Not only do I love reading cookbooks for fun, I just love fun, new stuff for the kitchen and the home. Any of these countertop machines and kitchen/home tools from this HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE would do nicely in your own home, as well as a gift for the home chef and baker in your family and immediate circle of friends. There’s also several products here for the serious coffee drinker who believes that life’s too short to drink a bad cup of coffee or latte. Furthermore, this gives me an opportunity to lush after everything from the Swiss company, KUHN RIKON. Their stuff is just fantastic, with a seamless conbination of practicality and aesthetic beauty, if I saw so myself.
Bella Dots Coffee Maker Lime Green
BELLA’s DOT COLLECTION, a contemporary collection, features a coffee maker, toaster and slow cooker that adds fashion-forward color, style and design to the everyday appliance in eight vibrant colors (red, pink, blue, purple, grey, orange, green and pearl white). Moreover, the BELLA DOTS COLLECTION (from www.SensioInc.com) offers consumers an economical appliance option, without sacrificing quality or aesthetics, with the signature textured metal shell featuring a recessed dot pattern and metallic finish on its chic exterior. I have a wish list and all the pieces in this collection are at the very top of this list, especially since I am very much into color in the kitchen.
Bella Dots Slow Cooker Pink
The BELLA DOTS SLOW COOKER designed with a non-traditional oval shape, features a dishwasher safe, 6-quart stoneware cooking pot that doubles as a serving dish. It offers High/Warm/Low/Off temperature settings and comes complete with a tempered glass lid. Suggested retail price $39.99
The BELLA DOTS 12-CUP COFFEE MAKER brews up the perfect cup at the touch of a button and features include an environmentally friendly permanent filter, removable dishwasher safe brew basket, non-marking rubber feet, hidden cable storage and power indicator light. The COFFEE MAKER also offers a non-stick heating plate, keeping beverages warm for two hours. Suggested retail price $34.99
Bella Dots Slow Cooker Pink
The BELLA DOTS TWO-SLICE TOASTER keeps things simple with consistent results. This pop-up toaster features extra wide slots with self-centering guides, a slide out tray, non-marking rubber feet and BAGEL and CANCEL buttons. It offers an auto shut-off and cord storage on the base, and is made of durable metal in a superior metallic paint finish. Suggested retail price: $24.99.
Capresso froth TEC(TM). (PRNewsFoto-Capresso)
The BELLA DOTS COLLECTION is presently available exclusively at Target stores Limited colors are offered in-store (pearl white and red), while all colors are available online at www.Target.com. The Collection will be sold at additional retailers throughout the country in 2013.
Enjoy creamy froth for cappuccino, rich hot chocolate or steamed milk for an eggnog latte with the beautiful new CAPRESSO FROTH TEC™. The largest capacity automatic milk frother on the market, it can froth up to 10 ounces of milk or steams up to 16 ounces, for a wide variety of hot or cold beverages or even food preparation techniques. The CAPRESSO FROTH TEC features an innovative, patent-pending froth enhancer for thick, creamy, smoothly textured froth and foam at the touch of a button. Three illuminated operating buttons make for easy functioning: just choose the hot, warm or cold temperature setting, and then whip up frothed milk for delicious cappuccinos, tasty spiced pumpkin lattes, rich peppermint hot chocolates, mochas, and cold coffee or fruit flavored milk drinks in just minutes. It is also perfect for frothing non-dairy milks including soy, almond, rice, coconut and more. The froth TEC(TM) is ideal for frothing and heating milk to make creamy mashed potatoes or even custards. A SCHOTT Duran glass milk pitcher with a stay cool handle allows for easy handling during frothing, heating and pouring. The unit comes with two disks, one for frothing and one for heating milk, which are easily stored in the integrated storage drawer. The CAPRESSO FROTH TEC™ ($99.99) is sold at amazon.com and capresso.com.
The newest addition to JURA‘s award-winning line of automatic coffee centers, the ENA MICRO 1 is an ultra-compact, one-cup espresso machine that brews the ultimate in espresso and crema coffee and fills an important niche in the market by offering a true bean-to-cup experience without frothing options, for an upgraded and eco-friendly alternative to pod and capsule systems. If you are a stickler about your coffee and espresso being as perfect as it can be, this compact micro brewing unit will allow you to program three different cup sizes of ristretto, espresso or coffee, each at two different aroma levels. It’s the world’s smallest automatic coffee center – 9 inches wide, 17.5 inches deep and 12.7 inches high – 11% shorter than Jura’s ENA line that previously held that distinction.
Jura ENA Micro 1. (PRNewsFoto/Jura)
It comes equipped with a bean container cover with an aroma preservation seal to keep coffee beans fresh and flavorful, a built-in conical burr grinder that gently grinds beans right before brewing, and a thermoblock system ensures that every cup is served piping hot, crowned by feather-light crema. The height adjustable spout accommodates a variety of different sized cups, while the touch panel features easy-to-read illuminated icons for maintenance and cleaning. Jura offers eight automatic coffee centers, with actual retail prices ranging from $899 to $3,199. For more information, visit us.jura.com. The JURA ENA MICRO 1 is available at Sur La Table (surlatable.com), with an actual retail price of $899.
