Tailgating with Picnic Time

Sparty on ... a picnic chair

I had the rare pleasure last Friday of seeing my Michigan State Spartans defeat the Boise State Broncos – rare because here in the Pacific Northwest, Big 10 teams just don’t rate (especially in a sports bar competing for TV time with the Mariners). It made me nostalgic for crisp autumn days in East Lansing, drinking coffee and grilling hotdogs in the parking lot outside Spartan Stadium.  

Now that the college football season is on us, I’m thinking about heading down to U-Dub (the University of Washington, as it’s known locally) to recapture those tailgating days. The air may be moister here in Seattle, but I’m sure the experience will be just as satisfying.

But I’m missing something essential for proper tailgating – gear. I don’t have a single U-Dub sweatshirt, cap, beer cozy, or anything. Where should I begin? That question was answered last week when the Picnic Time line of NCAA and NFL-branded picnic chairs and tables went live on ChefTools.com

What could be better than a chair specifically designed for tailgating and other similar outdoor activities emblazoned with my team’s logo? How about a Picnic Table for four with your team’s logo on it?

The U-Dub Huskies picnic table

Picnic Time is renowned for its beautiful picnic baskets (most come stocked with plates, utensils, blankets and more) and portable grills. This outdoor furniture is light, durable and easy to take anywhere – from the beach to the parking lot at your local stadium. Having the option of getting your team’s logo adds a new dimension. 

I actually had the chance to sit in one of the picnic chairs recently. The seat was comfortable and firm, not rickety like foldout chairs you get from big box stores. The best part, though, was the storage compartments; they attach to the arm of the chair, and there’s room for everything from cups of cider (alcoholic or non) to cell phones, keys, and pennants.  There’s even a side table for your hot dogs. 

I’m targeting a tailgating session with my new U-Dub picnic chair on Sept. 27 when Stanford comes to town. We have nearly every NCAA team and all NFL teams available – pick up yours today!

The Wonder Of Burnt Flour Orecchiette

DiCuonzo Orecchiette Farina Arsa Pasta

Have you ever tried burnt flour orecchiette? 

We won’t fault you if the answer is “no.” This variety of orecchiette, with a beautiful texture and color that resembles dark chocolate, is extremely rare outside of Italy. Even in Italy, it’s hard to find outside of the Puglia region. 

Luckily, we have Ritrovo Italian Importers, which imports this extra special burnt flour pasta varietal to the U.S. - and ChefTools.com is one of the only retailers in the U.S. making this wonderful pasta available.

The most recent issue of the Italian cooking magazine La Cucina Italiana featured this special orecchiette; the magazine recommends simply tossing it with fresh, chunky tomato sauce. Here’s what writer Victoria Riccardi had to say about it: 

“Ash-brown in color and shaped like small, deep saucers, orecchiette di grano arso, or burnt flour orecchiette, is a product of Puglia’s cucina povera that dates to the Middle Ages. [The orecchiette] came topped with a chunky tomato sauce, and the distinctive pasta had a nutty, slightly smoky flavor that shone through clearly. It was unlike anything I’d eaten before.”

Experience this beautiful, flavorful DiCuonzo Orecchiette Farina Arsa Pasta today.

The tomato sauce recipe is simple, and its sweetness enhances this smoky pasta. Find the recipe here. 

The La Cucina Italiana article, courtesy of Ritrovo

Perfect Coffee For $20

I’ve spent a lot of time searching for the perfect cup of coffee - lots of money has gone toward testing high-end (and low-end) electronic percolators, French presses, the vaunted Chemex, and even homemade vacuum contraptions a la Gale Boetticher. 

What have I learned? Well, I wish someone had just given me the answer 10 years ago; I would’ve saved time, money, and thousands of taste buds. 

More importantly, I learned that for perfect coffee you need 3 things: time, low heat, and non-porous equipment (i.e., not plastic or metal). 

I also learned that perfect coffee can be yours for around $20.

Now, I must insert a caveat: everyone has a different coffee preference. When I say “perfect,” I mean that the coffee has a distinct flavor with a good – not bitter – aftertaste. The perfect cup is fresh, has no nasty grinds at the bottom, and doesn’t leave you over-caffeinated.

