FoodieAGoGo & Me: Weekly Catalog Finds

Perfume Travel Atomizer: This is one of the newest things I have seen that I think would be a great gift. Now that we can't bring on over 3 oz. of liquid unless you got a gift pack you may not have a small size of your favorite perfume. Using this atomizer allows you to use your favorite and be green while doing it since it is refillable. From Travolo for only $19.99. Great gift

Spice Grinder: I was thinking about just getting another coffee grinder but this one seems small and handy. From SurLaTable, Item#804708 for $19.99. It comes in a variety of colors, not just purple.

I want to own good quality, sharp knifes. Instead of purchasing more cheap knifes I am ready to invest in a brand that will last a long time. The brand I have decided on is Wusthof. You can find them at many places including Williams Sonoma and ChefsCatalog. What I also decided is I don't need a whole set and a block to put them in which will just give me more counter clutter. Instead I only need to get what I'll use. The following pieces are the one's I want to replace with Wusthof knifes.

5-6" sandwich knife (daily use)
Steak Knifes (set of 4)
8" Chefs knife
9" Bread knife

I'm going with the Classic style. I have also seen Grand Prix II and Classic Ikon but I like the classic style the best.

At Christmas time with all the outdoor lights and extension cords I'm always worried about rain and the connections of these cords. I love this solution, I hope it works. From Improvements Catalog, these cord plug protectors, Item# 356694 for $9.99/2.

Tart Pans: There are so many choices and although you may rarely make a tart I think a couple of pans are needed. The first set of tart pans I purchased were really Flan pans from Pampered Chef, Item #1700. They were about 10" around and worked out perfectly for my Zucchini Tart. Since the dough goes into the grove around the edge I thought the tart won't come out but it does just fine. The problem with this pan is that you can't really unmold like you could if the bottom was removable and there wasn't a groove. I wouldn't suggest purchasing this for a tart pan but it has worked out fine for me so if you find one cheap at a garage sale it is an option. I have seen them on eBay but they are no longer available through Pampered Chef.

The next tart pan I purchased was quite a bit larger 12" D and had a removable bottom. I haven't tried this yet because I need to double my recipe. What I liked about this pan besides the removable bottom was that it was deeper so you can fill it with more goodies. It's made of a heavy metal and I got it at Marshalls.

Finally, I want to purchase the one from Le Creuset which is 9 1/2" D at Chefs Catalog. Since it's deeper like my metal pan you can make quiches and other things I can't make in my shallow flan pan. I also like that you can serve right from the pretty pan where you can't do this from the one where the bottom removes. It also makes it easier to transport. You can find this at Chefs Catalog, Item#25928 for $29.99. It comes in cobalt, cherry, white and kiwi.

Just like these tart pans, I found that I have to have multiple pie plates. I tried to narrow the number of pie plates I have but I found that impossible. Pie pans also come in a variety of sizes so I need one for my deep dish pumpkin pies, one for smaller quiches, one for brie and fruit spreads. I need them all.

Filled Pancake Pan: This is another one of those kitchen gadgets that I think I need but haven't yet got myself to purchase. I think it would be cool but really how often would I use it. Now if you have kids you may use it more because you could make filled pancakes to go or add fruit inside for those who don't eat any fruit. Either way I like the pan but if I purchase it, it may end up like my eggs benedict pan that I insisted on having and have yet to use. I first heard of these kind of pancakes in Solvang, CA. They call them Ebelskivers. At William Sonoma it is Item# 24-6126122, for $39.95. Best of all it's made in the USA! You can also purchase the turning tools (which look a bit like chop sticks) for $12.95, Item# 24-116632.