droolicious : cooking

Taco Night Made Easier: Kapoosh Taco Tender

Aaron Burgess — Mon, 18 May 2009 13:00:00 GMT

If you're running out of ways to make taco night more interesting, well, the Kapoosh Taco Tender won't get the kids to try that veggie chorizo you've been digging. The Taco Tender will, however, make it that much easier to dish out the same three ingredients without cracking your shells, and with space for three tacos, it even makes a clever serving tray.

$5.71 (regularly $6.99) at Amazon.

Cow-Shaped Pancakes, Pig-Shaped Eggs

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 01 May 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Or vice versa: Either's possible with these animal-shaped cooking rings. While you'll probably have the best luck if your skillet is also perfectly flat (my cookware is infamous for its batter creep), each 4.5" long ring is designed to produce perfect animal-shaped edibles every time you cook. The retractable wooden handles are an especially nice touch for those of us who've burned our fingers trying to get a similar effect with metal cookie cutters.

$5.25 per set at The Afternoon.

Miniature Lunchtime Playset From Kitchen Littles

Lisa Estall — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:23:00 GMT

Little kids will like to pretend cooking a meal with this Kitchen Littles Lunch Playset.

The pieces are sized to play with an 11 1/2" fashion doll so only older kids ages 4 and up should play with this.

The set includes spatula, dinner plate, 2 apples, can of lemonade, bag of chips, lettuce leaf with 1/2 bun, burger, tomato with 1/2 bun...

and a die-cast metal frying pan with lid.

Sold at International Playthings for $10.

Is That Plastic? No, It's Not.

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 17:30:00 GMT

We wouldn't recommend packing a ceramic container in your kid's lunchbox, but if you're looking for a way to store and reheat last night's mac & cheese without worrying about harmful chemicals leaching into your family's food, Yoyo Ceramics' Is That Plastic? collection provides a handy solution.

Available in three sizes -- butter dish (shown here), egg pot and small saucer -- the containers look like vintage Tupperware but feature none of the added, er, "special ingredients" you might find in plastics.

£9.50 (around $14 U.S.) and up from Thorsten van Elten.

Train Your Iron Chef with Cooking Essentials Stainless Steel Set

Heather Kuldell — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:08:00 GMT

Every kitchen stadium, even a micro-sized one, needs the right tools to host a cooking competition. The Step2 Cooking Essential Stainless Steel Set furnishes fun with pots and pans that look as though they belong in mom and pop’s kitchen, but scaled down. The shiny set includes a stock pot, two pots, a saute pan, a colander, coordinating lids and two pot holders. All that left is to unveil the special ingredient.

Available on sale for $29.99 at Dinnerplates.com.

Froggy Smock

Lisa Mulcahy — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:00:00 GMT

Let this little froggy protect your toddler’s clothes while cooking or crafting.

Designed with creative kids in mind the Froggy Kids Play Smock/Apron, $18.95, is made of 100% cotton and is fully adjustable. Unlike some of the vinyl varieties you can toss this one in the washer and dryer for easy cleaning.

Nordic Ware's New Brownie Pan Raises the Bar -- 12 Bars, Actually

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Perennial snackers that they are, my kids go through a lot of brownies -- like, Betty Crocker-stock-boosting levels -- and as the designated brownie-slicer in our family, I'm loving this Chocolate Bar Brownie Pan from Nordic Ware.

Not only does the 13" x 7" pan mold your finished treats into the shape of a giant chocolate bar, but the ridged dividers eliminate the need for slicing. Just break off the individual pieces, and you've got 12 miniature snack bars -- all of which, thanks to the nonstick cast-aluminum surface, slide out perfectly every time.

$29.95 from Williams-Sonoma, and it looks like it'd make a great fudge pan, too.

Heart-Shaped Pancake Griddle is Cookin' With Love

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:30:00 GMT

Sure, it's an out-of-budget purchase in these tough times, but Nordic Ware's Heart-Shaped Pancake Griddle will keep the brood's tummies filled with love well past Valentine's Day. The heavy-duty pan cooks up seven mini (3") pancakes at a time, and its hand-washable nonstick surface promises an easy cleanup afterward. The sale price and "Made in USA" stamp are nice bonuses, too.

$19.99 (regularly $40) from Sur la Table.

The Head Chef Spatula Adds a Helping Hand in the Kitchen

Heather Kuldell — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 04:26:00 GMT

Till the world outside thaws a bit, we’re still trying to fill the days with indoor activities. So far video games win, but cooking holds a good bit of attention too. Adding a few fun pieces can help kids feel more welcome in the kitchen. The Head Chef Cooking Spatula is like most spatulas -- made of food-safe silicone and dishwasher safe -- but features bendy arms and legs, and suction-cup feet.

