If you own more than one spatula, like most cooks do, you are probably asking yourself why you need to invest in a fish turner. I can answer that question in one word, ‘convenience’. Not to mention the fact that they are very affordable.

Surprisingly, they come in a variety of sizes, styles and colors. (My favorite is available in a gorgeous green shade. It’s part of the Mario Batali Collection.)

If you take the time to read the reviews, in regard to the fish turner pictured, you will find that folks are also using it to turn and/or retrieve enchiladas, lasagna, omelet’s and large cuts of meat.

It features an easy to grip handle and a non-stick surface. Best of all, it won’t melt… like a traditional plastic spatula.

Some fish turners are double-sided. That is to say that they grip the fish or whatever you are retrieving between two separate but connected spatulas. (I hope I didn’t lose you with my terrible description… I did my best.)

I love fish but have never been able to come up with a batter tasty enough to admit that I simply can’t live without it. I’m hoping that one of my loyal readers might have just the recipe I’m looking for. Is it you?

These Handbag Cookie Jars are just too cute for cookies… I mean words! I honestly think that if my house was larger, I’d start a cookie jar collection. There are so many ADORABLE ones to choose from.

(Actually, I already own a vintage jar. I have my Grandma’s Little Red Riding Hood cookie jar, manufactured by Hull. Red would be worth approximately $500 (or more) except for the fact that she had an unfortunate mishap involving her hood.)

I think this gorgeous little handbag would make the PERFECT Mother’s Day gift, for the Mom who loves to bake cookies or other sweet treats. Who says a cookie jar can only hold cookies, right?

You could even go a step further and stash some cash inside, with a quick note earmarking the funds for cookie making ingredients.

These cookie jars aren’t terribly large. They measure approximately 9 x 11 x 7. However, this makes them the ideal size for smaller kitchens.

When it comes to my favorite cookie, it has to be chocolate chip… hands down. Add a few walnuts to the batter and I love them even more.

Feel free to post your favorite cookie recipe. I’m always looking for new ones to add to my ever growing collection.

My hubby absolutely LOVES jerky. Although I can’t say I adore it, there are a few varieties that I like… teriyaki in particular. It makes a great on the go snack, as long as you follow it with a breath mint.

I just discovered the Jerky Xpress Dehydrator Kit with Jerky Gun and as you might guess I want one. I have a basic food dehydrator that honestly has seen better days. It seems logical to replace it with this one.

The unit features a 350 watt power head (fan driven) and 4 drying trays. Due to its patented drying technology, it dries food in a matter of hours as opposed to days. There is never a need to worry about uneven drying.

I think the jerky gun is the neatest aspect about the Jerky Xpress. You simply prepare the meat as directed (the kit comes with 4 pre-measured spice packs), fill the gun and SHOOT… well, kind of.

Using the gun ensures that your jerky pieces will all be the same size. No more fighting over the biggest piece!

Remember, you don’t have to limit yourself to drying just meat in this dehydrator. Any foods that can be dried are fair game.

Several years ago, I collected ‘Coke stuff’. I stopped because I felt I needed a change in décor. After looking at all of the cool neon Coca-Cola Clocks, available today, I’m almost ready to start a new collection.

I collected it because I am addicted to the stuff. Even if you aren’t addicted to Coke or don’t want to change the overall look of your kitchen (or den) these colorful clocks are definitely worth your consideration.

They are available in many styles, sizes and price ranges. Some are neon and some are not. It isn’t difficult find one to suit you, regardless of your taste.

If you take the time to follow the link in this post, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by all of the Coca-Cola clocks we have to offer. Any of them would make a terrific gift, for the Coke lover in your life. It might even inspire them to start a Coke memorabilia collection of their own.

Honestly, there are MANY kitchen and cooking related items that make interesting collectibles. You are really only limited by your imagination.

That being said… do you collect anything that fits into this category? If so, there’s no time like the present to tell us about your stash.

If you are an avid tea drinker, you MUST consider the Adagio Teas triniTeas Electric 32-Ounce Tea Maker. This nifty brewer is just too cool… or maybe I should say hot! It’s really the most intriguing tea maker I’ve run across.

I’m not sure why but I’ve never been able to make a perfect cup of tea. It’s either way to strong or has no taste at all. Suffice it to say, I need this tea maker. One of its finest features is temperature control.

Here’s how it works. Water is heated to the optimum temperature in the top pot. When it gets to this point, it flows into the middle pot where the tea actually steeps. Last but not least, perfectly brewed tea fills the carafe for easy serving. This carafe keeps the tea warm, as well.

The triniTea is equipped with a timer which means that you have the ability to control the strength of your brew.

This particular tea maker is part of a set that includes two 12 oz. coffee mugs and a wooden tea chest. Other sets include a mug and a stainless steel tea egg infuser with silicone sleeve. (I challenge you to say THAT, three times fast!

