Written By Vicki Anzmann
Autumn and its harvest signal the start of seasonal and familial feasts and celebrations. In preparation for these cooking events and in the interest of making the most of the harvest’s bounty, consider this collection of gadgets to make the cook’s job easier. Bright colors and interesting materials abound. These aren’t your grandma’s kitchen tools.
Chicken Steamer Efficient on the grill or in the oven, this innovative chicken “scaffold” produces moist and tender chicken, with the beverage can in the center ring steaming the chicken from the inside out. It is also a healthy cooking option, because the fat drains away from the bird as it cooks. Proof that simple can be the most effective. $5.99, Boscov’s, Westminster Town Mall, 400 North Center Street, Westminster, 410-751-6660.
Snappy Steamer Healthy and fresh eating is a focus of many families. With this silicone vegetable steamer, cooks can use a regular cook pot to steam fresh foods. Microwave and dishwasher safe. $11.99, Target, 200 Malcolm Dr, Westminster, 410-848-6180.
Color Coded A set of four chopping mats is color coded to prevent cooks from cross-contaminating foods; one color for meat, a different color for fruits and veggies. The mats are NSF certified (guarantees the product safety) and dishwasher safe. $5.99, Bed Bath & Beyond, 200 Clifton Blvd., Westminster, 410-848-0137, www.bedbathandbeyond.com.
Updated Food Mill Everything old is new again. With many adopting a “back to basics” approach to foods, a new generation of cooks is discovering the health benefits and the satisfaction that goes with preparing and preserving fresh and local foods. The OXO Good Grips Food Mill can streamline this process. Prepare applesauce without peeling or coring the apples by hand. Seeds and skins are easily separated from the rest of the tomato for sauce. Homemade jellies and jams are a snap. The Good Grips food mill comes with three blades, is easy to assemble and disassemble, and is dishwasher safe. $20.99, Kohl’s, two locations in Carroll County, 840 Market Street, Westminster, 410- 871-3278 and 1324 Londontown Blvd., Eldersburg, 410-549-7707.
Easy Drainer Draining pasta and vegetables is especially easy with this pot drainer. Place over half of the pot, grip drainer handle and pot handle, tilt and drain. $3.99, Boscov’s, Westminster Town Mall, 400 North Center Street, Westminster, 410-751-6660.
