I absolutely love it when I find a new (to me, at least) gadget or kitchen-related product that is small enough to fit in my tiny kitchen, with EASE. Enter the OXO Salt and Pepper Grinder Set. What an inventive idea! (They even come pre-filled.)

Personally, I tend to use pepper sparingly. However, when I do use it I prefer it as freshly ground, as possible. Since there are many different varieties of peppercorns available, you won’t have a problem choosing a favorite.

Let’s not forget the salt. Sea salt is all the rage, right now… not to mention healthier for you than the iodized version.

This grinder set is ceramic, for the most part. This means that no flavors or odors will ever be absorbed. The vessels, themselves, are adjustable. They adjust to grind the gambit, coarse to fine.

You simply unscrew each cap, to re-fill. The grinders sit flat (upside down) allowing you to perform the task.

They have a 4-3/4 ounce capacity and feature attractive stainless steel accents, for even greater appeal.

Do you incorporate sea salt in your recipes? If so, feel free to share your thoughts with the rest of us. I, for one, think it’s time I made the switch!

Spring has sprung in my neck of the woods. It’s time to start making a final decision as to what we will be planting in our little garden plot.

This year, I’m going to try my hand at canning. My grandma preformed this task, almost religiously. For my mom, it was more of a hobby.

I’m going to pick up the Fagor Home Canning Kit, within the next few weeks. (If I wait until it’s actually time to start canning, I’m afraid it will be hard to find. I’m sure you know how that goes.)

This particular kit looks as though it has everything a beginner canner, like myself, needs to be successful on their maiden canning voyage… except for the pot and jars.

It includes: a full-color (bilingual) step-by-step cookbook with recipes, stainless steel ladle and funnel, canning rack, bubble freer, jar wrench, jar lifter and magnetic lifter.

Since our garden is going to be on the ‘smallish’ side, I’m thinking I’ll only attempt something like stewed tomatoes or chili sauce this year. Both seem to be relatively easy and I go through a lot of them.

Do you have an easy chili sauce recipe; you’d be willing to share with a novice? I really want to carry on this family tradition and make mom and grandma proud.

Every kitchen, including mine, can benefit greatly with the addition of a Taylor Kitchen Scale. This particular model weighs items up to 6 pounds or 3 kg… meaning it will tackle almost any job.

The platform on this scale is glass, which makes it very easy to wipe clean and completely stain resistant. The buttons are rubberized for easy cleaning, as well. (You have the option of weighing things directly on the platform or in a bowl. It’s really up to you.)

A scale such as this is particularly nifty for those who are watching their weight. There are many diet plans that still require you to weigh your food and this unit will make that chore a breeze.

I’m thinking it would also be great to use for measuring things like homemade Christmas cookies and candy. You won’t have to worry about the kids fighting over the biggest bag.

This scale is the perfect size to keep handy on the countertop, as it doesn’t take up much space. Another great feature is the lithium battery… just like the Energizer Bunny, it lasts and lasts.

Cast your vote for the kitchen scale. Do you think you would use one on a regular basis or would it gather dust in the corner?

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?

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!

If you do a lot of baking, have I got an oven rack for you… the Nifty Oven Rack, that is! It’s actually a 3-tier rack that can withstand the weight of three heavy casserole dishes with ease. I can already envision it in my oven, next Thanksgiving.

As you can see in the photo, you still have room for a large size roasting pan when using the Nifty Rack. That means… turkey, green bean casserole, candied yams, my hubby’s delicious stuffed peppers and homemade rolls. Ok, everybody say ‘YUM’!

It seems to me that this rack could also be used to bake cookies, provided that your baking sheets are the right size. This could end up to be a huge time saver if you have been recruited to bake a zillion cookies, for your child’s next school-sponsored bake sale.

I think the Nifty Rack would also work as a plate warmer, if you happen to be entertaining. Martha Stewart would be proud and your guests will be appreciative.

It folds flat, for easy and convenient storage. It’s easy to assemble as well as dishwasher safe. Since this rack is constructed of nickel chrome plated steel, it is durable enough to last a lifetime.

I’m not sure why, but I’ve never attempted to make homemade ravioli. Recently, I’ve run across SO many tantalizing ravioli recipes I think I see the Villaware Ravioli Maker in my future. (My apologies to Chef Boy-R-Dee.)

It seems to be just the ticket when it comes to making your own ravioli, without a great deal of difficulty. You can fill, cut and seal one dozen squares at a time with this handy little product.

A second plate is included, which aids in forming the most perfect dough pocket possible.

This ravioli maker is the recipient of rave reviews… all the more reason that I want one. Folks that have used it recommend that you can save even more time by using a small, ice cream squeeze type, scoop to measure out your ravioli filling.

You can easily mix up your dough in a food processor and roll it out using a pasta attachment… although neither are an absolute necessity. You can mix the dough by hand and roll it out with the ‘old fashioned’ wooden rolling pin that is included, as well.

I hope you take a moment to post your favorite ravioli filling recipe. I want to have several on hand to choose from, before I place my order.

I think the Witmer Company Peanut Butter Mixer would be the perfect gift for the peanut butter lover who has everything. Alternatively, if you eat a lot of natural peanut butter you might want to consider making the purchase for yourself.

(If you’ve never eaten natural, non-hydrogenated, peanut butter you may wonder why this mixer was invented. The answer is simple; natural peanut butter always separates in the jar… peanut oil on top and ground peanuts on the bottom.)

Reviewers have given the mixer a thumbs up. No more mixing and mixing and MIXING with a butter knife. Not only is that method messy it can be a pain in the… arm.

This nifty little gadget usually gets the job done in just a few minutes. Believe it or not it’s self cleaning, as well. How cool is that?

After the peanut butter has been thoroughly mixed it can be stored in the refrigerator to prevent future separation.

The Witmer Peanut Butter Mixer is available in two convenient sizes. The one you purchase should be dependent on the jar size you normally purchase.

Remember, there really is no such thing as owning too many kitchen gadgets, especially when they save you time and effort, in the kitchen.

Believe it or not, I’ve never owned a pair of poultry shears. Every time I’m cutting up a chicken, I ask myself why. I guess I really need to invest in these Henckels Deluxe Serrated Poultry Shears.

When you are in need of kitchen cutlery this is definitely a brand to consider. Yes, Henckles knives cost a bit more than competing brands, but they are worth their weight in gold… or in this case, chicken. They come with a LIFETIME warranty, which makes them an even better value.

I hate cutting up chicken. YUCK! But, I’m sure these shears would make the job a whole lot easier. Because of their design, this particular pair cuts through bones and joints with very little effort on your part.

Made in Germany, the 10-inch shears are constructed with curved, high carbon, stainless steel blades. One of them notched and serrated to prevent slipping when you are cutting through the hardest of bone.

There is no need to worry about reaching into a drawer and accidently getting cut on these shears. The blades lock securely together, with the slide of a button.

These shears are dishwasher safe. But, hand washing is recommended in order to protect the edges of the blades.Henckels, anyone?