I’d hate to think I’m a bit ‘out of the loop’, but until today I never knew that salt pigs existed. So, I guess that means I must be a bit under informed.

I was happy to learn, however, that these cute little containers come in several different styles, some even resembling pigs.

Apparently, they  are to be used for either kosher or sea salt varieties and were invented to keep these salts from clumping in humid climates and steamy kitchens.

Think about it, because it really does make sense. How many times have you picked up a salt shaker that has been sitting on the stovetop only to find that moisture prevents it from shaking properly?

I found salt pigs available with, both, glazed and unglazed interiors. The type you want to purchase is the unglazed option. This is due to the fact that any moisture will be absorbed by this surface.

I have read where many cooks keep their salt in a ramekin or other small bowl, for easy access. The problem with this is that they risk the chance of debris falling into it.

Why take that chance when you can buy your very own salt pig? It would even make a nice little gift, for the chef who has everything.

While I’m on the subject of Aerogardens and growing things, there’s no better time to talk about Norpro Triple Herb Scissors. Honestly, I had no idea that anything like this even existed, until today. What a neat invention!

These scissors are triple-bladed. They will allow you to chop, cut or mince the herbs of your choice with very little effort. You can even do so right over the pan you are cooking in or the plate you are garnishing. A snip of this and a bit of that will surely jazz up any dish.

This nifty kitchen helper measures 7.5 inches overall and features comfy (large) ergonomic handles. They are dishwasher safe, as well.

If you decide to grow your own herbs, these scissors would make freezer storage a snap. Simply snip the herbs, freeze in single layer on cookie sheet, bag and freeze.

Frozen herbs will remain flavorful for several months and should be used just like you would the fresh variety.

On the other hand, if you use dried herbs the flavor is more concentrated. You never need to use as much when preparing any dish.

What herb do you find you cook with the most? In our house, I would have to say its chives. I LOVE them in dips and salads. YUM!

Last September, I blogged about how much I wanted an Aerogarden. Well, I’m happy to report that I’m finally purchasing one within the next week or so. I will also be purchasing the Aerogarden Garden Starter Tray, to go with it.

Since we are planning to put in a garden this year I am counting on this nifty Aerogarden accessory to give us the head start we need to grow our own seedlings. (This should save us a bundle, in the long run.)

The starter tray will allow us to start 70 plants at once. Because of our overall lack of living space, we could never accomplish this otherwise. It works with both the 6 and 7 pod Aerogarden.

Re-fill kits are available, at an affordable price. Each kit consists of enough growing plugs and nutrients to completely re-fill the tray.

Our seedlings should be ready to plant outdoors (or in containers) within two to six weeks. I’m already looking through seed catalogs, deciding on what to order.

I can’t wait to get my Aerogarden. Honestly, I don’t remember running across even one negative review for this product. There are scads of Aerogardener’s who own more than one unit. I have the feeling I’ll be one of them!

I’ve collected cookbooks, for years. If I had my way (and a larger house) I’d own more of them. Every time I purchase a new one, my husband rolls his eyes and asks me where I’m going to put it.

Even though I have access to millions of recipes, on the Internet, they will never replace my love for the traditional cookbook. There is just something about them that makes me feel like Betty Crocker.

Over the years, I have learned to really research a cookbook before adding it to my collection. That way, there is a less likely chance that it will need to be returned. (I don’t have enough space to keep a cookbook I probably won’t use.)

That being said, I recently subscribed to Cookbook Digest and am eagerly awaiting the delivery of my first issue. Each month I will be made privy to recipes and reviews from twenty popular cookbooks.

The magazine also includes a great many colorful photos and informative articles, covering topics such as entertaining, seasonal foods, product and equipment recommendations and much more.

I opted for the 6-month subscription. There is a 12-month subscription available as well. This allows you to choose the one that more easily fits into your budget.

If you love omelets, as much as I do, the Nordic Ware Omelet Pan and Egg Poacher is a piece of cookware for your consideration. This omelet maker magically turns into an egg poacher with the aid of a separate insert that fits into one side of the pan.

The feature I like most about this type of pan is the ease in which you flip the omelet. All you do is flip the pan.

I don’t know about you, but I always have a heck of a time flipping an omelet in a regular pan. Unfortunately, I sometimes end up with a scrambled omelet. Thank goodness the taste is the same, right?

To get the most out of this pan, I suggest (as do some of the reviewers) that you cook your eggs on medium heat. This will ensure a successful outcome, every time. It should never be used on a glass or ceramic cook top.

Because the omelet pan is non-stick, sautéing is a breeze. It’s even heating, as well, which means no undercooked spots. We all know that there is nothing worse than a gooey omelet!

Nordic Ware recommends that you wash this pan by hand. It is covered by their two year warranty.