Tramontina All Generations 7-Piece Non-stick Cookware Set, Black Enamel
With its ergonomically designed handles and nonstick surface, TRAMONTINA ALL GENERATIONS COOKWARE makes holiday cooking easy for all ages. Bearing the “EASE-OF-USE” COMMENDATION SEAL from the ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION, this beautifully crafted line will make holiday cooking a multi-generational tradition. Made in the USA. Available for $24.97-$59.97, at select Walmart stores (www.walmart.com).
Primula® Key West Beverage Dispenser (Blue)
Keep refreshments—from warm spiced apple cider to fruit-infused holiday punch—flowing in style this season with the KEY WEST NON-CLOGGING BEVERAGE DISPENSER from PRIMULA, a 1.65-gallon clear glass dispenser shaped like a large honey pot. (The set includes the silicone filter and spigot, metal stand, 1.65-gallon glass container and glass lid.) The BEVERAGE DISPENSER is elevated in a brightly colorful metal stand for a decorative touch while ensuring stability. A large mouth on top of the dispenser facilitates the addition of ice and sliced fruit, and the glass top fits securely and has a solid handhold for easy removal and placement. A spigot on the dispenser provides controlled pours and is easy to clean, the company said. The metal stand, available in blue, red or green, is color coordinated with the non-clogging silicone filter and spigot. Blue, Red or Green. $34.99 at www.primulaproducts.com.
Kyocera Ceramic Knives. (PRNewsFoto/Kyocera)
Frieling 44-Ounce Stainless Steel French Press
The FRIELING 44-OUNCE STAINLESS STEEL FRENCH PRESS is amply sized for serving flavorful hot coffee to guests at the end of a holiday meal. The beautifully styled press features a stainless steel body that is durable and easy to maintain. Its double-wall insulated design retains heat four times longer than glass. BPA free and dishwasher safe. $120 at www.direct.frieling.com.
Capresso Tea C100 Temperature Controlled Water Kettle Kit
KitchenAid® Pro Line® Toaster 4-slot
From green or white, to oolong and black tea, the CAPRESSO TEAC100 offers five separate temperature settings that properly steep whichever tea type you and your guests’ desire. High quality stainless steel heating element boils water twice as fast as a traditional stovetop kettle. Easy and safe to serve, it features a cool-touch handle and drip-free pouring. Safety auto shut-off lets you enjoy tea with guests, without any added worries. 48-ounce capacity. $99.99 at www.Capresso.com.
Jura GIGA 5. (PRNewsFoto/Jura)
Jura has also launched the GIGA 5, a new luxury super-premium niche in home coffee brewing, setting new standards in performance, design and perfection to fulfill the coffee lover’s every dream. The first JURA model pre-programmed with an expanded menu of 12 barista coffee specialties, including Irish coffee, Pepresso, Mango Lassi and White Cool, it provides step-by-step instructions with inviting images and helpful text on the large color screen. You can also select from a variety of coffee classics, from espresso to latte macchiato, prepared perfectly one or two cups at a time at the touch of one button, without moving the cup. It is also first Jura model with a powerful combination of two high-performance ceramic disc grinders that adjust electronically for quick, precise, consistent grinding just before brewing. The GIGA 5 is also the first in the Jura line that can prepare two coffee specialty
NuWave® Precision Induction Cooktop
beverages at once. Variable dual spouts with four dispensers (two for coffee and two for milk) are height- and width- adjustable to accommodate a variety of cups. Another GIGA 5 innovation is adjustable VENTI PORTS. To ensure optimum performance in the machine, which produces heat and steam from two grinders and two heating systems, these Venti Ports automatically adjust to supply an ample amount of fresh air while providing for release of the appropriate amount of heat and steam during preparation. The Jura GIGA 5 is sold at select Sur La Table stores, surlatable.com or by phone at 800-243-0852, with an actual price of $5,499.
Save time and energy with the NUWAVE® PRECISION INDUCTION COOKTOP. Use this portable countertop appliance as an extra burner during meal preparation, or on a buffet table to keep a dish warm. It cooks up to 50 percent
Sil-Eco® Bread Mat
faster than gas or electric. $119.95, plus shipping and processing at www.nuwavepic.com.
Ensure perfect crust for flaky croissants or dinner rolls with the SIL-ECO® BREAD MAT. The specially designed food-grade silicone mat is reinforced with a fiber mesh to help distribute heat evenly. Its perforated surface is designed to produce even browning. Also for freezing or proofing dough. Fits a standard 13 x 18-inch cookie sheet. $21.99 at www.amazon.com.
