All of these products have been vigorously tested at Fork & Bottle. These are items that we have, use regularly and can unqualifyingly recommend. - Joanne

This is an incredibly accurate and easy to use digital thermometer. I use it for everything from water temperature to oil temperature to roast temperature to BBQing. It folds up for easy storage - and the point is very sharp. It's fantastic and an essential in my kitchen. I use it everyday, multiple times. I've still have the old model which I use as backup (I frequently need 2 thermometers). Over the years I've broken the tip and had it replaced - that's easy and possible with Thermoworks. Thermapen thermometers are extremely good quality, well made and well designed. Comes in 11 colors.

Highly Recommended!
A great (albeit expensive) stocking stuffer!

Amazon: Thermapen Superfast Digital Thermometer

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Zojirushi Mr. Bento Stainless-Steel Lined Lunch Jar, Silver
Our 5 year old and myself have been using these for lunches for a couple months and I really love the design. They are the most commented on lunchbox I've ever had. I warn you that you will likely have to rethink your lunch. Filling all the jar containers is daunting and you will become clever. The reviews complain about the heating cooling and the seals. We haven't had any spills and we often use them for soup - but we are careful not to tip them over- however sometimes it's hard for littler hands to get the top off the rice container is it has soup in it without spilling - an older child would have no trouble. The big rice container is what we've been using for soup and it keeps it warm - not as warm as a thermos but pleasantly warm. Cold things are pleasantly cool. The only thing that could be addressed is the lack of a place to put a drink. We still love them for elegance, whimsy and design. We eat better and less, allowing lots of little courses in a meal and more menu variety.

Amazon: Mr Bento Lunch Box
Amazon: Mrs. Bento Lunch Jar

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A hand-held mandoline-like device with a ceramic blade. I use it for quick slicing of potatoes for gratins or anywhere I need quick thin slices. It's amazing on apples. Washes well. I was dubious too - but now that I have it I never drag out the big mandoline and I use it regularly. On the back is a way to change the opening size - you have a choice of four thicknesses. A great kitchen gadget.Comes in black and red.

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I was skeptical that this expensive gadget would be gathering dust. I used to be rotten at making rice. Now I make perfect rice everytime. This rice cooker is simple to use and easy to clean. It has a lovely chime song to start and finish. It's a pleasure to use and it gets used. Leftover rice I turn into rice pudding.

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Le Creuset 13-Quart Round French Oven
I use this pot for stew or braising – it holds enough to feed an army of ranch hands. Because of it’s size the surface area for sautéing and browning is wide. I’ve made fantastic braised lamb in it and wonderful beef stews and soups. It takes a beefy lass or laddie to heft it from the pantry to the stove but that just indicates the comfort level of that nice stew you’ll produce. Do you need it – no! But it is awesome – it comes in blue, cherry red, dune, white, green or flame. I have the flame.

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These are the best oven mitts I've found. They do what Orka mitts don’t – they make it possible to actually pick something up wearing them – and they aren’t slippery. If you’ve ever tried to wrestle a heavy roasting pan with Okra mitts or tried to pick up a casserole dish with them you’ll know what I mean. These mitts you can bend - they are foam rubber-like and you can actually get a grip on something with them.

I highly recommend them. I have 3 pairs.
You need a pair or two in your kitchen.

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We have 4 - and I give them as gifts. It's US made and approved by both Greenpeace and NSF. It's made of a wood fiber composite and it's safe for dishwashers and even ovens up to 350F. They make a kitchen series – ¼ inch thick, a thicker ½ inch “chef’s version” and a 3/8 inch “gourmet” version which has a black core. The kitchen series board seems to waterlog a bit in the dishwasher so we let it air dry before putting it away - but it hasn’t warped at all. They seem to “heal” cuts well and they are tremendously better than any of the plastic boards I’ve used. I love the large gourmet board with the Juice Groove - it's been working great for me. Makes a great Hostess gift!

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Silicone Universal Lids
Consume less plastic wrap by using these lids for leftovers in the fridge. I keep 3 or 4 around for different size bowls. The lid makes an okay seal on whatever you put it on it. It also works as a heat trivet.

Sur La Table: Univeral Silicone Lid

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All fat separators are not created equal. This one is the biggest one I could find. It holds 4 cups and is great for gravy and stocks – even soups! I love it because it cleans so well in the dishwasher. The previous separator I used was plastic/Acrylic and after using it for awhile, it became crazed and cloudy. This one I’ve had for years. My only dislike is that it just doesn’t pour that well – it’s passable but needs a redesign. I see Oxo is making a 4c one now - perhaps it will stand up better to heat and pour better.

Jack loves 'Cucina Detergent for Dishes: Fruits and Passion'. He's been using it happily for more than three years - and he's very picky. It smells good, it’s biodegradeable, vegetable-based (coconut oil and cornstarch) and easy on the hands. The scent of choice is Ginger & Sicilian Lemon, but there is also Fig & Fresh Herb, Corianader & Olive Tree and Zucchini Flower & Truffle. It works great on dishes and pots.

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If you use non- stick cookware, Look no further, as this company from Iceland has revolutionized it. Your old Teflon needs replacing and this is the new company to choose. Their “non-stick” surface eco-friendly and durable. It bonds titanium particles to the surface – and the process is water-based. Read more here.

The pan is heavy and heats reasonably evenly. I just re-purchased this pan. After a year of daily use the surface was starting to wear (but not tear) and now I have a brand new one. The review? The surface lasts a bit longer than regular Teflon - but I had to replace my Teflon pan every year as well and this one is more environmently friendly making me much happier when I cook in it.

Here’s more information on Look Cookware. For a family of 4 - I recommend the 13” version which is the one I just bought.

Buy Look Cookware at Cooking.com

   

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