When cooking, we use it all –  our heirloom recipe index cards, cookbooks, newspaper and magazine clippings and now our newest hi–tech kitchen resource, our iPad. However, using the iPad  has been tricky. We had to keep it far enough away from cooking areas to protect it from stray spills. And, we had to keep washing and drying hands and fingers to use it. That was the problem − now the solution.

We discovered the amazing Chef Sleeve, another “wish we had thought of that–ah–ha invention” and everything’s changed. This transparent sleeve completely encases the iPad and protects it from food, fingerprints and cooking mess. We absolutely recommend it for all iPad owners. We use our iPad protected with the Chef Sleeve primarily in the kitchen, but it can also be a handy iPad protector all around the house, including the garden and workshop!

Some features we like:
The Chef Sleeve has a resealable strip, which makes it easy to tightly fasten the sleeve. Made of an ultra–clear material, it is almost invisible when in use; we hardly realize that the Chef Sleeve is covering the iPad. The sleeve is touch sensitive, allowing the touch screen to work perfectly under the thin protective film. In addition, the fit is “tailored” since the product was designed specifically for the iPad, even covering the output/input ports.

The packaging  too is innovative, doubling as a stand, and allows one at a time release. When you're done making a mess, just dispose, re–use or re–cycle the Chef Sleeve. It is100% recyclable – good for the user, the iPad and the environment!.

In testing, we utilized a single cover several times and found that it stayed clear and the IPad was still responsive after many uses. And, of course, when we were messy, we tossed the sleeve.

This is a "gift yourself, gift others" KosherEye pick for the techie–cook in your life. It fits both the iPad and the iPad 2. We think that it is a must have for gardeners, home handymen, crafters, and dirty hands anywhere! Use it on the beach too, or wherever moisture, dirt, or spills might be an issue. Can you tell.. we love it! Make someone happy—-Buy it Now!

Price about $20 for box of 25. Available at Amazon.com. 

This innovative company has now developed disposable iPhone sleeves and a dishwasher save iPad stand that we can't wait to try!

Visit ChefSleeve.com.

For over 30 years, The Pampered Chef® and its sales force of Independent Consultants have been selling select kitchen products to help families create quick, delicious meals that are as much fun to prepare as they are to eat. The business was launched in 1980 by company founder, Doris Christopher — an educator, home economist and mother who saw the need for professional-quality kitchen tools in the everyday kitchen.

Capitalizing on her knowledge of food preparation techniques and talent for teaching, Christopher amassed an inventory of what she considered to be the essential home kitchen tools, promoted them under the name, The Pampered Chef®, and began showcasing them at in-home cooking demonstrations called Cooking Shows. The rest is history. The Pampered Chef is known and respected world wide, still marketing  a collection of  tools with the mission of making  cooking simple, easy and fun.

KosherEye has had the opportunity to test some products from The Pampered Chef, working with experienced Pampered Chef  consultant,Judy Garber*. A few of our favorites are detailed below:

Small Flexible Cutting Mat (Set of 3), #1015 – $10.00
Sometimes you simply don’t need a huge cutting surface to slice or dice  – often times smaller is better. That’s where these 10-1/2 x 8-1/2 mats make superb kitchen helpers. Use them to slice single fruits and vegetables or for a  speedy ingredient chop of a single tomato, onion or garlic. The  mats are flexible, dishwasher safe, and even have measurement markings to guide cut-size. Since they are bendable, it is easy to funnel/transfer ingredients to a cooking vessel.  And, the set of 3 is perfect for the kosher home – Mats are 3 different colors – yellow, green and red, color-coded: Green for fruits and veggies; Red for red meats; Yellow for poultry.  That's great for eliminating cross-contamination of your flexible cutting mats. And of course, for the kosher home to differentiate parve, meat, dairy.

