Weekly Catalog Finds for the Kitchen

Dumpling Makers:  I purchased these dumpling makers (or similar to it) at Marshall's and probably paid less but not much.  Here they also have a recipe book which I may need to purchase.  I haven't used them yet but I am looking forward to it.  I just had a thought, maybe I can make corn pupusas with them since my "by hand" method isn't working out like the restaurant version.  From Fresh Finds, Item# E4731 for $9.95 and the cookbook is Item#C1282 for $8.95

I first heard about these through Oprah and I use mine all the time.  It is a stainless steel straw, GO GREEN!  You don't want to use them on hot drinks of course but for any cold drink they are perfect.  I don't remember where I got mine but if you Google it you will find them at various places, like Amazon for as low as $2.45 each.  I got a set of 4 or 6 for a set price.

Fruit Bowl:  This fruit bowl is very different, stylish, modern and just plain cool.   It is from Uncommon Goods, Item# 11773 for $45

Onion/Potato Keeper:  What about a place to store you garlic, onions or potatoes.  I've found cuter garlic containers but I haven't seen an onion container.  If I don't have a drawer for onions/potatoes in my new kitchen then this canister is an option.  From Chefs Catalog, Item# 23810 for $29.99, the potato keeper is $39.99

Tortilla Warmer:  Necessary?  Probably not but I keep thinking about it.  This one comes in colors, is 9.5" in diameter (so you need to check the size of the tortillas you normally buy because if they didn't fit and you had to down size that would be a bummer).  It is from Chefs Catalog, Item# 26089 for $24.99.  Unfortunately they were sold out of the colored ones, Item#23890 which I like better but if white is your color, here you go.

Pesto Storage Cubes:  I always have pesto in the freezer.  I just freeze mine in ice cube trays and then once frozen I put them in a zip top bag.  I thought this was an interesting option, again don't know if it is necessary since my method works fine but it does will look more organized in the freezer, IF you have the room.  From Gardeners, Item# 38-799 for $12.95.

If you watch any cooking shows like Food Network then you see them grab the salt and pepper from a container with their hands.  I keep thinking I should do this instead of having to shake it out of the container but then I wonder if dirty hands would end up in my salt/pepper container.  I've seen several I like, just make sure your fingers fit or you defeat the purpose.

Le Creuset, it's a spice jar and available at Surlatable for $8.95, regularly $14.95

Surlatable also has an Italian made one for $5.95 along with a box style for $19.95

I've seen these at Marshall's, for a lot less than what I can find in a catalog but in case you don't have a Marshall's near you a portable paper towel holder is a nice idea.  If you have a party outdoors and don't have fancy napkins you can at least make your paper towels look nicer.  It's also cheaper in the long run.  Here are some I found in catalogs.

Ballard Designs:  Cortona Towel rack, Item# BM074 for $49

From Napa Style, I found this one, not as fancy but better portable style and cheaper.  Item# 5739 for $29.  Funny thing it includes a soap dish also.

The Parker bowls at Crate and Barrel are on sale for $29.95, Item# VH056.  They are a set of 5 multi colored bowls.  I like the purple/green/blue set but they also come in primary colors.  Check them out.