I’ve never owned a cookie press and I really can’t tell you why. They have always intrigued me, especially around the holidays. (I guess I’ve always envisioned myself pumping out dozens of cookies, just like Martha Stewart.)

The Wilton Cookie Master Plus Cookie Press is cordless, so I’m thinking rechargeable batteries would be the way to go… making sure they are fully charged before starting your baking session. Requires 4 AAA batteries.

It features reverse action technology, which means there is no need to take it apart to refill it. Pretty handy!

It comes with 12 aluminum disks, in standard and seasonal shapes. The set also includes four filling/decorating tips and two recipe booklets, showcasing both sweet and savory dishes. Can you say appetizers?

Besides cookies, I think it would be great for filling deviled eggs and maybe even making snazzy cheese topped crackers, if the cheese wasn’t too stiff to fit through the disks. You could even use the decorating tips to fill doughnuts. YUMMY!

Those of you who have used this cookie press with success are more than encouraged to share any tips and hints you might have. Your favorite recipes are welcome, as well. After all; there is no such thing as too many cookies.

Airplanes and reindeer and stars, oh my! Now, you can be the most creative pancake maker on the block, without breaking the bank.

Honestly, I’ve never realized until now how many different pancake molds are out there. They would all make great stocking stuffers… especially the ‘winter themed’ ones. Perfect, for the gadget lover who has everything, don’t you think?

I think I’ve mentioned before that I’ve always had a difficult time making pancakes. Either they’re not the right color (I can almost hear my sons voice… Mom… are pancakes SUPPOSED to be black?) or they turn out looking something like puzzle pieces. I really think these molds would help.

The molds pictured are stack and fill molds. How cool is that? The finished product yields a flower tower, three tiers high with a yummy surprise oozing down through the middle. (At under $20 a set, they’re a steal of a deal.)

Whether you decide to fill them with blueberries and whipped cream, chocolate chips and bananas or apples drizzled with caramel and streusel topping the outcome will be a resounding YUM!

I’d love to hear about your favorite pancake topping or toppings. Tips and tricks for the perfect pancake are also welcome. It’s never too late to learn how to do it right!

During all of my travels through Cyberspace, I have never encountered the Joyce Chen 4 in 1 Microwave Rice Steamer. After reading all of the rave reviews, it’s definitely on my ‘gotta have it’ list.

I seldom make regular rice at home, due in part to the fact that I’m never altogether pleased with the way it turns out. However, this steamer seems like it might be the answer to my problems.

Not only does this steam any variety of rice, you can also use it for many kinds of veggies (including potatoes), pasta, meat and even popcorn. How nifty is that?

The set includes: 2 quart steamer bowl, locking outer lid, popcorn lid, steaming insert, steam recirculating inner lid and rice paddle.

Steamer and lids are dishwasher safe or can be washed by hand, whichever method you prefer.
If you are interested in Chinese cooking and cuisine, Joyce Chen offers many additional items that are sure to help you in the kitchen. Cooking for the public, since opening her first eatery in 1958, she developed her line of products and ease of use in mind?

If you have used any of Ms. Chen’s other products, I’d love to hear what you think about the line, as I’m sure would everyone else who stops by.

When I was growing up, my grandparents maintained a compost pile. My grandma had one of those small scrap containers that had the little teeny plastic bags that fit in it. Every night, after dinner, my grandpa would empty the contents of that day’s bag, into the pile. Boy, would they have loved the RSVP 3.35 Quart Compost Pail!

It is available in a variety of finishes, to match almost any kitchen décor. These include Bamboo (as shown), stainless steel and glossy black stoneware.

The inside liner of the pail is easily removable and dishwasher safe, as well. It does require charcoal filters, which are sold separately in packages of 2 sets. Each set lasts 4-6 months and are simple to replace, in the lid of the pail.

The overall size of this product is 8 x 11. So, it won’t take up a lot of your valuable counter space and will look a heck of a lot better than a teeny tiny plastic scrap bag.

Composting is a very ‘green’ thing to do. If you don’t already make a practice of it, there are many great books out there that will help you get started. Remember, it’s never too late to help save the planet!

I don’t know about you, but I absolutely LOVE S’mores. Yes, I know its October and well past campfire season, at least here in Michigan. But, I am happy to report that all is not lost! Enter the Hershey’s S’mores Maker. No mosquitoes required. How nifty is that?

The unit consists of a ceramic burner and tray. In regard to storage, it takes up very little space. This s’mores maker requires the use of a prepackaged, 2.6 ounce, can of chafing fuel, which is sold separately.

The tray, itself, features built-in holders for graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate.

Hint: you are not limited to using plain chocolate bars, when making s’mores. You can use any type of chocolate candy that melts… peanut butter cups, Snickers, Mounds… the list goes on.

You could probably experiment with using thin cookies in place of the graham crackers, as well.

The burner holder features a snuffer to extinguish the roasting flame and a heat resistant handle. The roaster element is crafted of durable stainless steel.