Large Micro-Cooker®, #2778 – $11.00
This tool is customized for microwave cooking — to heat soups or cook vegetables. The vented lid doubles as strainer, and includes built-in pour spouts and dual handles. The 2–quart Micro-Cooker® is ideal for all types and sizes of microwave ovens. Standard and metric measurement markings on the inside allow you to measure directly in the micro-cooker. We use this cooker all the time. Our favorite use: to steam vegetables including green beans, broccoli and cauliflower.

Simple Slicer, #1099  – $30.00
This tool works well and safely on creating uniform slices of  fruits or vegetables. The blade adjusts to three thicknesses — 1/16", 1/8" and 3/16" A safety lock on the handle raises the body so the blade isn’t exposed when stored. It is versatile and can be used over a bowl or by hand; nonskid feet keep it steady. Dishwasher-safe. We have sliced tomatoes, onions and potatoes with this tool. The Simple Slicer also includes a food holder for safety and lock feature for storage.

BBQ Roasting Pan & Can Holder, #2714 – $39.50
Grill meats and vegetables simultaneously. For super-moist chicken, put a 12-oz. can of beer or soda in the detachable can holder and place the chicken on top to barbecue. Small holes and solid side walls keep food contained while turning. Pan, 14" x 12"; can holder, 2½" x 4". Dishwasher-safe. Works great in the oven also; we placed it on a wire rack, set in a low roasting pan, and baked the chicken at 350 degrees for about 1 1/2 hours. Best tasting chicken we have made – moist and juicy. A real winner!

Microwave Chip Maker, #1241– $26.50
Healthier homemade chips in just minutes! Large silicone plates can be used alone or stacked. Holes and scalloped bases allow for air flow while cooking to make light and crispy chips without frying. Try potatoes, sweet potatoes, apples and more! Set of two; 11–inches. Dishwasher-safe. We made potato chips and cut them by hand (tried to get all of them thin). Our chips needed to cooker longer than the chart suggested, but they were good. Next time we will experiment with flavored salt. Great healthy snack for the family.

Measure, Mix & Pour®, #2265 – $12.50
So easy and so much fun. Four recipes are printed right on the container. Just measure ingredients, mix with the whisk-plunger and voila,  homemade dressing .Dishwasher-safe. We have tried all 4 recipes. Delicious and simple!

To order or browse tools from The Pampered Chef, visit Judy at PamperedChef. Do let us know which tools from The Pampered Chef are YOUR favorites.

*Pampered Chef Consultant, Judy Garber, who taught herself to cook while in college, has long enjoyed experimenting with different recipes. Acquiring some praiseworthy skills, she not only enjoyed cooking for friends, but Judy also loved visiting great kitchen stores, where she’d search for gourmet pots and interesting gadgets. Later, as a mom and wife devoted to preparing kosher dishes for every day, holiday and Shabbos meals, Judy grew especially fond of time–saving devices.  When she first saw a Pampered Chef catalog back in 2000, she wanted to order almost every item for herself and then immediately tell all of her friends about the innovative products and preparation tips. Learning that was just what a Pampered Chef representative did, she immediately embarked upon a second career.

October 31, 2012

Flash Chill Lemonade Maker
What could be better than refreshing lemonade on a hot day? The Takeya Flash Chill Lemonade Maker is easy to use and can serve a crowd healthful, tart, sweet fresh lemonade… like having a lemonade stand right in your kitchen.

Here’s how you do it:

• Fill the 66-ounce pitcher with ice
• Attach the juicer and squeeze about 7 lemons in the juicer (Yes, we wash our lemons first with a veggie wash solution)
• Remove the juicer top, add water to the pitcher, add desired sweetener and lemon slices (optional)
• Cover the pitcher with the lid and seal; shake gently
• Store the  lemonade in the refrigerator
• 
  

We loved this – it was so easy to make. We also tried the same recipe using limes instead of lemons. Delicious. And then, we added a few sliced strawberries to our lemonade mix. Lovely. And the piece de resistance: we created a refreshing lemon drop–like cocktail, adding in 6 ounces of vodka. Needless to say, we all toasted Takeya!

