Get Adobe Flash player

admin

Social Media-Worthy Meal Presentation

Le Creuset Marseille Lifestyle 3There are dishes you simply serve and then there are dishes that you post. The food post has become a ubiquitous tenant of the social media accounts of foodies across the world. A quick scroll through any Facebook, Twitter or Instagram feed will quickly produce a shot of somebody’s food, either home cooked or served in a restaurant. Sometimes the food looks great, sometimes it looks like it would be best left unposted.

But it really does not take a wealth of food knowledge to produce a meal worthy of social media sharing. The right oven-to-table piece can do most of the work and elevate a basic potato dish to one that looks primed for Facebook.

Le Creuset Marseille Lifestyle 2Le Creuset is, of course, no stranger to beautiful meal presentation. A quick search for #lecreuset on Instagram results in over 100,000 images. A simple picture of an espresso cup packed with scoops of vanilla ice cream on a saucer posted by a reality television star earned 320 likes. Even recipes in the midst of cooking or about to go in the oven look tempting when combined with all the many colors of Le Creuset.

The recent re-introduction of Le Creuset’s blue Marseille color just begs to be shared on social media. The bold and vibrant color is inspired by the port city of Marseille in southern France and brings to mind the sea and sky. Pieces from all categories throughout Le Creuset can be found in this new color, including cast iron, stoneware, tools and accessories, stockpots and teakettles. The new shade of matte amethyst is another nice option for instantly sprucing up a mealtime photo.

Emile Henry Chicken baker 3Emile Henry introduced oven-to-table pieces this year that also do most of the work towards making a splash on the dinner table and on social media. The new Emile Henry Chicken Baker raises the bar on the aesthetic of presentation and, combined with the cooking performance of the baker, makes leaving a memorable impression a snap. The baker has a 3.2-quart capacity and features a domed lid that is shaped to fit close to the food so as to diffuse heat and eliminate the need for basting because it causes the steam to circulate around the ingredients. The baker can also be used for any type of meat and has ridges on the bottom to prevent the meat from soaking in its juices. The Chicken Baker is dishwasher, microwave, oven, and freezer safe and is available in burgundy or charcoal colors.

Emile Henry PotatoPotCounterThe Emile Henry Potato Pot is designed for cooking vegetables and potatoes at low temperature on the stovetop or in the oven. The two-piece design of this unique pot enables a style of traditional French cooking with no water or oil. Simply stack the potatoes or vegetables in the pot along with seasonings, put on the top, and place it on the stove or in the oven to cook. When used on the stove, the pot should be flipped every 15 minutes so that the heat diffuses evenly through the vegetables. The two pieces of the Potato Pot are identical, so that either side can go directly on the burner. Since there is no need to use water or oil, the result is a more flavorful potato that cooks in 30 to 40 minutes. The Potato Pot is available in burgundy or charcoal colors.

Emile Henry New ClassicsAlso new from Emile Henry this year, Modern Classics is the French brand’s range of cookware and bakeware designed from the ground up to attract the American consumer while preserving the design elements and the performance properties of Emile Henry. The shapes, capacities, and dimensions were developed with an eye toward American foods, style and recipes. There are five new colors and eight original shapes to start. The colors are spirited and vivacious tones of primary yellow, green, blue, red, and white that would make for a fabulous share on any social media platform.

Mauviel_Valerie_003Mauviel, beautiful in its copper simplicity, is always a sure way to make a lasting impression, in person or online. Any of Mauviel’s paella pans would make for a delightful presentation, like the M’elite Stainless Steel Paella Pan pictured here. The hand polished and hammered exterior makes just as much of a visual impact in stainless steel as do any of Mauviel’s copper cookware. Grand pieces, like the M’tradition Copper Fondue Set, and understated pieces, like the M’cook Mini Rectangular Roasting Pan, are imbued with the Mauviel spirit alike and are equally impactful. A search for #mauviel on Twitter and Instagram brings up as many images of food being cooked as it does images of the cookware proudly displayed in kitchens, hanging from pot racks or neatly stacked on shelves, proving that having the right cookware is half the battle for “Likes.”