Available at Cooking for $9.95.

70% of Kid’s Aprons

SunnyChanel — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:30:00 GMT

Kids are messy. Painting, crafting and helping in the kitchen are all events that leave children’s clothing in a worse state than when they began. My kid is no exception. But now that we got her an apron, when she goes to town with her fingerpaints or helps stir the cookie dough, there is a chance her outfit will actually keep clean. If you need to keep your kids clothes in a somewhat unsoiled state, you can get a great deal on an apron here from Baby Dagny where a couple of their aprons, like the Retro Flower Apron, are 70% off (Regularly $39 now $11.70).

Kids Kitchen Utensils I'm Coveting

Erin Behan — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:34:00 GMT

While I love oohing and aahing at the cuteness of kids kitchen sets, I've always wondered at their practicality. Why not give kids kitchen utensils they can actually cook with? That question seems to have crossed the minds of the Head Chef designers. Their new line of kids cooking tools are made of high-grade silicone and suitable for cooking (practical) and are sure to get your kids in the kitchen with you. The utensils also feature bendable arms and legs and come in bright, kid-friendly colors (not so practical). Find them for your kids--or yourself--for $8.98 each at Broadway Panhandler.

Let the Kids in the Holiday Kitchen

SunnyChanel — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:30:00 GMT

I can not wait until my daughter is old enough to do holiday crafts and cooking with me. I’m not talking about her adorable attempts at trying to draw Santa (which honestly looks more like a beached whale), or her indulgence in binging on the gingerbread house’s decorations. No, I can’t wait until she can join me in making Ice Cream Treewitches, Mrs. Clause’s Peppermint Wonders and Sweet and Crunchy Garland or some of the other delicious and delightful recipes and projects included in the book Kids in the Holiday Kitchen – Making, Baking, Giving.

It looks like next year will be the year for our family cooking and crafting, but if your kids are old enough, pick up this book for some festive holiday cheer. This year, we all need a little extra of that. Available from Chronicle Books here. ($16.95)

Godfather Spaghetti Measurer Doles Out Servings You Can't Refuse

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Nothing says, "Don't @#$% with me while I'm cooking," like a pasta measurer shaped like brass knuckles, eh? Built to measure the recommended serving size for your own mob, the Godfather Pasta Measuring Device lets you adjust from "Child" to "Triplets" to a whole famiglia, but as far as using it to fend off attackers goes, don't get your hopes up: It's way too thin to do any real damage.

$50 from Charles & Marie. [Via Uncrate]

Doughnut Lover’s Dream

Lisa Mulcahy — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:25:00 GMT

Pregnant or not, if you have a constant craving for Krispy Kremes this kitchen gizmo will do the trick.

With a no-nonsense name like the Dough-Nu-Matic, it screams novelty item, but what the heck, it might be fun to give it a go. Apparently you can make piping hot mini donuts in less than 60 seconds (minus the time it takes to prepare the dough). The Dough-Nu-Matic automatically forms, fries and drains the delectable mini-donuts, all you do is add the dough. Could be a big hit if you’re a regular on the bake sale circuit.

$119.98 at Amazon.

Digital Recipe Reader Holds Secrets for Grandma's Fudge, 2,499 Others

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:04:00 GMT

Sure, having up to 2,500 beloved family recipes stored digitally could present even more of a hazard than filing them on cards if the kids start messing around with this digital recipe reader, but if you're looking to cut kitchen clutter (and don't mind dropping $300 to save some paper), go ahead and splurge. Besides the file, the reader also has three separate timers, along with conversion and substitition tools -- and considering it lets you upload and synchronize recipes online, you'll probably never lose Grandma's fudge recipe, anyway, even if your littlest mistakes the gadget for a video game.

$299.99 (ships early November) from Neiman Marcus.

Crunchy or Creamy? This Peanut Butter Machine Goes Both Ways

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:04:00 GMT

Yeah, so the food processor's generally worked well enough up to this point when we need fresh peanut butter in a jiffy (sorry, couldn't resist), but c'mon: Just look at this Peanut Butter Machine from Vintage Electrics and tell me you wouldn't clear counter space for it.

The real reasons it's got us drooling, of course, aren't just aesthetic: Besides its potential to pay for itself after a few weeks' worth of DIY grinding, the machine -- whose two-cup hopper also accepts macadamias, cashews, sunflowers and a handful of other nuts and seeds -- pumps out warm, fresh nut butter in creamy or crunchy form. It doesn't start shipping until Sept. 29, though, so preorder now and start hoarding nuts in the meantime.

$49.98 from The Lighter Side Co.