All parts are dishwasher safe, BPA free and a welcome addition to our summer kitchens.

Takeya Flash Chill Tea Maker
Need we say more – we are southerners and totally committed, regular iced tea drinkers.  We like our iced tea strong, sweet and cold! So, we were somewhat skeptical when we tried the Takeya tea maker.

We followed the instructions:

• Simply remove the lid and add whole leaf or tea bags to the infuser
• Twist the infuser onto the lid
• Pour hot water into tea maker (half-way up) and  replace lid with infuser onto the tea maker -  “brew tea” according to directions on tea box
• Remove the infuser from the lid; zip on the thermo jacket and add ice
• Seal the lid and shake to flash chill.
• Easy! Iced tea!

But how is the tea? We made our 1^st batch sweet, southern and simple – using classic bags of black tea , and a cup of sugar. We let it sit for 4 hours (we allowed our tea to brew much longer than recommended on the tea box), then followed the finishing directions. Yes, it tasted like the real thing, that southern thing.

Our second try was with an  infusion; filling the infuser with tea bags and fresh garden mint. We let this one sit for about an hour. So refreshing.

And then another day it was time for peaches. We sliced a peach placed it in the infuser along with tea bags, and let it brew overnight. This produced a refreshing, fruity tea with our favorite taste of summer. Of course, when serving, we added mint.

We love the features of the AcraGlass® 2 quart pitcher. It is convenient, dishwasher safe, doesn’t seem to stain or hold odors and is pretty enough to bring to the table. The lid is airtight, keeping tea tasting fresh in the refrigerator. The lid is so airtight that the pitcher can stand upright or on its side. (Yes we dared to try this and it did not leak!). And, the tea, it seems just as good as “Tara’s”, but quicker and fun to make and serve.

Takeya Double Wall Glass Tumbler
Summer “Sipping” on the Go
Keep hot liquids hot, and cold liquids cold in this insulated tumbler with lid. This one’s glass so it does take a bit of extra care – but it really does the job. Our hot coffee really stayed hot and our iced coffee – icy cold! Now we have to give it a try with tea.

Tea and Lemonade making tips:

1. Use unwaxed, organic lemons, limes or oranges when possible. If fruits are waxed and peel is used, scrub to clean, and use vegetable wash.

1. Sweeten tea or lemonade with sugar, agave or honey

1. Consider berries, apples, pears or any fruit or herb for creative infusion

For more information on Takeya, visit Takeyausa.com. Available at many retail stores including Amazon.com: Flash Chill Lemonade Maker, Flash Chill Iced Tea Maker and Double-Wall Glass Tea/Coffee Tumbler.

July 25, 2012

Oxo challenged bloggers to “slice it up” and create original recipes. What fun; we think that OXO is a cut above, and loved using wonderful chef friendly tools to chop, slice, cut and grate!

Our Toolbox:

Oxo Mandoline Slicer
This versatile V-Blade slicer makes cutting vegetables a cinch. It takes a lot of slicing to cup up 6 onions – but the mandoline makes even, thin slices in half the time. And, the vegetable holder protected the fingers of  “this cook in a hurry”.  By the way, slice thickness is adjustable, and all parts are top rack dishwasher safe except the blades.

Watch the OXO Mandoline Slicer video demonstration:

Oxo Box Grater
This is not your mother’s grater –which by the way – we still cherish as a kitchen heirloom. The Oxo Box Grater has sharp stainless steel blades, for easy bi-directional grating. We grated our apples using the medium grating blade, but could have chosen coarse or fine as well. There is even a slicing surface. It also has an attachable catch–container to catch, measure, and store freshly grated foods. And, once again, easy cleaning since the entire grater is dishwasher safe.