Zwilling_12_301716Staub posts come in second after Le Creuset on Instagram, with a search for #staub producing over 46,000 images from people as eager to share their meals as they are to share the Staub mark stamped on the handles of their cookware. A basic chili still on the stove looks mouthwatering in a green Oval Cocotte from Staub. Instagrammers are careful to include the lids too if they are so lucky to have the cocottes topped with a silver knob resembling a chicken, fish, pig, or snail.

The Cast Iron 3-quart Tomato Cocotte is new from Staub this year and is striking enough to cause a social media stir. The cocotte is cherry red and molded after a brandywine tomato with a silver stem branching out from the lid’s center to act as a knob. The Tomato Cocotte was introduced after the success of the Pumpkin Cocotte and is designed to be complementary for the Staub collector. Because the lid completes the look of the tomato, anything served in it is sure to be a Facebook post slam dunk – you don’t even have to show the meal concealed underneath!

This story was originally published in the June 2015 issue of Kitchenware News, a publication of Oser Communications Group.

New KitchenAid Spiralizer Attachment Kicks Up Creativity in the Kitchen

c4371fb4-bd77-4319-858a-55c6f82f3ef2KitchenAid® has introduced a new spiralizer attachment for its iconic stand mixer that gives cooks fresh new ways to get creative with fruits and vegetables. Available now at Sur La Table and at the beginning of August on KitchenAid.com, the spiralizer attachment carries a suggested retail price of $129.99.

“The spiralizer is powered by the KitchenAid stand mixer and operates virtually hands-free, simplifying the process of fixing a quick and healthy meal,” said Beth Robinson, senior brand experience manager for KitchenAid. “Whether putting a healthy twist on a traditional recipe, or creating something completely original, the spiralizer gives cooks more ways to make delicious meals with fresh produce.”

087c0725-09d2-4275-9bb3-11a9d5903b14Featuring five blades with up to nine combinations of spiralizing, slicing, peeling and coring, the attachment offers endless possibilities for fruit and vegetable preparation. As a healthy alternative to flour based pasta, a fine spiral blade turns vegetables, such as zucchini or squash, into thin, noodle-like strands. A medium blade spiralizes potatoes for casseroles and potato pancakes, cucumbers for fresh garden rolls or radishes for bright, seasonal garnishes. Separate slicing blades can be used for creating spirals of fresh fruits or vegetables with little to no cores, such as sweet potatoes, or those with larger cores, including apples and pears. By using a combination of accessories, the attachment can perform several functions at once, including peeling, slicing and coring most fruits and vegetables.

The spiralizer features durable metal construction and a storage case for convenient organization of both the unit and its dishwasher-safe accessories.

To learn more, visit www.KitchenAid.com.

Spatulas and Scrapers

Check out some of the newest spatulas and scrapers looking to flip over some profits. From spoonulas to slotted turners, there is no shortage of varieties or colors to choose from.

 

Art and Cook Silicone_Spatula_10cArt and Cook Spoon Spatula

You get the best of both worlds with this all-in-one silicone spatula spoon. Spoon up dishes with ease and the flexibility of the spatula’s design allows you to get every last drop. The steel core provides a strong, sturdy feel and the all-silicone outside is made for food safety; its hygienic design and non-porous surface means there are no crevices for food and bacteria to collect. The Art and Cook all-silicone Spoon Spatula can be used on non-stick cookware without fear of scratching the delicate surface of pans. Heat safe to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and, best of all, the spatula is dishwasher safe.

Suggested Retail Price: $9.99

 

BestinTest_Spatula_FrontOn copyBest In Test Spatula

Made to be Best In Test is a series of kitchen products that challenge the good and seek the best. Designed in collaboration with Bocuse d’ Or award-winning Norwegian chef Geir Skeie, this spatula aims to be the best-performing tool for use in home kitchens. The spatula head balances flexibility with strength to scrape thin liquids, fold soft egg whites and move thick stews. The translucent silicone is the highest possible grade with 530 degrees Fahrenheit temperature resistance, and each of the four corners of the spatula has a different radius to fit into all corners and jars.

