if you do not see it online.

Williams-sonoma smartstand for ipad available at Williams-sonoma.com for $199.

This is no ordinary springform pan. In fact, its ingenious! Made by Kuhn Rikon, this no-spring springform is made for me. My current pans over time, leak or stick but this new silicone technology releases easily, does not leak and comes in three sizes, 8, 9 and 10 inch sizes.

Kuhn Rikon PushPan $34.95 at Amazon.com

This Finnish sugar and creamer set has an ingenious design. The sugar bowl resting in the top, swivels to stay upright when you pour your cream. It’s microwave and dishwasher safe and gives everyone something to ooh and ahh about.
Available from Europeanmarket.us

Here is a crazy great product post. Toasty (they look like toast) handwarmers that plug into your USB port so that your hands can stay warm while working on the computer. Kinda outside of the cooking box but they are called Tato, and shaped like toast. My husband actually saw these and bought them for me for Hanukah and I thought it was so funny that I had to share them. BTW, they really work. Plug them into your computer for instant warm hands and lots of laughs. Get them at ThinkGeek.com for $31.99

Rotato express (get it? rotate potato = rotato), I’m not sure…but this time of year we all could use a little peeling assistance. I saw this being demo’d in the mall and just had to laugh. Admittedly, it was peeling all sorts fruits, vegetables and potatoes in a snap.

Available for about $30 on www.asseenontvguys.com.

If you get one, please let me know how it works for you!

This time of year, some specialty kitchen products are the perfect gift for yourself or others. I’m trying out a few of these donut pans for baked donuts. My favorite is the mini donut pan because it makes the perfect serving size. A large baked donut seems too cake like for me but the mini looks and tastes close to a donut. For a great baked donut recipes see our baked donut recipes.

Available at amazon.com for between $9 – $20.

How cute is this for any occasion? With baskets the perfect size for holding eight cupcakes. It has a pretty brushed nickel finish. And its on sale for a limited time for $60, originally $75
Okay, storage may be a problem but this one is too cute to pass up. I’ll have to make room for it.
Available at Neimanmarcus.com for $60

Cuisinart comes in color! I’m loving the colorful pots, pans, mixers and accessories that have surfaced from so many companies. Cuisinart has followed suit and now GKC favorite appliance, immersion blenders, come in 4 color options. I feel like the company has the kosher consumer in mind, no more milk/meat stickers just color coded coolness.

I love them all and can’t wait to add them to my collection.
Available at surlatable.com for $34.95

These nifty silicone lids form a tight seal on any smooth surface, helping you save on plastic wrap. Prevents spills by creating an airtight, watertight seal for reheating and storing. They can be used and reused and are FDA Food Grade Silicone and dishwasher safe.

So pretty! Available at amazon.com for $13.95  

Love bird oil and vinegar drizzlers are the cutest way to keep condiments on the table. I use them for dressings and soy sauce.  Designed by Carol Jacobs and made of porcelain, both pieces have detachable heads held snugly in place by silicone rings.  Small holes in the beaks allow for perfect pouring.

Available from panik-design.com for $25.

I found a great new gadget that is both useful and colorful (my two most important criteria!) to enhance our cooking experience.  It’s called a Recipe Rock and it holds up all those recipes you printed off your computer (you know those great ones from GKC!!)  And it comes in every color – green, red, turquoise, titanium (a little dull for me but no accounting for taste…) It keeps your recipes upright for easier reading and away from that mess on your counter.  And best of all, they’re only $9.95 each.  So if you can’t decide which color or you want to look at more than one recipe at a time…

Rosh HaShanah is just around the corner and I love to set my table with a wide variety of honey jars. I’m always looking for something new, something just a little different. This year I found a great honey pot from Mackenzie-Childs. If you are already a fan, you know her colors are whimsical and fun and that all her products enhance your home and table – in fact, why stop at just the honey jar? And if you aren’t already a fan, this will make you one! Her products are expensive but they are truly beautiful. So, as you begin to think about having a sweet new year, think about adding this honey pot to your Yom Tov table. Or if you want a modern, more silver look, try this piece from Mary Jurek.

photo: SurLa Table

Since I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, I like my kitchen to be bright and cheery, full of color and inspiration.  And I like to feel that way myself!  I find that it helps to wear a great apron – something clean (most of the stains gone), bright, colorful and even flattering.  That’s why I was delighted with the new vintage-style selection from SurLaTable. Each apron is different – slightly different patterns or looks, unique and attractive in its own way. Most come with matching potholders and dish towels to make the ensemble complete.  The biggest problem is choosing which one to get!  If you’re looking for a little pick-me-up as you get back in the kitchen after summer vacation, and in anticipation of the High Holidays, look no further.  And speaking of the High Holidays, stay tuned for our 2012 High Holiday Cookbook, starting Sunday, August 26th.

