Steven Finkelstein

Food steamers are a great addition to any kitchen. Steaming is a process that is easy to master, and you can do it with all kinds of ingredients. It works with proteins, such as seafood and chicken. You can also steam vegetables that you can then use as part of a larger recipe, such as a stir-fry. Steamers are also useful in the preparation of dumplings, quiches, frittatas, desserts, grains, rice, eggs, and custard. With steamers, you want one that is well-designed, so that it will last you a long time. Most chefs prefer ones that have clear chambers, so that they can see the progress of the cooking as it takes place. You may want one that has a timer that’s easy to use, or you might be intent on finding one that’s made by your favorite brand of cooking equipment. Whatever your steamer standards, have a look at our top picks. May you find the right product for you – right here today!

Seaweed snacks have been a part of Asian culture for thousands of years, but their popularity has spread to all corners of the world now. They are good for you, providing all sorts of minerals and vitamins. With the average seaweed-based snack, you get iodine, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. They are high in fiber. You also get Vitamins A, B, and E. Seaweed snacks are like a veritable multivitamin for you each time you enjoy them. Also, you can get them in lots of exciting flavors. Some companies make them so that they’re sweet and salty, while others add a spicy kick that will clear your sinuses. They’re highly portable, so you can pack them and take them along on long car trips or hikes, or they make great bar snacks if you’re tired of the traditional pretzels and peanuts. Keep reading to discover our favorite seaweed snacks on the market.

Dried apricots are one of the healthiest snacks that you could possibly have. They are extremely high in antioxidants, and they’re packed with fiber. They are also a great source of vitamins C and E. They contain lutein and beta carotene, and they protect your eyes from damage. They also promote regularity. What’s more, they are extremely portable. You can stick some in a resealable bag, or you can make a yummy trail mix with apricots, nuts, chocolate, and other fruits that you like. Both kids and adults enjoy them. When you’re trying to find the brand you like most, you’re probably going to want the ones that stay plump and succulent, rather than ones that are dried-out and tough. Most parents also want the ones that don’t have any sugar added. Check out our favorites below.

If you like the finer things in life, for example like eating or drinking well, then it’s only natural that you’ll eventually become interested in wine. Wine can serve as a counterpoint to a good meal. What could be better than a white zinfandel to go along with fresh-caught lake trout and salad, or a deep, rich, cabernet sauvignon to pair alongside a T-bone grilled to perfection? Even if you decide to dabble in wine tasting some day. There are going to be occasions where you don’t need more than a glass at a time. You’ll want to save the rest of that bottle for later, putting the cork back in just won't cut it, you need a wine stopper to assure the wine will keep. There are several different varieties and designs on the market. The one you choose should perfectly seal the open bottle, so there is no chance of spillage during transport. You may also want one that is made of a particular material that won’t corrupt the wine’s taste. See some favorite stoppers on the market below.

The best meals are all about the food, but all of the smaller touches matter just as much if you want the event to be truly memorable. That includes the dishes, candles or another lighting source, the silverware, napkins, and yes, the napkin rings. Napkin rings are something which signifies that the meal about to be served will be one of consequence. Cloth napkins speak of elegance, but napkin rings mean that what is taking place is an occasion, perhaps one that will become a part of family lore, to be spoken of for years to come. If you are serious about dinner parties, then you should own a set of napkin rings, if not more than one. They should be visually appealing, and constructed of high-quality materials. There are many different varieties available, so you should have no trouble finding some that suit you. Read on to see our favorites.

Honey mustard is a condiment that has seemingly endless uses. It goes well with salads, chicken fingers, and cheeses, particularly Camembert or Brie. You can also use it to top off ham, quiche, deviled eggs, pork roast, and salmon or other seafood. Aside from having it as a dressing or for dipping, you can also use it as part of many different recipes. Most people regard is as being best when it is both savory and sweet. If you are looking for a new favorite honey mustard to feature in your kitchen or to stock your pantry, then you might want one that’s artisanal and small-batch. You may want one that is free of added sugar, or that is sharper and stronger in the British style. Ultimately, the best way to figure out which honey mustard is going to be your new favorite is to try the best. Here are our favorites!

In culinary circles, the presence of a terrine signals class and elegance. For those who are unfamiliar, it is a dish of ground meat, vegetables, seafood, or organ meat, boiled eggs, and various herbs or other seasonings. It is layered and packed into a steel or ceramic mold that is shaped like a loaf. It is prepared, cooked in a water bath, and then removed and sliced for serving, usually as a main course. However, the term “terrine” also sometimes refers to the mold itself, which can be bought online or in upscale stores. If you want to add a terrine to your cookware collection, you should find one that matches your kitchen’s décor. It should be made of only the highest-quality materials that will last you for many years. Find our favorites below!

