Eating

Fun food containers brighten up your lunchbag

Packing lunch for your kids--or yourself--every day can get a little boring. But you can spice things up a bit and have some fun with these atomic food containers.

You probably won't convince anyone that your lunch is truly radioactive, but you'll at least have the most recognizable containers in the office, so Kevin from accounting can't claim he "accidentally" grabbed your leftover pad thai.

And despite the warnings emblazoned on the bowls, they're dishwasher- and microwave-safe. They even include a built-in air vent and date timer, so you probably won't poison yourself … Read more

Shaking up grill-time accessories

Grilling season is never officially over. Unlike team sports or the weather, the grill doesn't cycle through calendar months, ticking off days, perpetually preparing for next season. While the use of the grill may be directly linked to sports and weather patterns, the fact remains that grilling trumps all. Two degrees above freezing in hockey season is still cause enough to bust out the grill, especially when there are new toys to play with.

For those who can stand the cold and wish for the fire, here is the Grilling Basket and Tray With Lidded Shaker Set available on Amazon. … Read more

Popcorn and nuts find harmony in one appliance

A bowl of freshly popped popcorn is close to being the perfect snack. Healthy, delicious, and versatile, the fluffy treat can take on any flavor you decide to impart upon it. The same can be said about nuts. Although high in fat, in moderation, nuts are essential eating. Nuts and popcorn together is like a secret combination of the universe. Snack makers long ago discovered the power of the popcorn and nut combination, but that doesn't mean you have to enjoy the mixture on their terms.

Nuts, like popcorn, are best served hot. Easy enough task when it comes … Read more

Sanyo Indoor Grill and Griddle: Two tools in one

Indecision can be a wonderful thing. When choices present themselves, there are times when it seems impossible to make a decision. In the kitchen, sometimes this waffling creates inspiration. Craving for more than one type of food can lead to experimentation when the answer is simply to have both. Spectacular combinations can be formed out of this alliance, from peanut butter and chocolate to fried chicken and waffles.

The Sanyo Indoor Barbecue Grill and Griddle combines two great cooking appliances and merges them into one. With 200 square inches of cooktop real estate, the combination appliance has ample room to … Read more

Countertop turkey fryer: Use as directed

It's almost that time of year again. With Halloween right around the corner, thoughts across the country will soon turn to the most important food holiday of the year: Thanksgiving. Before the apple pie, before the mashed potatoes, before all the traditional appetizers, side dishes and desserts, comes the turkey. As a centerpiece of the meal, turkey preparation takes center stage for good reason, and it all starts with how you decide to cook the turkey.

Every year, Black Friday not only features news stories about mall attendance, but also unfortunate stories of fires caused by deep frying turkey. … Read more

Slice lasagna perfectly

Someday, all food will come in exact sizes and shapes. No, I'm not talking about the oft-mentioned food pills of the always-distant future, where one capsule supplies enough nutrients for the day. Hopefully, that terrifying future never falls upon us, because eating or preparing a well-made meal can be rewarding in its own right. However, there is something to be said about food that is served exactly the same every time. Just ask siblings how they feel about the concept as they try to split a particularly delicious treat like pizza or a brownie.

Speaking of brownies, we've … Read more

Crock-Pot does double duty

It takes a real commitment to decide on a slow-cooked meal. Pot roast, chili, stews, braised short ribs: all of these slow cooker meals require lots of cooking time. When the ingredients are in the pot, there's not much you can do to change your mind. Meals made in a slow cooker truly are set-it-and-forget-it-type meals. Once it gets going, there's no turning back.

The Crock-Pot Duo Cook and Server does double duty in more ways than one. First, the appliance combines two cooking vessels along with an attractive service for convenient tableside dining. Second, there are two … Read more

Stand mixer stands up to the task

Kitchen appliances can be great time-savers. Chopping, slicing, and dicing needs can be met with a food processor, microwaves can cook up entire meals with a press of a few buttons, and blenders can rapidly turn chopped vegetables into smooth purees for sauces, soups, and drinks. But when it comes to pure strength, one appliance stands out above others: the stand mixer.

The Viking Professional 5-quart Stand Mixer makes it easy to whip up labor-intensive recipes without strain or stress. The 800-watt motor with metal gear transmission powers through common kitchen tasks such as whipping, stirring, and beating. The locking … Read more

Easy to see this pepper mill

Salt and pepper are both indispensable spices. They sit by our side at practically every meal. Some people use a little, some people use a lot. Having the power over your own seasoning practically guarantees an enjoyable meal. From course to fine, the grind of our favorite spices makes all the difference in the world. Giving up on pre-filled containers of already ground pepper is probably the easiest way to increase your taste enjoyment.

The Cole & Mason Buzz Revolution Salt or Pepper Mill makes it easy to enjoy your favorite spices at their best. Fully adjustable from a fine … Read more

More fun than an exercise machine

There is always room on the shelf for one more kitchen appliance. If that appliance has the capability to encourage a healthy lifestyle, then that one extra appliance could be worth its weight in gold. (Or at least worth its weight in terms of shed pounds.) It's not uncommon for people--and I certainly am no exception--to utter promises of getting back into shape, or eating healthier in general. More often than not, these promises fall by the wayside.

The Omega Nutrition Center is a professional style juicer that would look great on any countertop. The "masticating-style" juicer … Read more