I purchased a Deni Magic Vacuum Food Saver, many years ago, when it was first introduced. It continues to be a popular model, even today. If you don’t have the budget to invest in a more expensive vacuum sealer, I hope you will consider the Deni. Unless you will be freezing and storing TONS of things, it should do the trick.

Groceries aren’t getting any cheaper. Because of this, throwing leftovers away just isn’t an option for most families… at least not mine. That’s where a vacuum food saver comes to the rescue.

Buying food bulk can save you a great deal of money. When you package that food in sealer bags, it can stay fresh up to five times longer depending on the specific product. It’s really a win-win situation.

The Deni Magic Vacuum Food Saver is fully automatic. The base is removable, for easy cleaning. It’s capable of packaging things in bags, canisters, jars and bottles. The compact size makes it perfect for smaller kitchens or RV’s.

Speaking of RV’s or better yet camping, sealing items like matches, flashlights, towels and even clothing is advisable. You know what they say, ‘better safe than sorry’.

It’s also good for storing keepsakes like photos, comic books, post cards, etc.

Those of you that read Chefshopper with any frequency (thank you, by the way) know that I live in a small house, which lacks storage space. This is especially true, when it comes to KITCHEN storage space.

That being said, I have been shopping around for a door mount spice rack. Honestly, I’m seriously considering buying two of them.

(I can try more new spices, that way, right? At least that’s how I’m going to explain the duel purchase to my husband.)

I was happy to learn that there is a wide variety of this type of spice rack available. All of them are actually quite affordable.

I am leaning toward getting the one I’ve chosen to include in this post. I happen to prefer racks made of wood, but I’m wire the wire racks work just as well.

This particular model looks like it holds twelve to fifteen bottles of spices. Of course it really depends on the size and shape of the bottles.

I’m ashamed to admit it, but I’ve needed a REAL spice rack for so long. I’ve gotten into the bad habit of using a spice and putting it back into the cupboard I’m standing closest to, at the time.

Drives my husband crazy. He’ll be so happy to discover help is on the way. Won’t he?

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.

As I’ve mentioned in a previous post or two, I’m not much of a coffee drinker. Be that as it may, I still feel the need to tell you about the Bean Vac Coffee Canister. I think it’s a pretty neat idea and would make a great gift, for the coffee lover in your life.

The canister holds 1 pound of your favorite coffee. It prevents moisture and oxidation, two things that are instrumental in ruining a good cup of java. It’s very easy to use, as it seals by flipping the handle.

It features a vacuum indicator button so you can keep track of your coffees level of freshness. (Something you’ve always wanted to do, right?) Due to the recessed battery cover, the canister can set on a wet countertop with no problem.

It has an auto-activation switch which means that you control how often the unit will automatically re-seal. Options are each time the canister closes, every 12 hours, every 24 hours or every 48 hours. This saves battery power.

(Even if you choose every 48 hours, you will have MUCH fresher coffee than you would, using traditional storage methods.)

Have you used a similar product with success? If so, feel free to share your results with coffee lovers everywhere.