If you enjoy home cooking and having dinner parties, then you know that owning some different platter options is a must. Platters are more than just a way of conveying the main course or carrying a few side dishes out to the table. They make a statement about how much you care about your culinary efforts. Having a platter that your guests will rave about will give you a feeling of pride, which is why you want to choose one that is attractive and built to last. You might want to look for one that is made by a particular company, or that has a pattern or color that matches the rest of your kitchenware. There are some platters that are more simplistic, while others are colorful and elaborate. The one that you choose can go a long way toward revealing your taste and personality. Here are some of our favorites on the market right now.

Dry measuring cups are essential cookware, as any serious chef or baker will tell you. Whether you’re trying out a new recipe for an appetizer, main course, dessert, or anything else, you want to always have a set near at hand. With dry measuring cups, there are a few qualities for which you should be looking. First, you want the measuring cups to be composed of a material that isn’t likely to chip or break. Durability should always be a concern if you hope to own a particular set of cups for many years to come. You also want them to be clearly marked with both a metric scale and cups and ounces. The markings should be bold and easy to read. Finally, you want them to be aesthetically appealing. Unattractive cookware isn’t a welcome addition to any modern kitchen.

As the weather gets warmer, the thoughts of many chefs and burger aficionados turn toward grill season. Of course, even in the colder months, there are still ways of making a scrumptious hamburger indoors. Everyone has their own rules when it comes to burgers. Some insist on meat with a particular fat-to-lean ratio. Others opt for a particular topping combination or argue the merits of yellow versus brown mustard. The issue of hamburger seasoning mixes is one that is often hotly debated between amateur cooks and experts alike. What makes a great hamburger seasoning? That is a matter of personal taste. For many, it becomes a matter of sampling a few of the most popular ones until you discover the selection that’s perfect for your tastes. Check out our top picks.

Any serious baker or individual who dabbles in the culinary arts knows that there are certain essentials that belong in any kitchen. A set of reliable measuring spoons is always going to be on that list. Accurate measurements are critical, whether you’re trying out a new recipe or making an old favorite. Otherwise, you might be disappointed with the dish’s flavor. With measuring spoons, you’re looking for durability, as you don’t want the spoons to break or warp. You want a complete set, one that covers all of the usual measurements that you’d find in the average recipe. You’re also looking for easy storage capability, and for the spoons to be free of any design flaws. Once you’ve added a set of measuring spoons to your collection of cooking implements that checks all these boxes, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy using them for years to come.

There’s something whimsical about tarts. And delicious! Seeing them being served at a high tea or as a midday snack puts one in the mindset of Alice about to match wits with the Mad Hatter and the March Hare. If you’re in search of some tart pans to add to your kitchen, you’ll want them to be made of material that will stand up to both heat and cold. They should be nonporous so moisture won’t ruin them. Further, they should be durable so they won’t break if you drop one or bump into the countertop. It’s helpful if they’re dishwasher safe, though that’s not always a requirement. And it never hurts if they’re attractive and make you smile every time you pull them from the cabinet for a fun day of baking. Here are our top tart pans on the market. Find something you love below!

It's so great to have a well-made pie dish for both its function and appeal. You’ll feel like a proper baker when you transport your pies from oven to table, and from home to event or party. With pie dishes, you want one that is built to last, of course. If you happen to drop it or jostle it, it should be tough enough to withstand an impact. It’s up to your personal preference whether you want ceramic, glass, or some other material. Also, consider dish depth and even versatility, as some dishes could be used for other recipes besides desserts. As you browse our favorite pie dishes out there, consider what is most important to you. Is it the depth? Color scheme? Material? Maybe you want one with deeply-fluted edges for a signature crust. Think about what you need as a baker yourself, and make your purchase based on those particulars.

Every kitchen needs a peeler to be fully complete and prepared to tackle any recipe. Peelers are practical for so many reasons. Things become easier quickly: peeling potatoes for stews or mashing, skinning vegetables for stir-fry, or trimming down fruits for pies or sorbets. If you’re trying to figure out what makes a peeler “the best,” there are a few aspects to consider. You’ll want your new peeler to be sharp. One that gets dull after a few uses won’t do you much good. A firm grip is important, too, along with durability and a smooth glide that prevents excessive clogging. Below, you’ll discover our favorite peelers on the market right now. We hope these top selections make your shopping a bit simpler today!

If you cook professionally or as a serious hobby, then you probably already know that owning a set of pots and pans is only one part of the equation. You should also have in your possession some accessories designed for a multitude of different purposes. While that collection is not going to look the same for every chef, there are a few things that you should always have handy, at a minimum. For instance, you’ll want equipment designed to protect cookware, so you can have it performing at its full potential for as long as possible without damage. You’ll also want items on hand that can keep cookware clean while still protecting it. In short, look for any accessories that are going to make your job as a cook easier, while also prolonging the longevity of your main culinary implements. Take a look at some of the best essential cookware accessories that can help you achieve these goals.