Oxo Swivel Peeler
Peeling apples is time consuming. We have had our Oxo peeler for years. (Guess, we should peel ourselves to the housewares store, since it’s likely time for a new one.) But, our peelers still work beautifully and accomplish the peeling quickly, efficiently and effortlessly.  The OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler is an essential kitchen tool. The sharp, stainless steel blade removed our apple peels in a jiffy. (It also does a great job on potatoes, but that’s another food story.)  The peeler’s soft, ergonomic handle doesn’t slip even when our hands are wet. Yes, yes, yes, it too is dishwasher safe.

Presenting: The Recipes
So now back to the recipe challenge. We had so much fun creating these dishes, tasting them, testing them, tasting them, tasting them….. Both recipes are truly delicious, and both are easy to make using the right kitchen tools. We present two new KosherEye signature recipes – one sweet; one savory. Enjoy!

App-solutely Amazing Apple Tart
Caramelized Onion Tart

May 6, 2012

The company, WellnessMats was founded in 1996 by Daniel Bouzide and has become the mat–of–choice for the Department of Homeland Security and TSA. They are popular in the healthcare field, beauty salons, hotels, professional kitchens, and in numerous retail locations across the country. In 2010 WellnessMats launched a line of consume–friendly mats to provide the same comfort and relief to people in their homes, offices, and more. And that’s where KosherEye comes in. Just as many other home cooks, we spend countless hours standing on our feet and preparing meals in our kitchens. After a long busy day this is wearing, especially when planning to entertain,or preparing for Shabbos and holidays. Oh, our aching feet!

We were delighted to discover our new therapeutic kitchen friend, WellnessMats. Although the company roots are industrial, their newest mats are the same quality, have the same attributes and the same warranty, as the original industrial mats, and are intended for home cooks, chefs, crafters, etc. WellnessMats understandably has many longtime  fans in the professional culinary world. These anti–fatigue floor mats provide both comfort and support. They are even high–heel friendly – but we ask, who wears high heels while cooking????

We found WellnessMats to feel like cushy marshmallows – soft, resilient, forgiving, “a pillow for the feet”. What a pleasure to stand on these mats while cooking and washing dishes. Here’s why…The company explains that the mats are made with 100% polyurethane – (Advanced Polyurethane Technology) to ensure maximum comfort, performance, and longevity. They are ¾” thick, have a 7–year warranty, one piece construction, beveled edges, are heat resistant, are anti–microbial and PVC free. All Wellness Mats are 100% made in the USA.

The mats are easy to clean. They can be vacuumed or swept, wiped with a damp cloth or sponge, or cleaned with a household product such as 409, Windex, etc. There are numerous sizes colors, patterns from which to select.

We think that a WellnessMat would make a welcome gift for Mother’s Day! After all, most moms and grandmoms need life made easier, more comforting, with less physical fatigue, especially in the kitchen.

Enjoy this recipe for making homemade Honey Vanilla Marshmallows while standing on your "soft as marshmallows" WellnessMat.

For product and purchasing information, visit WellnessMats.com.

Not only do the ingredients we use in baking affect the results of the finished product, but so do the tools and techniques. The color of the pan − dark or light; regular or non−stick; to grease or not to grease; to line with parchment paper; too much flour used when rolling dough − each is a part of the baking equation.

Demarle, Inc., the makers of SILPAT® the original non-stick baking mat, have two additional products that are wonderful and useful tools for the home baker: The Roul'Pat® non–stick countertop workstation and the SILPAIN® non–stick baking mat. Both of these tools help the home baker achieve professional results.

We love to bake pies and, when time allows, make our own pie crusts. We also love to make pizza, and again when time allows, use fresh pizza dough. And of course, homemade bread – there are even those of us who love to knead the dough. The Roul'Pat® non–stick countertop workstation mat is the perfect surface to use for kneading bread dough and rolling out dough or pie crust.Just place it on the countertop and it doesn't move; it actually adheres to the counter surface and doesn't slide. And the dough does not stick to the mat during kneading or rolling – a small amount of flour can be used.  Clean up is easy; just wipe with a damp sponge and rinse with water. After it is thoroughly dry, roll up and put away or store flat.