So, here’s my prescription for a perfect cup of coffee:

Equipment: For the brew, look no further than a ceramic or porcelain filter cone ($16.25). These surfaces don’t absorb flavors or odors, and don’t impart flavors (I find that metal and plastic do). The cone shape (as proven by the Chemex theory) is optimal for flowing hot water into coffee. The downside is these cones don’t make coffee for more than 1 or 2 people. For bigger jobs, check out the HIC Porcelain Drip Coffee set (also $16.25). You’ll also need to pick up some filters – brown recycled ones are best ($5.95).

HIC Drop Coffee Set

Water: Acidity/mineral content varies depending on where you live. I always add a few drops of vinegar to my water. I don’t know if this changes the PH level for better or worse, it’s just a habit I have. Bring your water to a boil, but let it cool to between 170 and 180 F before pouring it onto the coffee. Any hotter and you’ll burn the coffee.

Ratio: Never paid much attention to this. Cone filters are all roughly same size. I usually fill it up half way or a little less. Most sources out there, though, will tell you to have a ratio of 1 scoop per 6 ounces of water.

Coffee: Your brand is your brand, whether you like vanilla-hazelnut or straight up French roast. One important point you should be aware of is the difference between Robusto and Arabica beans. Robusto beans are generally cheaper, less flavorful, and contain a lot more caffeine. I always spring for the fair trade, shade-grown Arabica beans – more expensive than Folgers, but you’ll be rewarded (your taste buds and your conscience).

Grinding: OK, this is the expensive part. You should buy your own grinder ($77), or grind your beans at the store. Pre-ground coffee just isn’t fresh. If you grind at the store, the freshness of the coffee decreases practically by the hour. Buy a grinder, and you’re guaranteed fresh coffee every time. One last point – don’t put your coffee in the freezer; ice crystals might form on the beans, which damages them.

Simple, right? Use porcelain or ceramic cones, mildly-hot water, and fresh ground beans. Now, if I could just find the perfect way to brew tea …

Escape Summer Heat with Low Calorie Ice Pops

Keeping cool can cost calories. A typical homemade ice pop made with off-the-shelf fruit juice can be about as caloric and sugary as a can of soda. And calories that come from refined sugar or high fructose corn syrup might not provide the sustained energy boost you need to survive a scorcher of a mid-summer day. Luckily, low-calorie, low fat, and high-energy ice pop recipes exist. Here are a few of our favorites.

(And don’t forget to pick up BPA-free ice pop molds in fun shapes first!)

The Coffee Bar

This one is especially scrumptious for adults, and it truly is iced coffee. Simple mix and freeze the following ingredients:

¼ teaspoon of almond extract

½ teaspoon of vanilla extract

½ teaspoon of ground cardamom

½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon of raw sugar

¼ cup of water

1 cup of brewed coffee

½ cup of soymilk

Tart Lemon/Lime Pop

Pucker up! This recipe combines fresh squeezed citrus juice and pulp from lemons and limes for a refreshing treat – like an Italian ice, but with fewer calories. Combine and freeze:

The juice and pulp (no seeds!) of 4 large lemons, 3 limes (find inexpensive hand juicers here)

The zest of 2 limes (the thinner, the better – use an extremely sharp peeler for best results)

3 tablespoons of sugar-free lemonade mix dissolved in 2 cups of water

Iced Tea Pop

Much less caffeine than the coffee pops (or none, depending on the tea you use) and a lighter flavor make for a delightful summer treat. Combine and freeze:

4 cups of your favorite tea – or try green tea powder, which dissolves in water of any temperature

The juice of 2 lemons (optional, and probably not good to use with flavored herbal teas)

1 tablespoon of sugar

Watermelon and Mint

These two flavors complement each other perfectly – basically, it’s the most refreshing flavor you’re going to taste this summer. Combine and freeze:

1 whole medium-sized watermelon, pureed

1 loose cup of mint leaves, pureed

The juice and zest of 2 limes

1 tablespoon of sugar

1/8 cup of ground flax seed (for energy, fiber, and texture)

Enjoy Summer Salads, Herbs, & Berries

It’s right around this time of year that the lettuce in your backyard garden really starts to pop – I know because I have bushels of romaine and spicy lettuce that I’ve been handing out to friends. I’ve been enjoying fresh salads almost every night since July 4, too. Over a salad last night, I got to thinking: what else is ripe in mid-summer? 

