John Boos Maple Cutting Boards 1-1/2" Thick (R-Board Series. $94.95 from John Boos, Crate & Barrel, Sur La Table, Williams Sonoma and Amazon): There are many sizes, but I bought the 18"x12"x1-1/2" model. It is solid maple, made in the USA, and made to last a lifetime with proper care. While I have a couple of other wooden cutting boards, I really needed one that was a bit larger, and that is why I opted for this one. I also wanted to invest in a cutting board that was very well made, and that could withstand many years of use without falling apart, and for me a John Boos cutting board was the obvious choice. This was an excellent purchase, and I highly recommend their products!
According to John Boos,
The Maple R-Board Series is the #1 cutting board choice of culinary professionals worldwide. Made of solid North American Maple, these NSF Certified cutting boards are 1-1/2” and are available in 3 various sizes. Each cutting board includes recessed finger grips and is reversible to allow for a food specific cutting surface. Each cutting board is durable enough to withstand constant cutting, chopping, and slicing (with proper care & maintenance.)
- Thickness: 1-1/2"
- Northern Hard Rock Maple (NSF Certified)
- Edge Grain Construction
- Reversible With Recessed Finger Grips
- Oil Finish
- Renewable Sustainable Hardwoods
- Made In USA
- Make sure the cutting board surface is free from any food debris, dirt, oil, or grease.
- Use a good steel scraper or spatula several times a day, as necessary, to keep the cutting surface clean and sanitary. Scraping the surface will remove 75% of the liquids. Do not use a steel brush on the cutting surface.
- With a clean cloth and mild soap and water solution, wipe the top thoroughly until all the debris is removed.
- Wash out the cloth in clean warm water, wring out, and go over the surface again to remove any remaining soap.
- Thoroughly wipe all surfaces with a clean dry towel. Allow residual surface moisture to air dry before reapplying Boos Block® Mystery Oil.
Sabatier Wide Turner Spatula ($13.76 from Amazon): This handy spatula, which is 9.65-Inches, is made from durable stainless steel that is riveted to the handle. It is sturdy, effective and dishwasher safe.
According to Sabatier,
The Sabatier Wide Turner features a narrow head that is perfect for picking up and flipping both large and small foods. The handle is made of durable POM and includes stainless steel rivets for added strength; you will never have to worry if a burger patty is too big. Both the handle and head are crafted from durable and sturdy stainless steel. This turner is dishwasher safe, making clean up quick and easy.
Olive Wood Spatula ($14.99-$18.76 from Amazon and Sur La Table): Made from olive wood, this dense wood is strong and yet lightweight. This should only be hand washed, and it won't scratch nonstick cookware. It is as beautiful as it is effective!
Kitchen Aid 5 Speed Hand Mixer ($38.00-$60.00 from Kitchen Aid, Crate & Barrel, Macy's, Amazon, Target and QVC): I have several recipes that call for beating egg whites to stiff peaks, and while I have a copper bowl that I routinely use for that purpose, there are times when I don't have the time to spare. This handy hand mixer allows you to do so much more. I selected the Aqua Sky shade because I liked it a lot, but there are a lot more colors from which to choose. Keep an eye out for sales this time of year– there are a lot of them!
According to Kitchen Aid,
Compact, lightweight and great for your everyday mixing needs. This hand mixer features 5 speeds, 2 Turbo Beater™ Accessories and the power and control to mix up your favorite cookie dough, mashed potatoes and so much more. Slowly stir in chunky ingredients, like nuts or chocolate chips, at speed one or whip egg whites or heavy cream at speed five.
- Hand Mixer
- Stainless Steel Turbo Beater™ Accessories
- 5 Speeds to Match the Task at Hand: This hand mixer has the right speed for the task at hand, from mixing in nuts and chocolate chips at speed one, to whipping perfect meringues at speed five.
- Easily Release Accessories with the Ejector Button: Quickly remove any of the included accessories from the hand mixer with the single-handed press of the button.
- Lock the Cord on Either Side While Mixing: Lockable swivel cord keeps the cord out of your way while mixing.
- Thoroughly Mix Ingredients with Ease: Mix your ingredients thoroughly, using the thoughtfully designed Stainless Steel Turbo Beater™ Accessories. Dishwasher-safe.
Prepared Hero Fire Blanket ($29.99 single pack from Amazon, multi-pack from Amazon, and Bed, Bath & Beyond): This is a great idea for anyone who cooks– indoors or outdoors– because it could prevent a serious fire. My sister purchased these for everyone in the family, and I am grateful that she sent one to me.
Features & Claims:
PREPARED HERO EMERGENCY FIRE BLANKET: Extinguish small fires quickly and easily with no mess (unlike common fire extinguishers). Simply deploy the blanket by pulling down the tabs.
PREPARED HERO PEACE OF MIND: Peace of mind for when fire happens from the brand you trust. Keep the Fire Blanket in the kitchen, backyard, vehicle or take it camping. It has a hole slot so it can also be easily hung on walls.
LIGHTWEIGHT FIRE SUPPRESSION BLANKET: Effective on liquid or grease fires. It Works in different types of fire as well. They can also be used as a thermal or heat shield . A must have in your kitchen, backyard and vehicle survival kit for protection.
NO MESS IN KITCHEN: Made from 100% quality flame retardant material. They conform to CE safety standards (EN 1896:1997). Composed of two layers of woven fiberglass fabric and an inner layer of fire retardant film. They can isolate high temperatures up to 1076°F (580℃).
DOES NOT EXPIRE: Unlike traditional extinguishers, the fire blanket never expires. That means unlike traditional fire extinguishers, it doesn’t need to be replaced.