The Roul'Pat® non-stick workstation is available in three sizes:

1. Half Size 11-5/8” x 16-1/2”
2. Full Size 16-1/2” x 24-1/2”
3. Large Size 23” x 31-1/2”

The SILPAIN® is a non-stick baking mat used for baking bread. Its unique design is perfect for baking homemade pizza, rolls, buns, biscuits, and bread. The mat has perforated qualities that allow water from the bread dough to seep through the mat, resulting in a crusty finish. It can be used in all types of ovens and provides even heat-transfer to the baked goods.  And it can be placed directly in the oven, on the rack without a pan, to bake individual pizza slices. The SILPAIN® mat can be reused thousands of times and can also be used in the freezer. No greasing is required because nothing sticks to it. Like the Roul'Pat®, clean up is easy - just wipe with a damp sponge and rinse with water. After it is thoroughly dry, roll up and put away or store flat. We love this mat and suggest having two – one for dairy pizza and one for parve bread. If you like the SILPAT® you will love this mat.

The SILPAIN® mat is available in US Half Size, 11 5/8” x 16 1/2” and fits a 13” x 18” Pan.

These amazing products are the creation of M. Guy Demarle, who founded Dermarle Inc.in 1965 in Northern France. Being an experienced baker, he was seeking a better way to make baguette bread with forms using non–stick silicone coatings. Not only did he invent the first non–stick baguette baking trays, but he also proceeded to invent and create the original SILPAT® mat.

All SILPAT® products are made in France and are coated with food grade silicone. The Atlanta Kashruth Commission (AKC) allows usage, without a kosher certification, of  non–food products containing food grade silicone. We suggest that you also check with your local kashruth authority.

The Roul'Pat® Work Station and the SILPAIN® Mat make a great couple – one is used for the prep and the other for the finished product. We vote to keep them together!

Visit SILPAT.com for more product information. Available on Amazon.com: Silpain for Bread and the Roul'Pat Non-Stick Countertop Work Station.

The adage "A picture is worth a thousand words" is so true, especially with these two fabulous baking aides. Watch the two video demonstrations and you will see why we love them!

Roul'Pat® Work Station. We like to use Yves Veggie Cuisine Meatless Pepperoni on our pizza. It is OU kosher, parve, vegan.

SILPAIN® Mat

February 23, 2012

There are gadgets and then there are gadgets! Some of them lose their appeal rather quickly and are relegated to the deep, dark confines of the "gadget draw" − never to be seen again! We are happy to tell you, the Corkcicle is not such a creature.

Keeping wine at the correct serving/drinking temperature is not always so easy and straightforward. What is the correct temperature and how do you maintain it? Last February, KosherEye had the pleasure of interviewing the late great Israeli wine expert, Daniel Rogov. We were so fascinated with his vast storehouse of wine knowledge, that we devoted two articles to the subject so that we could include everything he shared with us. One of the questions we asked him was:

Should wine be served chilled or at room temperature?
D.R. "The average room temperature differs around the world... red wine should not be served at room temperature – it should  be slightly chilled. Refrigerate reds for about 30–40 minutes. If it does have a chill when it is served, no problem, it will warm up in the glass. White wines should be served chilled but not so cold that it masks the flavors and aromas."

Realistically speaking, the average person does not chill red wine and we certainly weren't aware of the fact that serving red wine at room temperature does not enhance the flavor − we know now. Keeping white wine cool can also pose a problem: messy, dripping wine buckets – that is if you even use one. After the bottles are opened and have been sitting out for awhile, the chill is gone. There are several options available for keeping wine chilled but none like the Corkcicle.

It is so simple to use and its design is so unique that it is a topic of conversation. It looks like a long icicle with a cork on top and it fits into the wine bottle−corked on top−and chills the wine from inside the bottle. Just store it in the freezer and, when ready to use, insert into the wine bottle and you are set to go. The Corkcicle maintains the correct temperature for up to an hour. By that time, you should be on your second bottle! Please note, that white wine should already be chilled.

