Iron minis
Lodge knows cast iron cookware. But it's not resting on its hefty laurels. Enter the new tableware miniservers. The collection offers seven cute shapes -- the curved handles are a nice touch -- perfect for serving up sides, desserts and more.
Buy them for $12 to $18 each at lodgemfg.com.
'The Minimalist'
The most influential New York Times food columnist since Craig Claiborne, Mark Bittman has become the must-read for home cooks.
ADVERTISEMENT
Known as "The Minimalist," Bittman demystifies cooking, proving that any klutz can cook a gourmet meal with little time or effort.
He's back with his most ambitious cookbook yet, "The Food Matters Cookbook: 500 Revolutionary Recipes for Better Living" (Simon & Schuster, $35), in which he makes a compelling argument to eat a plant-based diet, using meat as a seasoning, flavoring agent or condiment; think mushroom stew with beef chunks instead of beef stew or a meat-and-grain burger instead of an all-beef patty.
He argues it's not only a guide to better health but better for the environment: The fewer animals we raise, the fewer greenhouse-gas emissions are generated.
Sugar-free dessert
The thought of giving up dessert in favor of a stick of gum never crossed our gluttonous minds, until we met Extra Dessert Delights gum. The flavor scientists behind this new line of Wrigley gum really nailed the Key Lime Pie, Strawberry Shortcake and Mint Chocolate Chip varieties. We're still in awe, and happily chewing away. Just don't tell your sweet tooth that it's sugar-free.
A pack of 15 sticks is available in grocery and convenience stores nationwide for about $2.
The herbinator
Make quick work of chopping and mincing fresh herbs and some veggies with Kuhn Rikon Switzerland's Kulu Herb & Vegetable Knife. The curves of the handle and blade on the knife, an updated version of the traditional Eskimo ulu knife, make the whole prep process kind of fun.
ADVERTISEMENT
Buy the small version for about $12 (in green or red) at kuhnrikon.com.
