New In Clearance Cooking Tools!

We’ve added a couple of hundred cooking products to our clearance section, so I wanted to highlight some cool culinary tools you can grab at a deep discount. And always be sure to check out our clearance cooking tools section for new products. 

Luminarc Coke Glass Cans – These are super cool, durable pieces that are perfect for a lemonade on the back porch – or, you know, a glass of soda. The Coca Cola logo is raised up off the surface of the glass. 

Head Chefs Cooking Tools – These cool little cooking guys are going fast, so hurry. We have measuring cups, pastry brushes, icing spreaders, and more, all with little bendable silicone arms and legs. Perfect for young budding chefs! 

Outset Nonstick Copper Grill Topper Wok – Grilling season is not over! Not until the first snow will we put down our grill tongs and stop buying 12-packs of hamburger buns! Use this grill tool to sauté anything from mushrooms to shrimp right on your grill top. 

Soehnle Digital Kitchen Scale – A discount digital scale that will help you make baked goods better. Most of us measure dry goods by volume, but measuring by weight is far better. Does your recipe call for 12 ounces of flour? Then this is the tool for you.

Shun Ken Onion Knives – Find these throughout our clearance department, from small paring knives to big santoku knives. It’s rare to find Ken Onion knives on sale because they’re simply among the best knives on the planet. You save a ton of money and gain a knife that will be with you forever.  

Check out our entire clearance department here and find all the discount professional cooking tools you’re looking for! 

Tramontina Cookware - Versatile, Durable, Affordable

Do you know what I’m sick of? Cookware with limitations. 

Don’t get me wrong, all the pots, pans, griddles, and tagines we sell at ChefTools.com are of the highest quality – but that doesn’t mean that all the pans can do all the things you want.  I like my cookware to be very flexible. Can I throw this pan under the broiler after it’s been on the cooktop? Do I have to worry about using a lot of oil because, if not, the nonstick coating will burn off? 

Enter Tramontina cookware, what may be the most versatile – and beautiful – line of pots, Dutch ovens, fry pans and more that we’ve had around these parts. 

For example, the Tramontina Multi-Cooking System allows you to bake on the stovetop. How? The system comes with a Bundt pan or 2 loaf pans, plus a riser that suspends the molds above the pan. More importantly, the shape of the pan recirculates air from bottom to top and back down again, giving the effect of an oven. In the case of a savory meal – say, a pork loin – the Multi-Cooking System recirculates moisture, essentially basting your roast for you. 

Tramontina Lyon Multi-Cooking System

Almost every Tramontina piece is safe for the oven, induction, gas, electric, ceramic glass, and dishwasher safe. Sauté, grill, broil, and clean easily to your heart’s content. 

Even better – Tramontina cookware is reasonably priced. How about $34.94 for a 10” fry pan from the Pro 3004 Series. The Pro 3004 pans were designed by Tramontina to stand up to the rigors of a commercial kitchen, but still be practical for home use. They’re safe on induction, ceramic glass, gas, electric and in the oven (and under the broiler). They are treated with Eclipse nonstick, tested to withstand 700,000 cooking cycles (probably more than you’ll go through in your home kitchen).

My next favorite is the Prima line of tri-ply stainless steel pans. You have to love a good stainless steel pan. You can’t kill them and they cook anything, anywhere. The best part of these Tramontina Prima pans, though, is the rim. Each pan has a flared rim so you can pour out liquids with no mess. Everything from bacon grease to braising liquid pours right out with no extra drips or spills. 

Prima Tri-Ply Stainless Steel (notice the flared rim)

Check out the full line of Tramontina pots and pans here. You’ll find everything from cast iron to pasta strainers to covered saucepans. Find the Tramontina piece that’s right for you.

Remember – everything ships for just $2.79 flat in September. Just use the code SEPT279 when you check out!

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!