Gizmos for Cooks http://www.gizmosforcooks.com Whoever Has The Most Toys Wins! Tue, 05 May 2009 23:42:08 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 en hourly 1 GizmosForCookshttp://feedburner.google.com Websites to help you plan your meals http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/advice/2009/05/05/websites-to-help-you-plan-your-meals.html http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/advice/2009/05/05/websites-to-help-you-plan-your-meals.html#comments Tue, 05 May 2009 23:42:08 +0000 gfcgod http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/?p=224 A recent report in the Wall Street Journal noted that traffic to recipe websites has increased significantly as people cut back on eating out and instead opt to cook at home. For example, MyRecipes.com has doubled its traffic in the past year to almost 3 million visitors. Meantime, AllRecipes.com has surpassed the Food Network&#8217;s site [...]<script type="text/javascript">SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Websites to help you plan your meals", url: "http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/advice/2009/05/05/websites-to-help-you-plan-your-meals.html" });</script> A recent report in the Wall Street Journal noted that traffic to recipe websites has increased significantly as people cut back on eating out and instead opt to cook at home.

For example, MyRecipes.com has doubled its traffic in the past year to almost 3 million visitors. Meantime, AllRecipes.com has surpassed the Food Network’s site in web traffic.

However, we here at GfC think that there is even more value in those websites that help you plan your meals and shopping for the week. No longer do you have to go to the grocery and stare at the shelves wondering what to cook. Instead, visit a site such as MealMixer, select your meals for the week (includes recipes), and it will assemble a complete shopping list that prints out nicely.

There are other such sites, including Saving Dinner and The Six O’Clock Scramble. While these sites are not free, consider that an annual fee of $50 or so per year is not terrible when you think about how much time, gas and frustration you’ll save yourself.

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]]> http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/advice/2009/05/05/websites-to-help-you-plan-your-meals.html/feed DIY PB&J http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/gizmos/2009/03/11/diy-pbj.html http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/gizmos/2009/03/11/diy-pbj.html#comments Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:54:27 +0000 greenmeadows http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/?p=220 The latest health scare involving peanut butter has made this gizmo more relevant than ever before. The Peanut Butter Maker from SkyMall allows you to take your favorite salty snack and turn it into everyone&#8217;s favorite sandwich ingredient. Choose the nut variety (peanut, almond, cashew, or any other) and the consistency (creamy or chunky), fill [...]<script type="text/javascript">SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "DIY PB&#038;J", url: "http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/gizmos/2009/03/11/diy-pbj.html" });</script> peanut-butter-maker-skymallThe latest health scare involving peanut butter has made this gizmo more relevant than ever before. The Peanut Butter Maker from SkyMall allows you to take your favorite salty snack and turn it into everyone’s favorite sandwich ingredient. Choose the nut variety (peanut, almond, cashew, or any other) and the consistency (creamy or chunky), fill the hopper, press a button, and in moments you’ll have a heaping helping of the most flavorful (and safe) peanut butter you’ve ever tasted.

Price: $39.99 from SkyMall

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]]> http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/gizmos/2009/03/11/diy-pbj.html/feed Bacteria Be Gone http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/gizmos/2009/03/02/bacteria-be-gone.html http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/gizmos/2009/03/02/bacteria-be-gone.html#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:00:22 +0000 greenmeadows http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/?p=212 It seems like every time you turn around these days, there&#8217;s some piece on the news about a food recall. Well, when it comes to the meats you prepare at home, now you can take food safety into your own hands. The CulinaryPrepTM Kitchen Appliance uses a patented process to prevent food borne illnesses by [...]<script type="text/javascript">SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Bacteria Be Gone", url: "http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/gizmos/2009/03/02/bacteria-be-gone.html" });</script> kitchenapplianceIt seems like every time you turn around these days, there’s some piece on the news about a food recall. Well, when it comes to the meats you prepare at home, now you can take food safety into your own hands. The CulinaryPrepTM Kitchen Appliance uses a patented process to prevent food borne illnesses by reducing the level of bacteria in beef, poultry, fish, and seafood up to 99.5 percent. And during the process, you can tenderize and marinate up to five pounds of meat, which is tumbled in an all-natural, anti-microbial solution to remove the bacteria. Once only available for commercial cooking, the CulinaryPrep is now ready to find its way into your home kitchen.

Price: $299 from CulinaryPrep

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]]> http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/gizmos/2009/03/02/bacteria-be-gone.html/feed Featured Book: “How I Learned to Cook” http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/books/2009/02/28/featured-book-how-i-learned-to-cook.html http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/books/2009/02/28/featured-book-how-i-learned-to-cook.html#comments Sat, 28 Feb 2009 12:00:05 +0000 greenmeadows http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/?p=206 I&#8217;ve had this book on my reading list for a while now, and I can&#8217;t wait to dive into it. Forty of the world&#8217;s finest chefs reveal the most interesting, riveting and humorous tales from their earliest days on the professional scene. For anyone who&#8217;s ever burned a dinner, the personal accounts detailed in &#8220;How [...]<script type="text/javascript">SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Featured Book: &#8220;How I Learned to Cook&#8221;", url: "http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/books/2009/02/28/featured-book-how-i-learned-to-cook.html" });</script> how-i-learned-to-cookI’ve had this book on my reading list for a while now, and I can’t wait to dive into it. Forty of the world’s finest chefs reveal the most interesting, riveting and humorous tales from their earliest days on the professional scene. For anyone who’s ever burned a dinner, the personal accounts detailed in “How I Learned to Cook: Culinary Educations from the World’s Greatest Chefs” will surely give you a confidence boost, letting you know that you aren’t alone when it comes to making a mess of a meal.

