KNHR's Top Drawer

A Microplane Herb Mill, please.

I’ve become completely obsessed with the thought of owning a Microplane herb mill. It’s mentioned a couple times in our upcoming November issue of Kitchenware News, deemed one of the best new products of the year by various retailers, and called Microplane’s biggest innovation this year by Microplane’s Marketing Manager, Tracy Panase.

Let’s be honest, readers, despite my love for cooking, baking, and all things kitchen, your blogger is sorely lacking in knife skills. I’m an at-home trained cook, and I haven’t worked very hard at being technically great; I just want to be able to make delicious, home-cooked meals. So sometimes, my julienned basil isn’t very consistent, and leafy herbs like parsley and cilantro define the term “rough chop.”

This is why I’ve placed the herb mill from Microplane at the top of my wish list this holiday season. The herb mill works similar to a pepper mill, allowing you to insert herbs into the mill, and then twisting it to cut. The blades at the bottom of the mill cut your herbs quickly and consistently. I’m fairly certain this is a win-win for me and my meals (though probably not my knife skills).

 

Say Cheers with Mikasa

Oh, kitchenware blog readers, I've been a little busy, but I'm back today and will be posting throughout the holiday season with fun gift items. And I won't lie, some of these items are definitely on my own personal wish list this season.

Serve guests in style and toast with flair with the Mikasa Cheers Wine Set. It's a lovely gift for a friends and family (or yourself). The set includes a carafe and two 16-ounce wine glasses, each featuring an elegant design. The suggested retail price is $39.99.

Glass Water Bottle Trend?

Recently I blogged about new glass water bottles from Lifefactory. Now I’m wondering if we’re going to give up our aluminum and plastic water bottles for glass—Takeya USA appears to be betting on the glass water bottle trend, too. They just debuted two new glass water bottle collections.

Eco-conscious consumers can appreciate these reusable bottles, made from naturally organic and recyclable materials. The bottles are encased in colorful silicone jackets that provide a non-slip grip to prevent accidental breakage. The jackets have see-through windows to check fluid levels, and the jackets and bottles are dishwasher safe. Consumers can choose from the Takeya Modern Glass Water Bottle, a streamlined design available in 16 ounces or 18 ounces, or the Classic Glass Water Bottle, inspired by the American milk bottle with substantial walls and a smooth, rounded spout and available in 16 ounces and 22 ounces. Suggested retail price is $19.99 or $24.99.

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Summer’s here and Father’s Day is fast approaching (June 20!). I’ll admit it, I’m kind of a last-minute gift shopper unless some kind of crazy inspiration hits me. So what I’m trying to tell you is I haven’t started shopping for a Father’s Day gift. In fact, I haven’t even thought about what to get my dad for Father’s Day. If you’re like me, you might like some of these suggestions from Weber.

Weber’s Way to Grill cookbook—a New York Times bestseller and James Beard-nominated cookbook, more than 160 recipes and 1,100 full color photos at an SRP of $24.95

Weber Style Barbecue Apron—With an SRP of $22.99, the apron features suede look accents, pockets, adjustable neck strap and bonus attached bottle opener

Weber Style Three-Piece Stainless Steel Tool Set—Professional-grade spatula, tongs and silicone basting brush with easy grip handles at an SRP of $34.99

Looking Cute with Jessie Steele

I’ll admit it—I’m a bit of a shopping addict. I just have this love for cute clothes and shoes. And, you already know how much I love hanging out in my kitchen. So you can imagine how much I am loving these aprons and reusable tote bags from Jessie Steele. The aprons are offered in a wide selection of retro patterns and bold, bright colors, some with matching tote bags and matching children’s aprons. What, you want me to look cute in my kitchen wearing a classic black-and-white printed bib apron, with an adorable bow on the hip? Well, if you insist. The aprons come in sizes 0-18. The versatile tote bags are made from durable, reinforced canvas with long shoulder straps, perfect for a morning of shopping at the farmer’s market or a day at the beach.

This would look so cute on you.

I think this bag will make other women jealous.

Gourmet Housewares Show Moves To New York In 2011

GLM, LLC, owner of the Gourmet Housewares Show, has announced that the show is moving to New York in January, 2011. No Gourmet Housewares Show will be held in 2010. In January, 2011, the Gourmet Housewares Show will be co-located within the New York International Gift Fair. GLM is hoping that some of the 150 new exhibitors it expects at NYIGF as a result of the move will also exhibit in the fall NYIGF show.

Bamboo Growpots

Potting Shed Creations will introduce these great herb gardens in 4” high pots made from sustainable bamboo at the NYIGF in January.  These Bamboo Growpots are enough to make even a confirmed horrible gardener like me take notice.

The lids invert to become saucers and the ribbon is made from recycled plastic bottles.  USDA certified organic soil and seed is used where available. 

The assortment includes oregano, parsley, basil, mint, lavender, snaps, blue eyes, and wishflower. Growpots can also be displayed in groups of three coupled with the display tray.
 
Each Growpot measures 4” high x 4” in diameter and retails for $20 each. The tray measures 2.5” high x 4.8” wide x 14” long and retails for $10.

Plant Some Seeds with OOTS!

OOTS! offers a great set of placemats made from biodegradable and recycled fibers, seeds and plant material. And, the something special about this product is that the seed mats can actually be planted!

The seed placemats are made by Symphony Handmade Seed Papers in New Mexico and distributed by OOTS. The company has the exclusive distribution rights.

I’m showing you the Chasta Daisies Placemats – daisies being everyone’s favorite happy flower. The placemats are sold in a set of 8 along with place cards for $44 (retail).

They also have seasonal themed ornament shapes – such as Snowman, Angel, Dove, Pine Tree, Planet Earth, Reindeer, Star, and Star of David as well as Holiday Ornament Cards (Angel, Dove, Leaf (for Thanksgiving), Pine Tree, Reindeer, Snowflake and Star).

You can see the seed papers in person at NYIGF this Jan.

Clever “Cookbook” for Novices

I first saw the Mama Says “No More Frozen Pizza” product a few months back at AmericasMart Atlanta.  The company owners put together 24 easy-to- make recipes in a box shaped like a frozen pizza box.

Developed by two moms whose kids called home for recipes, the recipe collection includes main courses, sides, and salads printed on durable, laminated cards. Each recipe card features a photo of the completed dish and easy-to-follow instructions.

There are lots of beginner cookbooks out there, but this one has a clever twist – in both the packaging and the collection of recipes.

The Mama Says “No More Frozen Pizza” is a great gift idea and reasonably priced at $18.99.

Kitchen Gifts

We’re closing in on the height of the gift-giving season, so I thought I’d call your attention to this kitchen gift basket from The Baby Bunch.

The Thanks a Bunch Kitchen Bucket Bunch is filled with a nice compilation of thoughtful kitchen items in a good color scheme (powder blue with cocoa trim).

The Kitchen Bunch includes: one full apron with pocket, two dish cloths, two tea towels and one tote bag suitable for grocery shopping and more, all made of 100% cotton and gathered into what the manufacturer describes as a “bouquet ready for a kitchen caper.”

The kitchen “buds” are surrounded by fabric and wooden rosebuds accented with green leaves. The Thanks a Bunch Kitchen Bucket Bunch arrives in a useful metal pail with a gift tag.

Designer/Artist: Bryony Boxer is responsible for this thoughtful gift package which retails for $69.95.

Look for the company at both AmericasMart Atlanta and NYIGF in January.