The purpose of the Corkcicle is to maintain the proper wine temperature; it will bring a slightly warm red wine down to a more enjoyable temperature in around ten to fifteen minutes and will keep a chilled white wine cold for about one hour.

Some features of the Corkcicle:

• Non–toxic thermal gel enclosed in a BPA–free plastic icicle designed to hold the temperature
• Stores in the freezer.  Place in the freezer (for at least two hours) before usage
• Insert frozen Corkcicle into a chilled bottle of white wine or a room temperature bottle of red wine
• After using, just rinse, dry and refreeze
• Reusable over and over and over

From Ben Hewitt, partner Corkcicle, "When you invest in a bottle of wine, you invest in the experience of drinking that bottle...temperature probably plays the greatest role in drinking that bottle of wine." So, enhance your wine experience and use the Corkcicle. It will become a permanent resident in your freezer; in fact you may want to keep several, as you will certainly use them.

A perfect gift yourself, gift others KosherEye selection – wine lovers will thank you!

Visit Corkcicle.com. Available on Amazon.com: Single Unit, 2 Pack, 3 Pack

Use the chart below to determine the ideal wine drinking temperatures.

Meet the Corkcicle!

February 21, 2012

Many kosher cooks spend even more time in the kitchen preparing meals than the typical homemaker. Therefore, it follows that we are always searching for innovative and unique kitchen accessories to make the cooking experience more efficient, more pleasurable, more accurate and more delicious. Enter the Thermapen, by Thermoworks.

Initially we were attracted to this instant read digital thermometer by the luscious color range (yes, we admit it, who can resist outer beauty?) But then, we tested it and found it to be an essential and easy to use kitchen tool, one that can keep us both healthy and happy. Most people are aware that a common problem in cooking and baking is overdone or underdone food. The former tastes bad and the latter can be dangerous. A cooking thermometer can overcome this concern, but until now, we have not found one that we liked. Some are too slow, others inaccurate and uncalibrated.

Thermoworks, located just south of Salt Lake City, Utah, markets products that are manufactured in both the U.S. and in partnering factories in Europe and Asia.  The company’s specialties are “all things thermal” and the Salt Lake City location actually runs its own calibration lab and service departments. From Thermoworks: “Whether you want to measure temperature in a backyard BBQ, a chain of a thousand hamburger shops, or in the transport of critical pharmaceutical products, we'll take your call and help you find a solution.”  The Thermapen is a professional tool (originally designed for commercial kitchens, labs and manufacturing plants) that has become the top consumer-cooking thermometer for home use.

We have previously used lower cost thermometers, only to be disappointed with results.  Why invest, yes we said invest, in a Thermapen and not purchase a $6.99 food thermometer at a discount store? First and foremost is accuracy, then flexibility of use, and finally longevity. Many home cooks expend much money, time, and effort in meal preparation. Knowing the optimum readiness temperature and when that temperature is reached is important-- likely the difference between a good meal and a sensational meal. In addition, using a thermometer and understanding temperature effects can avoid bacteria and food borne illnesses such as those caused by salmonella.

A Thermapen™ can be used for virtually anything that needs to be cooked or chilled, such as meats, poultry, fish, vegetables, casseroles, re–heated foods, breads, cakes, deep-frying and candy and more…

We tested the Thermapen at a special family occasion when we served a boneless standing rib roast. The meat was costly, so if overcooked, it would have been quite disturbing. What we especially liked about this thermometer is that we could easily insert it in various parts of the roast both at the ends and center, and immediately knew whether the meat was ready to remove from the oven. (Our preference is rare at the center, 120 degrees, and medium rare at the ends. We removed it from the oven when the center reached 120 degrees, covered it with foil, and served it about 30 minutes later. We tried our Thermapen on roast chicken, and also when making our strawberry jam recipe. Our next trial will be on bread and baked goods. Can’t wait to try it on challah.