Price: $19.96 from Amazon.com

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]]> http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/books/2009/02/28/featured-book-how-i-learned-to-cook.html/feed Get Into Hot Water http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/gizmos/2009/02/27/get-into-hot-water.html http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/gizmos/2009/02/27/get-into-hot-water.html#comments Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:00:55 +0000 greenmeadows http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/?p=203 When my husband decided to purchase a water boiler, I wasn&#8217;t convinced about how useful it would be to me as a home chef. But I was pleasantly surprised at having the opportunity to have hot water available to me whenever I needed it - just at the push of a button. Whether I want [...]<script type="text/javascript">SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Get Into Hot Water", url: "http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/gizmos/2009/02/27/get-into-hot-water.html" });</script> water-warmerWhen my husband decided to purchase a water boiler, I wasn’t convinced about how useful it would be to me as a home chef. But I was pleasantly surprised at having the opportunity to have hot water available to me whenever I needed it - just at the push of a button. Whether I want to make a quick bowl of jello or a cup of tea, I don’t ever have to wait for a pot or a kettle of water to boil. It’s the kitchen gizmo I never knew I wanted but can’t believe I lived without for so long. So check out the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Water Boiler/Warmer for yourself. It keeps 135 ounces of water at the perfect temperature around the clock. And you can choose the temp that’s best for you: 175 degrees, 195 degrees, 208 degrees, or 212 degrees (boiling). It’s the type of hot water you won’t mind getting into.

Price: $184.95 from Sur la Table

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]]> http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/gizmos/2009/02/27/get-into-hot-water.html/feed Kitchen Tech At Its Best http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/gizmos/2009/02/26/kitchen-tech-at-its-best.html http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/gizmos/2009/02/26/kitchen-tech-at-its-best.html#comments Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:00:16 +0000 greenmeadows http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/?p=199 Much of my counter space is taken up by a sizable collection of cookbooks, a TV, and my laptop (which is used to look up a recipe quickly while I&#8217;m cooking). But Bon Appetit is going to give me my space back! The Bon Appetit Kitchen Technology Center is an all-in-one home chef&#8217;s dream, featuring [...]<script type="text/javascript">SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Kitchen Tech At Its Best", url: "http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/gizmos/2009/02/26/kitchen-tech-at-its-best.html" });</script> kitchentechcenterMuch of my counter space is taken up by a sizable collection of cookbooks, a TV, and my laptop (which is used to look up a recipe quickly while I’m cooking). But Bon Appetit is going to give me my space back! The Bon Appetit Kitchen Technology Center is an all-in-one home chef’s dream, featuring a Digital Recipe Collection, High Def TV, Digital Photo Frame, and Internet Device. With a 15″ LCD touch screen, everything you need is right at your fingertips - literally. And for those cooks who have back issues of the popular magazine in every drawer, the Kitchen Tech Center is pre-loaded with some of the publication’s most popular recipes. Put it in the corner near the toaster or mount it under a cabinet - whatever works best for you. And because it comes complete with three interchangeable face plates (metallic, black and white), it’ll blend seamlessly into your kitchen decor.

Price: $429.99 from the Conde Nast Store

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]]> http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/gizmos/2009/02/26/kitchen-tech-at-its-best.html/feed Classes of the Week http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/cooking-classes/2009/02/25/classes-of-the-week.html http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/cooking-classes/2009/02/25/classes-of-the-week.html#comments Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:44:47 +0000 greenmeadows http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/?p=195 Check out these upcoming classes from around the country: Southeast: Atlanta, GA Friday, March 6 The Chef&#8217;s Table: New York Steakhouse 6 - 9 p.m. $119 (Chef&#8217;s Table Format) For more information, visit Viking Cooking School Northeast: Bridgehampton, NY Friday, March 6 Fish Cookery 6 - 9 p.m. $109 (Hands-on workshop) For more information, visit Viking Cooking School Midwest: Cleveland, OH Friday, March 6 Southern Italian Dinner Party 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. $59 (Interactive Demo) For [...]<script type="text/javascript">SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Classes of the Week", url: "http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/cooking-classes/2009/02/25/classes-of-the-week.html" });</script> Check out these upcoming classes from around the country:

Southeast:

Atlanta, GA

Friday, March 6

The Chef’s Table: New York Steakhouse

6 - 9 p.m.