KUHN RIKON is king in my book. Enjoy faster, tastier, and healthier cooking with Swiss-made KUHN RIKON DUROMATIC® PRESSURE COOKERS. Easy to use, it reduces cooking times by up to 66% versus conventional cooking. And because it cooks under pressure, foods retain more nutrients and color, for healthy eating and culinary appeal. The result is perfectly cooked, delicious and healthy meals made with less fats and oils. THE KUHN RIKON DUROMATIC® Pressure Cookers lets you create delicious recipes that you might not otherwise make, such as Korean galbi jjim Pressure Cooker-Style from Chef Yoon. Available in a variety of sizes from 3 to 12 quarts, KUHN RIKON DUROMATIC® PRESSURE COOKERS come in many of styles including traditional pans, stockpots and frypans.
Kuhn Rikon Duromatic(R) Pressure Cooker. (PRNewsFoto/Kuhn Rikon)
Kuhn Rikon PushPan (TM). (PRNewsFoto/Kuhn Rikon)
KUHN RIKON presents a new concept in baking pans that will appeal to anyone who loves to bake cakes, cheesecakes, tarts, quiches, deep-dish pizza, puddings and more. The KUHN RIKON PUSHPAN™ is the first springform pan to combine a 100% leak-proof design with easy release and bake-and-serve convenience. This premium-quality nonstick pan comes with a removable base with a patented silicone gasket that creates a super tight seal. Once the base is pushed securely into the pan, even the thinnest of batters will not leak. There is no need to line the outside of the pan with foil, even for a cheesecake or custard recipe that calls for a water bath. This clever “no-spring” version of the springform pan is heavy gauge for even heat distribution and no hot spots, for use in either conventional or convection ovens. Oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, it is also freezer safe, making it ideal for a variety of frozen delights. The KUHN RIKON PUSHPAN™ comes in three sizes: 8-inch, 9-inch and 10-inch, with suggested retail prices from $24.95 to $34.95. It is available at specialty and online retailers including Sur La Table.
KUHN RIKON SWISS PASTRY ROLLER
Kuhn Rikon Kinderkitchen Mouse Measuring Cups
Rolling and shaping dough for cookies or tarts is easy with the KUHN RIKON SWISS PASTRY ROLLER. 3½ inches wide, this one-handed tool helps you roll crust on counter, and can even access tight corners of a pan. Removable pastry tool creates fluted edges. $16 at SUR LA TABLE or factorydirect2you.com.
Kuhn Rikon Icing Spatulas
Kuhn Rikon Icing Spatula with Polka Dots
Whether it’s a mini cupcake or a multi-layer cake, ICING SPATULAS from KUHN RIKON are easy to handle and fun to use. Offset blade provides the proper leverage for evenly spreading icing over cakes or batter into corners. Bright, fun colors. 7 by ¾-inches. Dishwasher safe. RED, GREEN or PURPLE $2.95 each. RED, PINK, GREEN or YELLOW POLKA DOTS $3.95 each. Available at SUR LA TABLE and WILLIAMS-SONOMA.
KUHN RIKON EURO BAKING and ICE CREAM SCOOP
Cookies and muffins are a great way to celebrate life’s everyday moments. The KUHN RIKON EURO BAKING AND ICE CREAM SCOOP is ideal for making uniform cookies or avoiding drips on a muffin tin. Ergonomic handle gets you through shaping dozens of cookies with ease. Available in 1-, 2-, and 3-tbsp. sizes. $20 – $24 at factorydirect2you.com.
KUHN RIKON RED COOKIE PRESS WITH DECORATING BOTTLE
Kuhn Rikon Swiss Peeler $3.99 each
Create classic spritz cookies in minutes with the KUHN RIKON RED COOKIE PRESS WITH DECORATING BOTTLE, with 10 different stainless-steel discs with shapes from stars to flowers. Its one-handed operation and see-through barrel ensure ease of use. The decorating bottle allows for easy embellishment of the cookies. Recipe and instruction booklet provide added inspiration. $19.95 at SUR LA TABLE.
KUHN RIKON Stainless Pastry Bag
For the added decorative touch on cakes, pies or cookies, use the KUHN RIKON STAINLESS PASTRY BAG. Create beautiful details with precision with multiple steel tips for rosettes, frosting stars, and professional basket weave patterns, inject delicious fillings into cupcakes. All parts dishwasher safe. $28 at www.Amazon.com.
KUHN RIKON COOKIE & CUPCAKE DECORATING SET
KUHN RIKON COOKIE & CUPCAKE DECORATING SET also makes for creative, easy icing. Using a simple yet oh-so-effective ‘squeeze’ method, you can decorate cakes, cookies and desserts like a true professional. The decorating guide makes it easy, with dozens of effects at your fingertips such as lettering, stars and rosettes, as well as perfect royal icing and neatly drizzled chocolate. And the separate bottles allow you to use several colors at a time for really eye-catching results. Includes 2 tall bottles, 3 short concertina bottles, 5 stainless steel nozzles, caps and frosting spatula.
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