The Super-Fast Digital Thermapen™ is fully sealed and splash proof:

• Measures temperatures from 52 degrees to 572 degrees
• A needle thin tip for inserting – very versatile
• Display can be changed from Fahrenheit to Centigrade
• Stainless steel probe folds back to compactly store locked in place
• Simple to operate – and fun! 
Just open the probe and the Thermapen™ comes on. Close it and it shuts off.

Jack Bishop, the gadget guru of America's Test Kitchen, a popular cooking show on PBS, calls it the Rolls Royce of thermometers, and it was selected as a Cook's Illustrated Test Kitchen Winner. According to Bishop “It's something you can be pretty sure most people don't own, or if they do own one, they don't own a very good one. If you're on a quest for culinary perfection, you will want a Thermapen™.  Add up the expense of wasted meats alone and you'll justify the cost of this professional tool”

We agree with Jack! The Superfast Thermapen is a KosherEye gift yourself or gift others pick. We even like the instruction book, which accompanied our Thermapen.  We could actually understand it! Consider one of these as a pre-Passover purchase, a bridal shower gift or a gift for your favorite cook.  And then those colors – luscious! KosherEye will busily continue to measure temperature and report on  our findings.

From Thermoworks, Chef–Recommended Temps chart.

Features of the Splash-Proof Thermapen.

Visit Thermoworks.com for purchase information.

February 21, 2012

Cutting boards are a standard item in most kitchens and are available in several materials, with the most popular being plastic and wood. We own and use assorted cutting boards in several materials. Wooden cutting boards appear to be the material of choice for the TV celebrity chefs. We have all watched them chopping, slicing and dicing on their large wooden chopping boards and with a quick sweep and a wipe with a dishcloth, they clean the board and move on to the next step of the recipe.

We were delighted to have the opportunity to use the Rösle Wooden Cutting/Carving Board and to learn more about using wooden cutting boards.If you love your knives, then wood is the best choice as it does not dull the knife blade. That could be one of the reasons why the TV chefs use wooden cutting boards.

Wooden cutting boards are harder to clean as they are not dishwasher safe –  the wood can dry out and split. It is recommended to hand wash the boards with warm soapy water, avoid submerging, and to dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel. They should be stored standing up so the air can circulate – damp boards encourage bacteria growth.  Actually, storing cutting boards of any material standing up is a standard practice in commercial food establishments.

With so much current emphasis on food contamination, it was a concern to us because wooden boards can have cuts (from the knife) which can harbor bacteria growth. We remember our mothers cleaning their wooden cutting boards with water diluted with bleach. Also recommended is wiping them with full–strength white vinegar after each use. We consulted one of our favorite food guru websites, Martha Stewart.com, and are sharing her sage advice on how she keeps her wooden cutting boards clean:   "Wooden cutting boards require special treatment if they are to last and stay free of food-borne bacteria. Every few weeks, sprinkle a generous portion of coarse salt over the board's surface, and rub it with the cut side of a lemon half. Afterward, rinse the board well with hot water, then dry completely with a clean kitchen towel."

Wooden cutting boards can require seasoning with oil but this is unnecessary with the Rösle. Last, and the most important to us, is cross–contamination of food. We do not use our wooden cutting boards for cutting raw poultry or fish – we use separately marked plastic boards for each. That brings us to the feature of the Rösle Wooden Cutting/Carving Board that is our favorite. The Cutting and Carving Board includes a plastic cutting mat that fits over the top of the board and can be used for cutting raw meat, poultry, or fish items. It has a non–stick underside that allows usage on any surface, is dishwasher safe, and its cutting surface will not dull knives.

Rösle has been producing professional cooking tools and kitchen utensils for the professional chef and home cook since 1888. We have used and reviewed several of them and have been pleased with their performance. Some features of the Rösle Cutting and Carving Board include:

•  Sturdy board holds up to daily chopping and carving and is beautifully designed for serving.
•  The four non-slip rubber feet keep the board in place while in use.
•  The durable board is made from laminated layers of beech wood.
•  The included flexible cutting mat is made of antibacterial, food-safe material.
•  Warranty: Lifetime guarantee.