Suggested Retail Price: $19.95

 

GIR scraper_001_07_tealGet It Right Scraper 001

The Scraper 001 from Get It Right is a silicone Swiss army knife, made with perfect flexibility and GIR’s signature unibody construction. It sports an edge with ruler markings, broad curves for bowl scraping, a pointed tip for between whisk wires, and a totally unique inner curve to clean rolling pins and mixer columns. The exterior is made from FDA-approved pharmaceutical grade silicone, while the interior has a proprietary fiberglass core. It is eco-friendly, BPA- and BPS-free, dishwasher safe, and stain and odor resistant. Available in seven colors.

Suggested Retail Price: $9.95

 

Joseph JosephElevate Wood Carousel Multi-Color 5-Piece Utensil Set with Rotating Stand

Elevate Wood from Joseph Joseph combines the natural look of beechwood with the heat-resistant qualities of silicone. Now available in a multi-color set, each tool has a weighted handle with an integrated tool rest, ensuring that when an Elevate utensil is set down, its head is always raised off the work surface to minimize mess and improve hygiene. The Elevate Wood Carousel includes a slotted spoon, solid spoon, turner, batter spoon, spaghetti server and a rotating stand. The set is perfect for use with all types of cookware and the silicone handles are heat-resistant up to 520 degrees Fahrenheit.

Suggested Retail Price: $65.00

 

Le Creuset Revolution Slotted Turner MarseilleLe Creuset Revolution Bi-Material Slotted Turner

Le Creuset has again expanded its award-winning Revolution utensil line with the addition of its first bi-material tools. Developed with chefs and culinary enthusiasts in mind, each utensil is crafted with a task-defined blade made from premium materials. The Slotted Turner has a rigid edge for breaking up ingredients and flipping, with a soft silicone edge for scooping. The new range features a unique bi-material construction – a combination of rigid glass-filled nylon and flexible silicone. The tools are heat resistant up to 482 degrees Fahrenheit, are dishwasher safe and can be used on all surfaces. The line also includes a ladle, saute spoon, and slotted spoon.

Suggested Retail Price: $24.00

 

Lodge SCRAPERCOMBO-2014Lodge Pan Scraper Set

When a stiff bristle brush isn’t quite enough, these Pan Scrapers do the trick. The durable polycarbonate Pan Scrapers assist with clean-up duty without removing seasoning from cast iron. This set of two Pan Scrapers from Lodge includes one red pan scraper and one black grill pan scraper. The grill pan scraper has two sets of teeth designed to fit any modern Lodge Grill Pan. The pan scraper has a variety of angles for getting into the nooks and crannies of a variety of cookware.

 

MastradAll Silicone Slotted Turner

The Mastrad All Silicone Slotted Turner is flexible and solid. Mastrad’s All Silicone Slotted Turner has beveled edges to slide easily under various foods so that turning is now easier than ever. It is non-porous, non-stick, stain resistant and heat resistant up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. Available in five colors.

Suggested Retail Price: $8.00

 

PrintSwiss Diamond 5-Piece Kitchen Tool Set

Swiss Diamond is preventing kitchen messes while ensuring a long life for nonstick cookware with their innovative 5-Piece Kitchen Tool Set. Designed with a raised head and built-in balanced stand, these tools stay lifted off the countertop when set down to rest. Plus, the reinforced silicone handles withstand temperatures up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit and every tool in the set is dishwasher safe and designed to increase the life span of nonstick cookware. The 5-Piece Kitchen Tool Set comes with a spatula, tongs, ladle, skimmer, and turner.

Suggested Retail Price: $54.95

This story was originally published in the June 2015 issue of Kitchenware News, a publication of Oser Communications Group.

Knife Sharpeners Complete Cutlery Purchases

KitchenIQ Smart Sharp Electric Knife Sharpener

KitchenIQ Smart Sharp Electric Knife Sharpener

For many customers knife sharpening can be an intimidating task. However, occasional sharpening is essential to properly maintaining a blade for optimal use and ultimately expanding the lifespan of a knife. This is an area where customers can use some extra help to feel comfortable completing the job on their own.

The first question a home cook may have about knife sharpening is, when is it time to sharpen a knife? A quick test to answer this question is to try to slice a tomato. If the knife slips and slides, or if you have to apply a lot of pressure, it is time to sharpen the knife.