Talking to friends (and consulting Google), I discovered that it’s prime berry season. Also, herbs – easy to start indoors in winter – are giving up their bounty, and have been for some time. To enjoy these fruits of mid-summer properly, try out these tools and gadgets. 

Jonas Berry Comb – Great for kids and adults, simply sweep this simple tool across berry bushes for a bounty of fruit. The wire combs sweep through thick brambles, easily picking up blueberries, raspberries and more. 

RSVP Fresh Herb Keeper - When you want to keep rosemary, basil, thyme and others fresh on hand for salads, roasted chicken, and more, look to an herb keeper. These compact devices keep herbs submerged in water and standing upright, which prevents wilting. 

Microplane Herb Mill – The last time I dried a sprig of oregano in my house most of it ended up spilled on the kitchen counter or the floor.  That’s because I would crush the sprig in my hand to remove the good bits, resulting in waste. That problem goes away with the herb mill. Not only does it shred and spread fresh herbs, but it crushes up dried herbs to produce a fresh version of store bought herbs. 

OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner - Literally one of the greatest inventions since sliced bread. No more soggy salads, plus the centrifugal force causes any last remaining bits of dirt and muck to fly off. 

RSVP Endurance Tomato Shark Huller – I despise tomato stems. Before I got a tomato huller, I was slicing up tomatoes, then using the tip of my knife to remove the hard stem parts (and before that, I would core the whole thing, wasting lots of precious tomato goodness). The inexpensive tomato shark scoops out the stem with no mess. You’re free to slice and dice tomatoes without a care in the world!  

ChefTools.com Made-in-America Shopping Guide

I am extremely proud to share this guide to all the brands available on ChefTools.com that make their products in America. I was actually surprised by how many brands still make their products here. If you’re into shopping local, or just want to support American workers, look to these brands and their outstanding products. 

Ateco: Founded in 1905 in Long Island – where it’s still located today – Ateco is known for its high quality, affordable bakeware and baking tools. Not all Ateco products are made in America, but many are. Airbrush coloring, cake decorating sets, pastry decorating sets, food coloring markers, decorating bags, and more all American made. 

Architec bowl sets

Architec: Stylish, durable, and infinitely useful, all Architec bowls, cutting boards, and cups are made in America. Even better, Architec uses 98% recycled materials to make its bowls.

AmeriColor: Are you a patriotic candy maker? Then try AmeriColor. These Kosher, oil-based candy colorings are made to blend with chocolate and hard candy and other oil-based foods.

Bar Keeper’s Friend: Invented in Indianapolis in 1882 by a chemist looking to clean a rhubarb-stained pot, Bar Keeper’s friend is still made in the Circle City. And, as a frequent cleaner of pots, I can tell you that it cleans stainless steel and enamel quickly and easily (plus, tile, linoleum, porcelain – most kitchen and bathroom surfaces).

Bag Adapter Kit: This handy device allows you to reuse pastry bags no matter how big of a hole you’ve cut in it. Invented by a baker and mother from San Diego. Two percent of all Bag Adapter Kit sales go to the Autism Speaks foundation.

Bread Armor: The Bread Armor artisan bread bags help bread stay fresh longer with a multi-layer barrier that keeps out mold-causing moisture and drying oxygen. This bread bag is perfect for low-moisture, gluten-free breads and artisan breads that do not contain preservatives.

Bella Cupcake Couture:  Posh and chic textile-inspired cupcake wrappers for all sizes and shapes. Designed and made here in Washington State.

Best Manufacturers: A leading manufacturer and supplier to the restaurant industry and for 4 decades has made its famous whisks and cooking tools in America. 

An example of a cake spruced up with a Cake Vase

CakeVase: Add flowers to you cake with this interesting tool. Great for weddings and anniversaries; made in America and it’s dishwasher safe.

DecoLace: Fancy and fun paper flowers for cheese platters and other appetizer spreads, plus cupcake wrappers, and doilies for serving pastries.

