Eating

January is a time of renewal. It also happens to be when appliance makers show off their visions of what is to come. The event is CES 2013 and this year, according to those that make kitchen gadgets and appliances, everything is going to be very, very smart. While we have been promised automated kitchens in one form or another since the time of the Jetsons, there is one important factor in the modern world that may see the smart kitchen finally grow up: mobility.

The year 2013 is going to be one marked by plenty of smartphone and tablet sales. … Read more

The annual changing of the calendar brings with it a multitude of promises that nobody intends to actually keep. That's OK; it's just all part of tradition. Things get said, feelings get hurt, but in the end, what really matters more: a couple of extra pounds or never seeing a frozen pizza again? Better to err on the side of caution, apologize to all those fatty and greasy foods -- but keep a little room for healthy steam cooking hidden in plain sight.

Never say never again with the Cuisinart Combo Steam and Convection Oven ($299.95). The … Read more

In a world of cookie-cutter cookie cutters, it is not uncommon to find uninspired shapes. But then again, who cares? Cookies are delicious; it doesn't matter how they are cut. End of conversation. Except it does kind of matter; cookies not cut into circus animal shapes may taste the same, but don't tell that to the kids (or the adults who lamented the near death of that classic cookie). But even more unforgivable than carbon-copy cookie cutters, is when they become unrecognizable shapes. That is unless they combine to form a new whole.

The 3D Dinosaur Cookie Cutters from Suck UK … Read more

You know the aroma. It beckons as if it were a magical cartoon hand, wafting through the air until it finds its destination: you. There is no choice but to follow the waggling smoke fingers until you find its source: popcorn. But there is something different about this enticing scent. Tinged around the edges is the distinct sense of sugar and salt. And furthermore, this is not an outdoor event; this is your own kitchen.

Bringing kettle corn to the inside, the Nostalgia Electrics KCP100 Carnival Kettle Corn Maker ($49.99) mirrors the magic of the popular treat without the … Read more

The ability to reach out and pluck fruits and vegetables off of a nearby branch, for many, is an unrealistic dream. Yet fresh food that is grown nearby continues to be a desirable commodity. As well it should; food that is fresh is far superior to that which has been hanging around during transport or otherwise. As delicious as freshly picked food may be, the hurdle of actually growing it is not one to be ignored. Unless of course, the whole process is automated.

Two new self-monitoring plant kits have been added to the Click and Grow kitchen countertop grove. … Read more

Our long national nightmare of vending machines only delivering cold items is almost over. Once EatWave vending machines take over the break rooms and hotel lobbies of the world, we will no longer have to wait in line at the microwave.

EatWave offers a complete junk food meal from a single machine. You can get a cold soda, a bag of chips, a hot pastrami sandwich, and a chocolate bar all at once. Each EatWave machine is equipped with a built-in microwave unit and a gravity delivery system for moving the food.… Read more

Fondue is fun. Relaxing with family and friends over a warm pot of bubbling deliciousness is something meant to be enjoyed at its own pace (assuming the participants can agree on what to put in the pot). The shape of a fondue party, being one that can be either sweet or savory, can take on its own structure, yet the jostling for ingredients always remains the same. Unless, of course, the ingredients come to you.

The Cuisinart CF0-1000 Lazy Susan Electric Fondue ($79.99) is a fun, countertop device orbited by moveable ingredient trays. Featuring a built-in electric heating element … Read more

It doesn't take much to add flavor to food; fat usually does the trick. However as delicious as it may be, one doesn't necessarily always want to add bacon to every meal. Luckily, flavor can be incorporated into food via many other methods. Sauces, marinades, herbs, and spices can be introduced to veggies and proteins by slathering, bathing, basting, stewing, or even injecting them. And there is always room for one more method.

The latest gadget to come along and promise flavor maximization and fat minimization is the T-Fal Balanced Living GC420852 Curved Grill. Featuring a design similar … Read more

You could spend $30,000 on a life-size "Game of Thrones" Iron Throne replica crafted from the swords of your fallen foes, but it has one big drawback besides the price. It's not edible.

A Redditor posted photos of a "Game of Thrones" cake a friend's mom made. With a Reddit handle like Craptacularama, you know it's got to be good. It's not just good, it's spectacular.… Read more