“Home cooks should never let their knife go dull, so that means you should sharpen your knives regularly. A safe knife is a sharp knife,” says Melissa Moore, Housewares Marketing Manager for Smith’s Consumer Products, parent company of KitchenIQ, which specializes in knife sharpeners for the independent retail market. “You’re really going to tell when to sharpen by the function of the knife, because it could look really sharp to you and it might even feel sharp on your finger, but really it’s not sharp enough. You sharpen all the way from the heel to the tip so you might have sharp areas but it might not be the full knife that is sharp.”

Sharp knives are safest because the cutting task can be completed with ease, whereas a dull knife might cause the user to struggle and accidentally cut themselves. If a cut does occur, a cut from a sharp knife will be cleaner than one from a dull knife, and will heal better.

How often a knife needs to be sharpened depends on how often it is used. A home cook using a knife regularly probably only needs to sharpen it every couple of weeks. If it is a knife that is used a few times a year, then only sharpen it once a year. How frequently a knife needs to be sharpened also depends on the quality of the knife. Sturdier knives will not require as much sharpening as a knife with a type of metal that easily dulls.

“You really don’t want to sharpen every time you use it, because every time you sharpen you remove metal,” says Moore. “Some knives are extremely expensive, so you don’t want to continually sharpen. You just want to clean that edge and realign, and then sharpen as you need to.”

Edges can be realigned by using a steel rod. It is important to distinguish that steel rods do not actually sharpen knives, but rather realign curved edges. Every time a knife is used, the edge rolls slightly under. A steel rod straightens it out again, and it is fine to realign the edge before each use since it does not remove metal like sharpening does. There are some rods, such as Hewlett Manufacturing’s JewelStik, that have diamond or ceramic abrasives and those sharpen as well as realign, notes Moore.

Knife sharpeners fall under several categories. There are electric models, manual or pull-through varieties and sharpening stones. A single stage pull-through knife sharpener would be a good option for a person just beginning to sharpen their own knives. This type will have a fixed angle to take the guesswork out of holding the knife correctly. Higher end versions of the pull through sharpener might have two stages with both a coarse and fine option. Others might also offer the ability to sharpen knives with with varying edge angles on a single unit.

Electric sharpeners can speed up the sharpening process for home cooks who have a large collection of knives. As with the manual models, the more options the sharpener has, the more of an investment it will require. Abrasives on all sharpeners can range from synthetics, ceramics, and diamonds. Diamond abrasives are more aggressive and are typically found in the coarse slot for really restoring the edge of a dull knife. Ceramics are less aggressive and are used in the fine slot for finishing. Higher end electric sharpeners will have both types of abrasives to encompass a full set of options for the user. A premium sharpener should also typically include the option of sharpening various blade angles and sharpening both sides of the knife at the same time.

KitchenIQ Edge Grip Sharpener

KitchenIQ Edge Grip Sharpener

“If you have a large block of knives, it makes sense to invest in an electric sharpener so you’re not spending so much time sharpening,” says Moore. “If you just have a few knives at home, then a manual sharpener makes sense … An electric sharpener can sometimes be an investment as well. If you make an investment in a premium quality set of knives, then you probably want to invest in a premium sharpener as well.”

Sharpening on a stone is a skill that takes practice to master and is not typically recommended for entry level use. It requires knowledge of the proper angle to hold the knife at, as well as technique to pull the knife across the stone correctly. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, a sharpening stone is actually the most advanced method of sharpening, skill-wise.

“It’s important that retailers realize that as much attention as they give to cutlery in their stores, it’s important to offer the option of maintaining that cutlery,” say Moore. “It doesn’t matter what price point they’re carrying in cutlery, they need to offer an option for a consumer to maintain that cutlery at home. Often we say, have one to show and one to go … it’s important for consumers to feel and touch things. Retailers could have something out for customers, have them be able to look at the electric sharpeners and see the difference between different versions that are out there … Give the whole story on how to take care of a knife, from maintaining it to storage.”

This story was originally published in the June 2015 issue of Kitchenware News, a publication of Oser Communications Group.