Dexter-Russell: From sandwich spreaders to granny forks, Dexter-Russell products are made of stainless steel and feature riveted walnut handles. These are beautiful and durable USA-made kitchen tools that you’ll be able to pass down to the next generation.

Epicurean Cutting Boards: Epicurean boards are made in America of Richlite, an eco-friendly, natural wood fiber from certified U.S. sustainability managed forests. Approved by the NSF (National Sanitary Foundation), durable Richlite resists and prohibits bacterial growth. Pick up an Epicurean board before we’re all sold out!

Hammerhead Products: This company makes the famous – you’ve seen it before, trust me – Eggsact Eggtimer. This handy little egg-shaped egg timer goes right in the water and gives you perfectly hard boiled eggs every time. 

Jaccard: Meat tenderizers and ceramic Y and swivel peelers – these high quality professional tools are available at an affordable price. 

Jaz Innovations: Maker of the Perfect Crust Beaded Pie Chain (available in 2 sizes), which lets you bake perfectly flat crusts every time. Simply place the chain in the bottom of your pie and bake as usual. No more uneven or warped crusts. 

From the LamsonSharp Fire Forged series

LamsonSharp: As a native of Massachusetts, I’m particularly proud of this cutlery company located along the banks of the Deerfield River in Shelburne. LamsonSharp has been constructing knives practically since the time of Paul Revere. Some products are now made overseas, but a majority of LamsonSharp products are still handcrafted in Massachusetts. All LamsonSharp knives are covered under the Sharp For Life program, which entitles owners to have their knives sharpened by the craftsmen who made them - for life.

Lucks: Makers of simply the cutest cake and cupcake decorations, cake toppers, sugar decorations and more – all made just a couple of miles south of ChefTools.com in Tacoma, Washington. 

Parrish Magic Line: Hand machined and made in California, Magic Line pans and baking tools are affordable and high quality. These are the pans that you’ll one day (far, far in the future, of course) pass down to your grandchildren. 

Microplane: For fine zests, grated cheeses, shredded carrots, and much more, turn to a Microplane grater. Constructed and honed in Georgia (they also make many excellent woodworking tools).

Pourfect: Need a mixer attachment for your KitchenAid stand mixer? Pourfect Scrap-A-Bowl attachments fit perfectly and they gently scrape the sides of the bowl so you won’t have to.

Range Kleen: Keep your stovetop kleen with a Range Kleen chrome or porcelain drip pan. These fit under your burner and prevent food, oil, and other hazards from getting inside your stove. They also make cleanup easier: simply throw them in the dishwasher when they get too dirty. 

Raw Materials Design aprons

Raw Materials Design: Yet another Washington company, Raw Materials’ aprons and linens are designed and assembled here in Seattle in the hip Georgetown neighborhood. These farm chic items are gaining popularity in boutiques and national media.

SatinIce: Practically the only name in fondant, Satin Ice is renowned for its taste and texture, perfect for intricate or simple cake and cupcake decoration.

Seattle Popcorn Company: Makers of Uncle Woody’s, not only is its gourmet popcorn unequivocally delicious, but it’s made within a couple of feet of our office. We literally see the popcorn makers with their aprons and hats walking to the local coffee stand. Sometimes the smell of delicious caramel drifts in through our air vents!

Stone-Buhr: Grown, ground, and packed in Washington state, Stone-Buhr is one of America’s oldest and most recognizable flour brands. Use to make everything from birthday cake to gnocchi.

Ultimate Edge: Look to this company to protect your knife blades (and your hands). The Ultimate Edge Blade Savers come in all sizes and sets, keeping knives sharper longer. 

USA Pans signature corrugated baking pans

USA Pans: It’s all in the name – USA Pans makes high quality bakeware here in America. Check out the pans with a unique corrugated bottom, which aids in the nonstick properties. And the most popular USA Pans product that we sell? The Nonstick New England Hot Dog Pan. 

Mario Batali's Vic Firth salt/pepper grinders

Vic Firth: Not just a drumstick maker, Vic Firth makes beautiful Mario Batali designed salt and pepper mills and rolling pins. All are handcrafted in Maine.

Zeroll: The world’s best ice cream scoops? Probably. Visit your local ice cream shop this summer and you’ll probably see the person behind the counter using the classic 2-ounce scoop.