First Kitchen
If you're just starting out (or want to help some who is), here are the basics to help get started.
- Progressive Microwave MatWhy It's Cool: Keeps the heavy Microwave tray clean, and cleans up easilyOK, you know this problem, right? You put something into a container and put it in the microwave to heat up. You thought it was contained (it’s in a container, after all)....Progressive Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons - P13Why It's Cool: Sits on counter without tipping, fits spice jars, 2 ends for twice the use, designed for easy storageMeasuring spoons are one of the most often-used tools in any kitchen. We need them for everything from precision baking to approximate cooking, so that we can repeat great results...OXO V-Blade Mandoline SlicerA mandoline is both awesome and scary. Awesome, because it really can do things a knife can’t (at least not when wielded by a mere amateur), like julienning a couple of pounds...Joseph Joseph TriScale - J21Why It's Cool: Fully functional scale with tare capability using very little spaceHere’s the dilemma: you know that weighing your ingredients is a much more reliable practice than than any other form of measurement (see this week's Cool Tip, and even when...Charles Viancin Silicone Lids - CV28Why It's Cool: Use instead of plastic wrap for a better seal and greener kitchen...and it's a universal lid on the stove or in the oven or microwave.I’m pretty much a disaster when it comes to plastic wrap; it seems to stick to everything except the bowl I'm trying to cover. And the green side of me hates to use it once...Norpro Stainless Steel Scoops-1 TbspOne of my favorite hors d’oeuvre to make when I have company is gougères: those airy, cheesy puffs that melt in your mouth. The hardest thing about gougères is dealing with...Progressive Collapsible Mini FunnelsWhy It's Cool: Large enough holes for most jobs, stores easilyThe funnel is the Rodney Dangerfield of the kitchen--it gets no respect! But if you don’t have one, you wind up chasing peppercorns around the kitchen counter or wiping up a lot...Chef'n StemGem Strawberry Stemmer - C34Why It's Cool: Grabs and removes strawberry stem and hull easily...fun and safe for kids to useIt's summer... and we're surrounded by wonderful strawberries! And if you have strawberries, and if you’re going to serve them over a dessert like Guilt-Free Panna Cotta or...Progressive Fruit and Vegetable BrushWhy It's Cool: Both soft and firm bristles to clean all kinds of fruits, vegetables and mushroomsBefore you can cut, slice, chop or dice your beautiful produce, you need to wash it. I know we sound like your mother, but regardless of where you got the produce - your garden,...Joseph Joseph Double Dish - J22Why It's Cool: Hides pistachio shells, olive pits, etc. out of sightWe love eating and serving olives and pistachios, and I love edamame. We also love cherries and cherry tomatoes. The thing that all these foods have in common is that they leave...