"on the blogs" news and stories

Are you for or against the increasing amount of technology in the kitchen?

Blog DVICE seems to think that over the long-term you can save money on eating out by purchasing nine specific kitchen gadgets, like plates that cook. As exciting as these gadgets sound, just how necessary are they and will they actually help you save money?

The adjustable measuring cup (see the photo above) can measure up to two tablespoons with the small cup and up to a half-cup with the larger one. While this device costs $18, it functions as both a measuring cup and spoon. And, the price is similar to that of both measuring tools and can take up less space.

But are these gadgets worth it? Find out after the jump.

The video above is part of a promo for the "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" on NBC. Fallon appears to "accidentally" light Rachael Ray on fire. Oops! The best part is at the end when Fallon states, "we'll be right back cooking lobsters with Rachael Ray," and Ray yells out, "scallops!" The promo is overall hilarious and makes me think that Fallon's show might have potential.

While I'm unhappy to see Conan O'Brien move down to the tonight show and to watch his time slot be replaced by Jimmy Fallon, I think there might be some hope for the "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon." A hope inspired by an image of Rachael Ray set on fire and yelling "scallops!"

What do you think?

According to a report just yesterday from MSNBC, Girl Scout troops selling their cookies in Washington state are the latest victims of fraud. They have lost $100 so far due to fake $20 bills. This comes at a particularly rough time for Girl Scout cookie sales.

According to The Consumerist, a troop leader states that sales are down by as much as half. As The Consumerist states, "Girl Scout Cookies are not recession-proof." Apparently, they are also not safe from the fraudsters that seem to be sweeping our country, like Bernard Madoff and Robert Allen Stanford. As a result, troop leaders are defending themselves with counterfeit detecting pens. This specific troop of Girl Scouts in Bremerton, WA plans to sell more cookies this weekend, but with a cautious eye and a defensive pen.

Continue reading on AOL Food.

Instead of having to cut butter with a knife, you can use a butter dispenser (pictured to the right). Or, better yet, why not try out this new device that creates butter ribbons? You don't even have to exert energy to spread the butter on your toast. As ridiculous as this sounds and looks, how can you not be mildly intrigued?

Fellow blog Dvice explains that all you have to do is insert a stick of butter, twist the handle, and out comes a paper-thin ribbon of butter. Another blog, Bookofjoe boasts that it can turn each stick of butter into 10 feet of butter ribbon. But, don't fret, you don't have to use it all at once. You can leave the stick of butter in the dispenser and place it in your refrigerator.

The device also works with margarine. It's dishwasher safe, and it can be purchased from Amazon for just under $15. So, if you're concerned about accidentally cutting yourself when slicing butter, this is the perfect alternative. Forget sharp knives and decorate your toast in butter ribbons!

Just yesterday, a NYC maple syrup mystery was solved. For several months now, there has been a mysterious smell over Manhattan that's been identified as maple syrup-like. Scientists in New Jersey and New York examined chemical registries, air samples, weather reports and 311 call logs. So what is the cause of this stink? Mayor Bloomberg states - New Jersey.

Frutarom factory in North Bergen is responsible for what the New York Times calls an "aromatic mystery". Mayor Bloombery assured reporters yesterday that the smell is harmless. The factory produces this smell on nights when it processes fenugreek seeds. To see what these seeds look like, check out AOL's coverage on the story. So, what's the deal with these seeds?

Fenugreek seeds are often used as a spice in Indian cuisine, in particular curry. Interestingly, in the U.S., fenugreek is often used as a flavor in industrial less expensive maple syrups. In the Middle East, it's used in many sweets. And, in Egypt, it's made into a tea and sold at coffee shops. For me, what began as an intriguing story over a syrup mystery has spurred an interest in discovering this aromatic spice and herb.