Crispy Lemon Zest

I saw a culinary tip in my latest Martha Stewart Living magazine, and I can't wait to try it - crisp lemon zest.  According to Martha, "frying zest gives it a crisp texture and a caramelized flavor."  Brilliant, right?  Simply use a vegetable peeler to remove the rind of 2 lemons, slice the peels into matchsticks.  Place 1/4 inch oil in a pan over medium-high heat.  Add zest to hot oil; cook about 3 seconds.  Strain oil before serving, or use oil and zest together in a marinade or dressing. 

Can't wait to try this!

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The Ever-Modern Kitchen

While I don't have an ounce of counter space left in our kitchen, I'm always intrigued by the latest and greatest kitchen tools.  Lately, these gadgets have caught my eye...

The Egg Skelter

Keeps your eggs in order, a convenient way to keep your eggs sorted by freshness.

The Food Pod

Boils, blanches, steams, and drains.  Use it for everything from broccoli to artichokes to eggs.

The Lily pad lid

The green alternative to saran wrap, forms a tight seal on any smooth surface.

Kuhn Rikon avocado tool

Cuts, pits, and scoops avocados, all in one.

What kitchen tools/gadgets have caught your eye lately?

Split Decision Pie Pan

I soo need this! The split decision pie pan. When you can't decide what pie to make - compromise an make both! In my family, we often encounter the Thanksgiving dessert dilemma of - apple pie or pumpkin pie? Sounds like we may have a new solution, and it's a crowd pleaser!

Ingenious!

Why didn't I think of this??

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You're Toast

Aren't these toast coasters cool? Have your morning coffee with a slice of toast...literally.

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My Asian Pear Love Affair

Historically, I've never liked pears. Until recently, I've found pears to have a mealy texture with a unpleasant too-thick skin. This was how I felt until...I tried an Asian Pear. I admit I was biased thinking all pears must taste the same, Asian pears are delightful! They are much sweeter, and more apple-like in texture. Several arrived in my CSA box this week and they've already been devoured by my bf and I.

If you've never been a pear person like I was...I challenge you to try an Asian pear. (And a little tip, pair the pear with a savory cheese like bleu or pecorino and enjoy - delish!)

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Tuscan Kale

I'm expecting a bunch of Tuscan Kale in my CSA box delivery this week. My cousin Jenny cooks with this leafy vegetable all the time because 1 cup = 100% of your daily A and K vitamins.

So here's my dilemma... I've only used kale a handful of times before, and need to expand beyond the 2 guaranteed "tasty" kale recipes I know (Two-Bean Soup with Kale and Roasted Chicken Legs with Potatoes and Kale).

How do you weave kale or tuscan kale into your cooking? Do tell :)

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Boo!

As fall descends, I find I'm already looking ahead to fall festivities like Halloween! Don't you love these table ghosties? Such a fun way to liven up your fall with festive ghosties whose faces double as salt and pepper shakers, but remove the cork and enable the pour factor. Excellent!

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Pop Pop Pop

My boyfriend is Mr. Jalapeno Popper, he loves those spicy things more than words can describe. In light of all the pub food and we've been devouring while cheering on the World Cup games, I saw this little contraption and knew it's be love at first sight. A Jalapeno Pepper Roaster - the ultimate do-it-yourself jalapeno popper maker. Jackpot! Christmas has come early this year babe!

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Grillin' It Up

Ever since we got the BBQ, I've been looking into grill tools to jazz it up. Right now I have my eye on this cast iron griddle - isn't it pretty? As I type, I'm envisioning all the grilled goodness the bf and I could prepare on this...

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Smidgen or Dash?

Have you ever followed a recipe that called for a "pinch" or a "dash?" Raise your hand if you have...um, yeah...me too. While I may be improving in the culinary arts, but I still hem and haw over what constitutes these measurements. But I'm loving these handy-dandy measurement tools with 3 spoons for smidgen, pinch, and dash so you measure perfect every time!

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Love Those Ends

It's a given...everyone loves brownies. But if you had your pick, wouldn't you always pick the corner brownies? You know the ones, they hug the edge of the pan. Let's face it, the end brownies are just superior; better consistency and crust, the perfect blend of crunchiness and chewiness. If this is you (as it is indeed me), check this out, The Baker's Edge Brownie Pan. This lovely little tool enables you to always ensure you get the pick of the brownie batch! Ingenious! Why didn't I think of that?!?

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Cat Accessories

As a new cat owner, I'm pretty sure I need this cat mug. Adorable! Don't worry, I'm a one-cat kind of girl, I promise I won't become a crazy cat lady.

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Cupcake Ready

I've been very into cupcakes lately, could you tell? Maybe it's because I just acquired a new cupcake pan from the Seattle kitchen store Sur La Table. Hoping to try these lemon meringue cupcakes in the near future.

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Easy as Pie

Mmm, don't these look amazing? From Bakerella, the people who brought you cheesecake pops, now comes pie pops! This would make a sweet little favor at a shower or birthday party. I come from a pie-baking family, I've had many a birthday-pie in lieu of the traditional birthday cake in my 26 years.

My absolute fave (aside from my grandma/mom's apple) is strawberry rhubarb. Are you pie fans? If so what's your favorite kind?
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Rah Rah Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a very strange ingredient. I'm not even sure whether to call it a fruit or a vegetable (honestly). I recently cracked open a housewarming gift I received over a year ago - rhubarb scented cleaning supplies. The sweet scent alone has me on the prowl for ways to keep this delicious flavor permeating my kitchen!

I've personally never cooked with rhubarb, but I've heard the flavor lies in the stalk. After some recipe hunting, I've come across a few recipes that look promising, 1. Rhubarb-Strawberry crisp, 2. rhubarb sorbet, 3. rhubarb and apple cobbler, and 4. strawberry rhubarb lemonade.

Any rhubarb insights you'd like to share??

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I Heart Cookie Dough

Who doesn't love cookie dough? Try a chocolate-chip cookie dough cupcake. You can't beat cookie dough that doubles as frosting. All I can say is...yum!

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I Like To Eat, Eat, Eat...Waffles & Paninis

Just purchased this little guy as a "Merry Christmas" to myself. Check it out, a 3-in-1 grill, waffle, sandwich maker, on sale for $20.99. Gimmick? I think not! This is my officially my new BFF, well...when it arrives in the mail that is...

I encourage you to jump on the 3-in1 bandwagon!

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