$119 (Chef’s Table Format)

For more information, visit Viking Cooking School

Northeast:

Bridgehampton, NY

Friday, March 6

Fish Cookery

6 - 9 p.m.

$109 (Hands-on workshop)

For more information, visit Viking Cooking School

Midwest:

Cleveland, OH

Friday, March 6

Southern Italian Dinner Party

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

$59 (Interactive Demo)

For more information, visit Viking Cooking School

West:

Walnut Creek, CA

Thursday, March 5

Prep Once, Dine for Days

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

$69.99 (Demo)

For more information, visit Viking Cooking School

Southwest:

Dallas, TX

Thursday, March 12

Indian Feast

6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

$79 (Workshop)

For more information, visit Viking Cooking School

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]]> http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/cooking-classes/2009/02/25/classes-of-the-week.html/feed No More Toaster Trauma http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/gizmos/2009/02/21/no-more-toaster-trauma.html http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/gizmos/2009/02/21/no-more-toaster-trauma.html#comments Sat, 21 Feb 2009 12:00:21 +0000 greenmeadows http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/?p=190 As much as I hate to admit it, I can&#8217;t help but jump when my Pop Tart is launched upwards from the warming slot of my toaster. To this day, even though I eat these beloved pastries regularly, I never know exactly when to expect that loud springing noise. I often feel like a fool [...]<script type="text/javascript">SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "No More Toaster Trauma", url: "http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/gizmos/2009/02/21/no-more-toaster-trauma.html" });</script> digital-toasterAs much as I hate to admit it, I can’t help but jump when my Pop Tart is launched upwards from the warming slot of my toaster. To this day, even though I eat these beloved pastries regularly, I never know exactly when to expect that loud springing noise. I often feel like a fool as I stand alone in the kitchen, my body doing an involuntary jerk when my breakfast is released. I think I need the Deluxe Digital Countdown Toaster, which features an LED timer that counts down your toasting time as it heats up your bread, bagel, waffle, or other toaster-prepared favorite. Coupled with a soothing ring that tells you when your toast is ready, this groovy gizmo ensures a tranquil toasting experience each and every time.

Price: $129.95 from SkyMall

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]]> http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/gizmos/2009/02/21/no-more-toaster-trauma.html/feed Featured Book: “Tender at the Bone” http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/books/2009/02/20/featured-book-tender-at-the-bone.html http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/books/2009/02/20/featured-book-tender-at-the-bone.html#comments Fri, 20 Feb 2009 23:57:56 +0000 greenmeadows http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/?p=185 If you&#8217;re a foodie like me, sometimes it can be difficult to explain the unparalleled delight a delicious meal brings to you. Not if you&#8217;re Ruth Reichl, of course. In her touching biography, &#8220;Tender at the Bone: Growing Up at the Table,&#8221; the famed restaurant critic and editor of Gourmet Magazine beautifully describes how she [...]<script type="text/javascript">SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Featured Book: &#8220;Tender at the Bone&#8221;", url: "http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/books/2009/02/20/featured-book-tender-at-the-bone.html" });</script> tender-at-the-boneIf you’re a foodie like me, sometimes it can be difficult to explain the unparalleled delight a delicious meal brings to you. Not if you’re Ruth Reichl, of course. In her touching biography, “Tender at the Bone: Growing Up at the Table,” the famed restaurant critic and editor of Gourmet Magazine beautifully describes how she discovered her own passion for food as a child and how her ever-evolving palate has influenced both her personal and professional lives. With humor and humility, Reichl draws readers into her world and takes them on an epicurean adventure like no other. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy reading about good food as much as eating it.

Price (paperback): $14.35 from Barnes & Noble

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]]> http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/books/2009/02/20/featured-book-tender-at-the-bone.html/feed Perfect Pasta Portions http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/gizmos/2009/02/11/perfect-pasta-portions.html http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/gizmos/2009/02/11/perfect-pasta-portions.html#comments Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:07:10 +0000 greenmeadows http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/?p=176 I always cook too much pasta, whether I&#8217;m cooking for myself, my family or a party of guests. Then the leftover cooked noodles, which never have enough corresponding leftover sauce, waste away in the fridge until I finally toss them in the trash. That&#8217;s why I clearly need the Pasta Measure from Crate &#38; Barrel, [...]<script type="text/javascript">SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Perfect Pasta Portions", url: "http://www.gizmosforcooks.com/gizmos/2009/02/11/perfect-pasta-portions.html" });</script> pasta-measureI always cook too much pasta, whether I’m cooking for myself, my family or a party of guests. Then the leftover cooked noodles, which never have enough corresponding leftover sauce, waste away in the fridge until I finally toss them in the trash. That’s why I clearly need the Pasta Measure from Crate & Barrel, an ingenious contraption that allows you to precisely measure out one, two, three or four servings of everything from angel hair to linguine. The stainless steel body makes for easy cleaning, and the rotating, compact design makes storage a cinch. Check out Crate & Barrel’s Dollars and Sense Outlet Sale this week to pick up the gizmo for a steal.

Price: $6.95 from Crate & Barrel

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