Click here for more articles from The Knife Rack

Electric Can Openers

Electric can openers might seem like a luxury item when compared with, say, a knife, but for some home cooks an electric can opener is actually vitally important. Consider customers who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or have other types of nerve damage – an electric can opener can be a useful tool that allows them to have more independence in the kitchen. Add to that some of the regular features that newer models come with, like a built-in knife sharpener, bottle opener, and pop-top opener, and it is easy to see the appeal of adding one to a busy home kitchen.

 

BLACK+DECKER EC475BHeroBLACK+DECKER Extra-Tall Electric Can Opener

The BLACK+DECKER Extra-Tall Electric Can Opener, which accommodates cans up to 49.5-ounces, features an easy-touch lever for hands-free operation and an automatic shut-off function that stops once the can is open. The multi-functional opener has a built-in knife sharpener, pop-top opener and bottle opener. There is a built-in cord storage to keep counters tidy and the blade is removable for easy cleaning.

Suggest Retail Price: $19.99

 

SmartTouchCanOpenerSmart Touch Can Opener

Smart Touch is the easiest way to open a can, bottle, and jar without any mess. Just place on the can, touch the button and away it goes! Manual can openers require twisting and turning, and are almost impossible for people with arthritis and joint pain. With the Smart Touch, twist off even the toughest bottle caps effortlessly, the handle design gives you all the leverage you’ll need. The uniquely designed blade clamps down on the lid from the side, leaving behind a smooth, dull surface. And with its strong magnetic contact point, the lid never falls into the can. Plus, it’s easy to clean with its detachable, dishwasher safe blade.

Suggested Retail Price: $19.99

 

Brentwood J-29BBrentwood Electric Can Opener

This multi-functional can opener by Brentwood Appliances features a taller profile for opening larger cans. The electric can opener features ‘single-finger’ operation for ease of use, a nonskid base and automatic shut off. A built-in chrome bottle opener is located on the front and a built-in knife sharpener is located on the back for sharpening both knives and scissors. Cord storage space is also built into the back of the unit to minimize countertop clutter. Available in black or white.

 

Cuisinart sco60w_sd_siloCuisinart’s Deluxe Stainless Steel Can Opener

With brushed stainless steel, simple lines and embossed Cuisinart logo, the SCO-60’s look fits right in with today’s premium countertop appliances and works with just the touch of a button. Its extra-wide base prevents sliding or tipping, and the “press-and-release” lever easily opens any size can. A precision power-cut blade and handy magnetic lid holder are attached to the removable arm, making cleanup a snap.

Suggested Retail Price: $49.95

 

Hamilton Beach 76776_inset06Black Ice Metal Collection Can Opener

The Hamilton Beach Black Ice™ Metal Collection Can Opener (76776) features SureCut™ patented technology to open cans the first time, every time. It includes the OpenMate™ multi-tool to open bottle tops, hard plastic packages and pop-top cans. The built-in cord storage helps keep your counter space free of cord clutter, while the built-in knife sharpener, located in the back, lets you sharpen cutting utensils for optimal use. The cutting head is removable with the push of a button for easy cleaning. Automatic shutoff ensure the cutting will stop once the can has been completely opened.

 

Proctor-Silex 76370PYProctor Silex Extra-Tall Can Opener

Opening canned goods just got easier with this Extra-Tall Can Opener from Proctor Silex® (76370PY). With its precision cutting mechanism and 9-inch height, it can open even the tallest cans in seconds. The blade of the electric can opener grabs a can’s edge and pulls it in tight to easily open cans on the first try. The cutting lever detaches for thorough cleaning. A manual knife sharpening slot is built into the back of the can opener.

 

Zyliss EasiCan RedZyliss EasiCan

With just one touch to start and one to stop, the Zyliss EasiCan Electric Can Opener automatically opens cans in seconds. The can opener walks around the can lid hands-free and cuts from the side so it doesn’t leave any sharp edges. A magnet underneath the opener grabs the lid for easy, safe disposal. The small but mighty EasiCan opens any size can lid whether small, medium or large.

Suggested Retail Price: $19.99

This story was originally published in the June 2015 issue of Kitchenware News, a publication of Oser Communications Group.