I would love to hear about your unique s’mores recipes. Please feel free to post them, below. I’m sure chocolate lovers, around the globe, will appreciate them just as much as I do.

These are so cool! I’ve already added them to my Christmas list. (After all, you can never have too many measuring utensils, especially if you do a lot of baking, right?)

I’m relatively short, in stature. So, it’s never really been a big deal when I’ve had to bend down to check the fill mark on the cup I’m using. But, my guess is that the taller you are the more you will appreciate these.

Since the patented design allows you to monitor measurements from above, it eliminates the need to ‘become eye-level with the cup’. If you are one of those people who typically has to fill and check two or three times, to properly measure ingredients, these cups are for you!

The OXO Angled Measuring Cups are available in several different sizes. They are made of extremely durable plastic and are easy to clean. All sizes are dishwasher safe and feature a soft, easy-grip, handle.

I’m thinking I would probably use them more to measure liquids as opposed to things like flour and sugar. (I still prefer to measure dry ingredients by filling the appropriate size cup and scraping off the excess, with a knife.)

These would make great stocking stuffers or a little ‘extra something’, for the bride-to-be.

As of this writing, I don’t have a trash can in my kitchen. Instead, there is a large black trash bag sitting prominently in the corner. Since the room is small, it’s more than a little distracting.

Needless to say, I would LOVE one of these touchless trash cans. I ask you, ain’t technology grand?

Should you decide to purchase this can, an infrared light on the lid will sense when your hand or any kind of trash comes within six inches of it. Then, like magic, it opens… and you simply toss. The lid will remain open for a full three seconds after your hand leaves the six inch zone.

(There are manual buttons on top of the can, as well, should you decide to open it the old fashioned way.)

The improved touchless trash can features optimum sensitivity, which means there is no need to worry about it accidentally opening.

This particular model holds an 18 gallon size bag. It comes with a sturdy retainer ring, which holds the bag into place and keeps it hidden within the can. An AC power adapter is available, for an extra fee.

The same company also manufactures a touchless paper towel holder and soap dispenser.

The Christmas season is fast approaching. It’s hard to believe, isn’t it? Be that as it may, it’s never too early to start your holiday shopping. (Some people are SO organized; they start the day after Christmas… I wish!)

One of the things on my list, this year, is a cookbook holder. I never realized that they were available in so many styles, until I started looking. I totally love the wrought iron ones, like the one in the picture. HINT… HINT!

There are acrylic cookbook holders, wooden cookbook holders, hanging cookbook holders and even glass cookbook holders. Their purpose is pretty self-explanatory. They protectively hold your cookbook so the pages remain clean and undamaged while you are busy baking.

These holders are available in different sizes, as well. If you will be purchasing one as a gift, consider the hanging style or one that folds up, when not in use. Counter area is an issue for many people. You don’t want to purchase a gift, which will go unused simply because of lack of space.

It seems to me that a cookbook holder would make a great gift for an avid crafter, as well. Since they deal with messy work areas, what could be better? Right?

Honestly, I’ve wanted an Aerogarden since they first came out. Now, looking at all the neat accessories and seed kits that have come out since then, I want one even more.

(The seed starter kit is a WONDERFUL idea! Hubby and I are going for a totally heirloom garden, next year.)

This is probably a good time for me to interject that it’s not going to be long before I’ll have to get another blogging job to pay for all of the things I want because of this one.

With the weather getting colder, here in Michigan, I am so tempted to order one. I think it’s the perfect time to bring a bit more greenery, not to mention yummy herbs and veggies, inside.

There are several types of Aerogardens available… including a ‘space saver’ model. (Yippee!)

There is also a much larger variety of seed kits to choose from. They include: cherry tomatoes, chili peppers, green beans, snow peas, south of the border herbs, Japanese herbs, Italian herbs, many different kinds of lettuce and a whole lot more.

From the reviews I’ve been reading, I’ve learned that many people are so pleased with these gardens that they’ve purchased multiple units. It just keeps getting better and better, doesn’t it?

With the holidays fast approaching (they’ll be here sooner than you think) there’s no better time than now to pick up a whipped cream dispenser. Until today, I never realized that they are so easy to use. They would make an excellent gift for the avid baker, in your life.

Fresh whipped cream is SO much better than the store bought stuff! Some people practically consider it a meal in itself. Compared to the ‘old fashioned’ way of whipping cream, using the dispenser and charger is a snap. Ain’t technology grand?

Cost-wise you don’t save that much when you make your own whipped cream. It averages out to about 10% less. BUT, when you consider the taste and the fact that you can easily flavor it with syrups such as Monin or Torani the lack of big savings is certainly worth it.

To make the whipped cream:
Fill dispenser with heavy cream plus 2 T. powdered sugar (to half way point). Replace screw top.

Place charger into holder. Screw charger onto dispenser until nitrous oxide is released. Shake the dispenser a few times and you’re good to go.

Hold dispenser upside down and squeeze handle to dispense whipped cream. How totally cool is that?