Hot S’More Action Minus the Campfire

SunnyChanel — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:42:00 GMT

Okay, this one goes more in the category of something I’d get more for me than my kid, you know why? ‘Cos I love me some hot S’More Action. Ever since I was seduced by their taste sensations while on a Camp Fire Girls retreat, I’ve had a little spot in my heart and place reserved on my field of taste buds for this gooey mixture. But how often do I find myself around an open flame with sticks, Graham Crackers, marshmallow and chocolate. Not that often. But I can avoid the stick splinters, the carcinogenic qualities of burnt marshmallow and well that whole camping thing with the Microwave S’More Maker. This cute creature will make a set of S’Mores in thirty seconds flat. Hello hips, meet your new little friend. ($7.98)

Cookies Take Off with Rocket Spatula

Heather Kuldell — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:31:00 GMT

If there’s one word that will rocket a kid’s afternoon into the stratosphere, it’s “cookies.” With this Rocket Spatula you can fuel even more fun by having your child play co-pilot to a delicious bond-building activity, even if you cut a few corners with the store-bought, pre-mixed cookie dough. On sale at Williams-Sonoma for $5.99, the spatula features a flexible nylon head, a brushed stainless steel handle, and measure 10 inches long.

(Photo credit: williams-sonoma.com.)

For the Culinary Copycat

Lisa Mulcahy — Wed, 28 May 2008 12:10:00 GMT

Anything that keeps my toddler occupied while I’m cooking is ok in my book. I’ve given in to fridge magnets (even though I vowed to never have one of those refrigerators with tons of crap hanging off of it) and have sacrificed some skillet pans, but now I think it’s time to break down and buy some “appliances” for my son. These look just like Mommy and Daddy’s toaster, coffee maker and mixer.

Since he’s going though a big time copycat phase, I think he’ll be pleased and will hopefully turn to his own culinary creations instead of hanging on my leg. Cookin For Kids’ toaster, coffee maker and stand mixer, are affordable at $9.99 each and besides looking good they move and make sounds like the real thing.

35 Ways to Get Baked With Your Kids This Summer

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 27 May 2008 14:03:00 GMT

Think you've got the baking chops to knock out the "Swishy Fishy" cake shown here? What about a full-scale, caramel- and chocolate-bedecked sandcastle birthday cake? Well, with all the free time you'll have on your hands once school lets out (I kid!), now is the perfect time to grab a copy of Matthew Mead's new book, Cakes for Kids, and give both a shot.

Luckily for the baking-impaired (yours truly included), Mead includes easy-to-follow instructions, complete with assembly/cutting diagrams and droolworthy color photos, for the 35 cakes he features -- each of which should make you the hit of any birthday party. While the book includes basic from-scratch recipes for cake and frosting, it also leaves plenty of room for achieving baked-good nirvana with store-bought mixes.

Regularly priced at $19.95, Cakes for Kids is going for just under 15 bucks at Amazon.

Mini Bear Smile Skillet Makes Food Cuter

Heather Kuldell — Sun, 11 May 2008 15:12:00 GMT

My household doesn't have time for big breakfasts during the week, but we like to make up for on Saturdays and Sundays. Our favorite? Pancakes. Stacks and stacks and stacks of pancakes. I'm not sure making breakfast cuter makes it more delicious, but it does get some extra smiles from the diners. This mini bear smile skillet spruces up pancakes, eggs or other easily shaped food.

Available at fredflare for $18.

Taterpots for Gardeners-in-Training

Heather Kuldell — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:10:00 GMT

Watching daffodils peek out of other people's gardens inspires some serious green-thumb envy. Sadly, I have no yard, so I'm limited to what can thrive near my windows. These potato-shaped pots called Taterpots stand less than three inches tall and feature a sweet, smiling faces. Little gardners can help plant and water an assortment of herbs that take 4 to 8 weeks to grow before they need to be tranferred to a larger pot. You or your assistant can also snip the herbs for cooking, even it's just to garnish grilled cheese.

$12.50 from Brooklyn 5 & 10, available in oregano, basil or mint

Eat Your Veggies: Butter Baby Corn Picks

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 13:02:00 GMT

Kids don't just love corn; they're practically made of the stuff. Of course, eating corn off the cob can be a challenge for little ones, and that's where Butter Baby Corn Picks ($8.98 for a set of four) come into play. Cute, chunky, and interlockable for safe storage (to keep sharp ends away from little fingers), they make veggie-chomping fun while costing only a small fortune more than the food you're using them to hold. Of course, we are in the off season, so that estimate may be a little unreliable.

Letter Jello Molds, Watch 'Em Wiggle

crazedparent — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 11:32:00 GMT

A nifty and different birthday "cake" idea: spell out a "Happy Birthday" wish with letter Jello molds (£7.99 for a set of 13 letters) by Urchin. I'm thinking these would be great for preschool and daycare birthday parties. No fuss, no frosting, no mess. Me likey.