The cutting board is available in two sizes, 13.8–inches and 17.7–inches. The 17.7–inch model is available with or without the all–around juice collection groove. We tested the model, #1510, with the all–around groove. The boards are pricey but if properly maintained, will last for years. A KosherEye "gift yourself, gift others" suggestion.

For more information on the cutting boards, visit RosleUSA.com.

January 25, 2012

models YM100 & YMX650

Yogurt is a staple in our refrigerator, and a very healthy and important part of our diet. Its benefits are so numerous, that it would require another article just to write about them. The dairy section of most grocery and specialty food stores devote large areas to yogurt choices; there is something for everyone.

Very simply stated, yogurt is made from milk (most commonly) to which yogurt culture (bacteria) is added, which in turn causes fermentation of the milk and produces a product that is both tangy and thick.

Yogurt was not always available in today's eye catching containers and in such an array of assorted flavors, low–fat, non–fat, whole milk options, fruit added, non-dairy, etc. etc.  This product has a long history. As far back as 2000 BCE there is evidence of cultured milk products. The records of the ancient cultures of Iran and India mention yogurt by 500BCE and state that the combination of yogurt and honey is called  "the food of the gods" and Persian tradition holds that "Abraham owed his fecundity and longevity to the regular ingestion of yogurt." (Wikipedia)

Yogurt was a diet staple in Europe, the Russian Empire, Asia, and India long before it was introduced into the United States in the very early 1900s. At that time it was mainly used for digestive purposes and for home culturing (they made their own.) Leave it to the ingenuity of two Armenian immigrants who started a creamery business in Andover, Massachusetts in 1929 and delivered yogurt around New England in a horse–drawn carriage. Over the years yogurt has gained popularity as a healthful addition to the American diet

We were delighted to have the opportunity to test two yogurt makers from Euro Cuisine, based in Los Angeles, CA:  the Automatic Yogurt Maker YM100 and the Digital Automatic Yogurt Maker YMX650. The directions for preparing the yogurt mixture are the same for both models. We carefully read the directions and proceeded to make homemade yogurt.

Both models make seven 6–ounce jars of yogurt. Using fresh pasteurized milk, whole, skimmed or semi–skimmed, the milk is heated on the stove and the yogurt starter culture is added. The culture is not included with the yogurt maker and is not kosher certified. Directions for making the yogurt, using store purchased plain yogurt are included and that is the route we took. Once the mixture is prepared, we poured it into the glass jars, placed them in the base of the machine, put on the cover, selected the time, started the machine and presto, in about seven to 12 hours (depending on the type of milk used) you will have created the most delicious, creamy, tangy yogurt. We loved it.

There are recipes included in the direction booklet for adding preserved fruit, jam, jelly, syrup, fresh fruit, and coffee to the mixture. We decided to make unflavored yogurt so that the true flavor of the finished product would be noticeable. The verdict? Wonderful! We had our first taste straight from the jar and it passed with flying colors. We then proceeded to have it for breakfast and placed it over sliced bananas, strawberries, and topped with a crunchy wheat/pecan cereal. Yummy! Would we make it again? Absolutely! From now on, we will add homemade yogurt to our regular recipes.

There are several differences between both models: The MXY650 lids for the glass jars have a number calendar allowing you to set either the date made or the expiration date (10 days). Both models have automatic shut-off timers to indicate when the cooking cycle is complete but the MXY650 model has an LED digital timer display and beeps when the cooking cycle is complete.

What a great Hanukkah gift for the foodie who has everything!

For more information on the yogurt makers and Euro Cuisine products, visit their website, eurocuisine.net.

The YM100 model is available on Amazon.com. Target.com, and Bed Bath and Beyond. The YMX650 model is available at Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table and other select stores.

November 30, 2011