Serving

Bento boxes are an easy solution for me when packing lunches. They offer an easy way to manage portions, tend to be sturdier than Tupperware, and are often cuter to boot. But because of the size and shape of most bento boxes, packing a freezer pack or something else to keep food cool just doesn't work out so well. The Gel-Cool Bento Boxes seem to have solved that problem, however. They come with a lid with a built-in gel pack that you can freeze overnight. Then, in the morning you can pack your bento box like normal. Cover it … Read more

A great serving platter can make even the most basic snacks stand out. You can showcase your chips, fruit, or pretzels--as well as your environmental sensibilities and your good taste--in a vinyl snack tray created from actual vintage 12-inch albums.

And because you want to make a specific statement about your musical choices, you can choose from rock essentials, '80s pop, or crooners such as Sinatra and Dean Martin. You can even choose your own artist, provided your choice is included on the short list of options.

Coordinating coasters and bowls are also available, but using everything all at once … Read more

Ever tried to slice a round cake into equal pieces? Perhaps you are more skilled than I, but I have a ridiculous amount of trouble slicing a cake into eighths, twelfths--or even fourths. Apparently, I am not the only one in the world with this problem, hence the invention of this innovative cake-slicing guide from Wagaii (Taiwanese for "I like it!" according to their Web site).

It's a small plastic flower with removable petals and leaves. (I'm guessing it's plastic, actually, because I don't speak Taiwanese.) Remove the single disc of petals and place … Read more

Just by adding a simple spray, you can have a golden apple straight out of a fairy tale. The Esslack Food Spray lets you transform any food into a precious item, from gilded fruit to silver steaks. The edible varnish sprays on as easily as a standard cooking spray, but adds an outstanding finish. While you generally shouldn't eat precious metals, the Esslack Food Spray is entirely safe to consume. It is available in both gold and silver.

The Esslack Food Spray is the brainchild of the Deli Garage, a German team that specializes in creating delicacies out of … Read more

If you're looking for an alternative to plastic containers and zip-top bags for food storage, consider LunchBots. The containers and their lids are available in four sizes and are made from 18/8 stainless steel that won't leach chemicals into food. Designed to fit in lunch boxes, backpacks, and even purses, LunchBots are dishwasher safe and are lab certified to be lead-free.

The Uno and Eco models each offer a single storage compartment: the Uno is sized for a burrito, sushi, or a sandwich, and the Eco is designed to hold larger portions. The Duo and Pico have … Read more

I make my cappuccino while still half asleep each morning. So a few weeks ago, I did notice that the milk frothed a bit funny, but I didn't actually process that information until I took a sip. What normally hits me as a sweet, sweet drug was instead unceremoniously spit into my sink, much to the amusement of my children.

Entertainment value aside, I'm not a fan of spoiled milk. The R&D team at Cravendale, a British dairy, is currently researching a new milk jug designed to prevent future milk tragedies like mine thanks to a … Read more

I tend to ask for fondue any time my family wants to go out for a special occasion. There's just something about hot cheese that makes for a great meal. The Tapas Fondue Pot and Fondue Server offer an opportunity to make fondue at home with a certain style that you may not even find at a great fondue restaurant. The set was designed in Holland and makes use of black earthenware and warm wood to create a striking appearance, adding geometric shapes that catch the eye.

The Tapas Fondue Pot and Fondue Server's earthenware has a food-safe … Read more

Need a unique hostess gift or a great centerpiece for your sushi dinner party? Try this adorable sushi candle set. The candles are so realistic-looking that you'll have to remind yourself not to dig in.

The kit features four assorted pieces of sushi that look good enough to eat. Like yours spicier? No worries--you'll find that sides of wasabi and pickled ginger have been thoughtfully included. The whole thing is packaged in a Japanese take-out box for perfect presentation. Order online for $24.

Don't let anyone ever tell you the act of cooking isn't akin to a contact sport. It may be a delicate dance--both in commercial kitchens and at home--but to get down to business and to get the meal done right, a certain frenetic pace is involved that transcends the activity. In short, sometimes we just have to power our way through the preparation. This means cutting and slicing, seasoning and searing, sometimes with reckless abandon. And when that happens, things get dirty.

One of the dreaded phrases in the kitchen is "cross-contamination." It is always important … Read more