I love these salt and pepper mills from williams-sonoma.com

They make a great gift, hint hint, and are incredibly useful for a foodie like me. They are decorative and personalized and readily available for that finishing touch of freshly ground salt and pepper.

Exclusively online at williams-sonoma.com for $49.95
I think I’ll get one with the GKC initials

With picnic season, baseball season, and all other warm outdoor activities in full swing, the Rabbit Chilling Carafe has taken center stage for GKC.  The is ingenious, lightweight and a fantastic solution to chilled wine on the go.  The carafe holds a full 750 ml bottle of wine and keeps it chilled for 90 minutes or more.  Its easy to use and works for fruit juices, iced tea, iced coffee, and more.

Available at metrokane.com or amazon.com for just $49.95.

What’s one of GKC’s summer favorite white wines to drink? We love the ELVI “Invita” from Spain. It’s best chilled so try both the carafe and the wine this summer.

This great new cookbook by Levana Kirschenbaum is sure to be your new go-to cookbook. The recipes are fabulous – fresh and inviting. We love the Miso Soup and the Chocolate Salami was last Shabbos’ favorite dessert.

Leaf through the book – you won’t know what to try first – the jams, the soups, the dips, the salads….just looking is half the fun. Levana’s son-in-law, Meir Pliskin, did a spectacular job with the photography. I know you already decided you don’t need any more cookbooks but take it from us; this one is worth buying. You’ll get a lot of use out of it!

Just in time for summer from our friends at Breezy’s are these adorable straws. We use them as straws, popsicle sticks, lollipop sticks, and cupcake toppers. Great for BBQ’s, birthday parties or just a little summer fun. Best yet, they are an inexpensive treat, just $11 for 50.
Call Breezy today and get them before they are gone!
Breezy’s 516 374 1544
374 Central Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516

See other new hot items from Breezy’s at http://www.facebook.com/breezysny

Burgers are popping up everywhere this year.  To enhance your burger repertoire, we recommend Rachel Ray’s latest publication, The Book of Burger.  Of course, there are some recipes you have to skip but with some judicious substitutes (tofutti sour cream for the dairy version, nondairy creamer and vinegar for the buttermilk) most of the recipes can be made – and taste delicious!  I’m not a big fan of the soy cheese but a nicely spiced juicy burger stands better on its own anyway.  So, instead of buying dad the grilling tools and apron this year, splurge for a cookbook.  Then sit back, relax and have a drink as you await the magic he will perform on the grill.

Although I would have loved this for my Shavuos cheesecake, I certainly can use this glass bottom spring form pan all year round. The metal bottom on the traditional spring form pan was always a challenge for serving, remove the cake? Or just place the metal piece on a cake plate? The glass bottom settles nicely on any cake plate and makes elegant serving easy. Available in both 9 inch and 10 inch. Only $13.61 at amazon.com. Click here to order.

My latest favorite gift idea is the Portmeirion Botanic Garden Bread Knife, available through amazon.com.  It enlivens every Shabbos table, making cutting the challah a more elegant experience. It’s also perfect for a summer garden party with the botanical theme and the white background.  Not to mention that the price is right and they are great shower gifts for a new bride – ‘tis the season!  I buy them a few at a time (one for a gift, one for me!)  and get lots of compliments every time they appear. You will too!

It’s not easy to find a good gift. Especially for our husbands. What does he really need? What would he really enjoy? Based on a friend’s recommendation, on my husband’s last birthday, I sprung for the Nespresso CitiZ C110 Automatic/Programmable Coffee Espresso and Lungo Machine. Available through Amazon, these machines are super-easy and super-quick. And the espresso is really good. We use it every day – it takes little pods so it couldn’t be simpler – sometimes a few times a day (Now that all the studies say that caffeine is actually good for you!) So, if anyone in your family needs gift – it is Mother’s Day after all – I couldn’t recommend this more highly. Enjoy your espresso with a nice piece of Mandelbrot for the perfect break.

I’m loving these CLONGS, click-lock-sit up tongs! Stainless steel arms, silicone tips that are both heat resistant and safe for non-stick pans, and single hand click-lock mechanism for easy storage. These awesome tongs stay off the counter top for easier cleanup and less kashrut confusion. I can understand why they won best new product for both design and use. They are available in both red and charcoal for $19.95 from www.dreamfarm.com.au