"kitchenware" news and stories

There are a lot of ways we try to "change lifestyle" (diet) with respect to our eating habits. Some of us take drastic measures and completely change our diets, but we know how successfully that works. Sometimes, little things, like simple portion-control, is all you need.  

These little Mesu bowls from Studio Panepinto are for portion control, but are as fashionable as they are functional. They've got little pictures for you of what 1 cup and all its fractional family look like, so you'll know exactly how much Ben & Jerry's you're eating. Didn't know a half cup serving was so small, huh? They are $49.95 for the set of dishwasher-, microwave-, and freezer-safe bowls that nest for storage.

[via: popgadget]

This month's Everyday Food magazine has an article about the five essential pots and pans that should be in every kitchen. They definitely picked out the right things, too. If you are missing one of these, or perhaps haven't gotten around to breaking in your kitchen after moving out of the dorms, you will be able to cook most things if you pick up all five items. On the list are:

• 10-inch nonstick skillet - Nonsticks are great because they don't requite much cleanup, but stick to anodized aluminum brands, like Analon and Calphalon, if you want to avoid potentially toxic PFOAs. Use it for scrambling eggs and searing delicate meats, like seafood.
• 12-inch skillet - The best choice for sauteing because you'll have lots of room to work, large skillets will allow for higher surface heat and better searing. Make sure that it balances well on your stove and isn't off balance by a too-heavy handle.
• Large saucepan - A 3 or 4-quart saucepan is the most versatile kitchen pot because it can be used for sauces, small batches of soups or pasta for one for a quick  lunch. Don't get an aluminum one (unless its anodized) because its reactivity with utensils and metal cooking implements can quickly lend an unwelcome taste to your sauces.
• Large pot - Stocks, soups and stews can all be made in a big 8 or 10-quart pot, but the most common use for a pot like this is to make pasta. Lots of pasta.
• Dutch oven - These can work both in the oven and on the stove top. They retain heat better than most other cookware, too, so they're ideal for slow cooking and making soups or chili. Look for enameled cast iron, anodized aluminum or stainless steel with a copper/aluminum base.

Normally, I am a bargain shopper. I don't shop at super high-end stores, and I try to wait for sales because paying full retail hurts me.

However, shopping for kitchen and cooking things goes against every other shopping and money principle I stand for. Table Art in Los Angeles could break me. The store is just that - they sell gorgeous dinnerware, serving trays, cups and mugs, and all kinds of other dining things that make your table into a masterpiece.

Sandra Lee's tablescapes need not apply.

Table Art
7977 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 653-8278
www.tartontheweb.com  

When you have a tiny apartment or a tiny kitchen, space is at a premium. You just can't cram all the good kitchen gadgets and cookware into one little room. The two time-honored storage traditions involve either limiting your kitchenware collection or turning the living room into storage. Chefn' Sleekstor has a line of collapsible kitchen tools that will make storage a breeze. The measuring cups fold up to be completely flat and cone in seven colors, making it possible to match them to your color scheme if you are forced to store them on the counter for lack of space. Another space-saver is the collapsible funnel, which is a fantastic idea since funnels are rather awkwardly shaped and difficult to store.