A Must Have Kitchen Tool

Microplane has been around for 20 years now and the history is pretty interesting. In 1990 brothers Richard and Jeff Grace jointly owned a manufacturing facility in Russellville, Arkansas. It was there that they invented the first Microplane as a woodworking tool. But that is only the first part of the story. In 1994 Lorraine Lee, a homemaker in Canada, became frustrated with her traditional grater while making a cake. She noticed a new tool on the counter that her husband had brought home earlier from the hardware store. She took her orange that she was trying to zest and slid it across the blades of her husband's Microplane. She was amazed at how easily zest fell from the orange like snow. It was that moment that gave birth to the modern day Microplane kitchen tool. What makes a Microplane different that other zester/graters you ask? Microplane tools have tiny razor-like edges that are formed by a unique process called photo-etching. During this process tiny holes are dissolved with a chemical, leaving edges that finely slice foods instead of tearing or shredding them. Microplane tools are safe, easy to use and indispensable in the kitchen. I have a Microplane Classic Zester/Grater (pictured first) and it has become the go-to tool in my kitchen. I use it most frequently for grating cheeses onto things like pasta dishes and potatoes. My Microplane gets its second most frequent workout as it easily zests lemons, limes and oranges. Its unique design allows me to easily prop it up and zest/grate right onto a cutting board, over a pot or pan, or right onto my plate. I would highly recommend a Microplane kitchen tool to anybody that grates and zests. There are plenty of colors, styles and different options to fit your exact culinary need. Shop all Microplane Graters, Zesters and Shavers

Srping + Grill + Sliders = Fun!

As the crisp, cold air begins to fade and summer quickly approaches it's hard not to think about grilling. While some wait for the chill to diminish completely, others fire up their gas or charcoal grills and brace the cold. All this just for the delicious flavor, taste and comfort grilled food yields. One of the most popular and timeless grilled food items has always been the hamburger. However, the more recent "slider" burger has been quickly gaining popularity thanks to restaurants and avid home grillers who are serving them up as appetizers or as the small main dish. The name "slider" is said to have originated due to the mini burger's size because they can easily slide down your throat in one or two bites. Whatever the history and reason for their origin, sliders are undeniably great for parties, kids and adults of all ages. With the Deluxe Mini Burger Slider Basket & Press Set from Charcoal Companion you can easily make sliders at home. The set includes a 9 slot grilling basket for easy grilling and flipping, a triple patty burger press to create uniform sliders and a mini-bun cutter to trim full buns down to size. The Deluxe Slider Set also makes a great gift for any lover of all things grilling. Shop all Charcoal Companion BBQ Tools, Grillware and Grill Accessories

The story of Grill Charms(TM)

It all started with an extra hot piece of Jamaican Jerk chicken at a dinner party. Leslie Haywood, founder of Grill Charms™ was hosting a dinner party with her husband when he mixed up the extra hot and mild pieces of chicken, accidentally serving Leslie the wrong piece. After that moment, Leslie got her idea for a new product. Grill Charms™ are a revolutionary new way to keep track of what's what on the grill. They are made of pure stainless steel and have a serrated tip that will hold firm while you flip, rotate and shift your meat on the grill. Some of the many uses for Grill Charms™ include (but are not limited to):   ·distinguishing between Rare, Medium Rare, Medium Well and Medium   ·clearly marking which meats are spicy, mild and medium   ·allowing you to customize each different grill item   ·identifying meats for people with health or allergy concerns Grill Charms™ come in four different packs of 6. The Steak Collection gives you two charms for Rare, two for Medium Rare, one for Medium and one for Medium Well. The Spicy Collection gives you two charms for Hot, two for Mild and two for Medium. The Charmed Life Collection gives you one palm tree charm, one sailboat, one four leaf clover, one crown, one martini glass and one dollar sign. The final collection is more special than the first three. The Pink Collection comes with one ribbon charm, one chef hat, one shoe, one wine glass, one ladie's hat and one swan. But, the thing that makes is special is that 10% of each sale goes directly to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Leslie became a breast cancer survivor after having a bilateral mastectomy in August of 2006. After two reconstructive procedures she says she's feeling better then ever. Shop All Grill Charms™ HERE To learn more about the Breast Cancer Research Foundation follow this link: http://www.bcrfcure.org/

Spice it up!

We've added 10 new & exotic spices from India Tree! Love Pho? Try making your own by adding fresh veggies, rice noodles and your preferred cooked meat to broth flavored with India Tree's Pho Mix. Don't forget the basil, lime, bean sprouts and your favorite hot pepper slices to add to your delicious pho. I can't think of any meal that's more enjoyable and hearty on a cold winter or spring day.   I love a delicious heap of chicken curry paired with whit basmati rice and a side of garlic naan (flatbread). And nothing helps you make curry at home easier than India Tree's Curry Powder. Combine some cooked vegetables, broth or water, your preferred cooked meat and some curry powder to a pot, heat through and you've got yourself a quick, delicious curry. Try substituting coconut milk for the broth or water to make an amazing coconut curry. You can also season your meat with curry powder to enhance its flavor.   The Szechuan Pepper is a very common spice in Sichuan, China, a region with a reputation for its spicy cuisine. Szechuan Peppers are not related to black peppercorns or chili peppers, they come from the outer pods of a number of different tiny fruits. They can be lightly fried and added to oil to make a spicy oil infusion. In China, Szechuan Peppers are commonly mixed with salt, roasted and browned in a wok and served as a condiment accompanying chicken, pork and duck dishes. Szechuan Peppers are also one of the traditional ingredients in the famed Chinese five spice. Garam Masala Panch Phoron Ras el Hanout Chinese Five Spice   Candied Thai Ginger Tandoori Masala Star Anise

Super Bowl XLIV

The countdown to Super Bowl XLIV has begun! It's bound to be a great game to watch as the Indianapolis Colts battle the New Orleans Saints in South Florida on Sunday, February 7th. Since our Seattle Seahawks have been out of the race for many weeks now, we don't have a team to root for and have decided to just sit back and enjoy a sure to be intense game. If you're planning a party (which makes the Super Bowl even more fun) make sure to shop ChefTools.com for your supplies! For Colts Fans Enjoy some cupcakes or a cake featuring horseshoe and horse head dec-ons from Lucks' Western Assortment. Top your treats with Electric Blue and Frost White Sparkling Sugars. For Saints Fans Wrap some Gold Shimmer Ribbons around a black cake. Top your treats with Gold Sparkling Sugar Display your cupcakes on a Gold Stand. Taunt Colts fans with a Horse in Field Edible Image.

Deco Leaves and Lace

22 NEW lace doilies and parchment leaves just added! Deco Lace doilies and Deco Leaves parchment add a quick and easy touch of elegance to your food displays. They are high-quality, made in the USA, food safe and packed in resealable plastic. Slip them under cheese, baked goods, hors d'oeuvres or just to add a splash of color and style to your table. 9 different Deco Lace doilies and 13 different Deco Leaves parchment available now.

Special Offers From Shun

Here's another reason to get your hands on some of the world's finest cutlery. Buy $200 of Shun and receive a FREE Ken Onion Bamboo Knife Block (a $59.95 value). Buy $300 of Shun and receive a FREE Electric Knife Sharpener (a $59.99 value). Only one gift per qualifying purchase. If you buy $300 of Shun you will get the choice of the Knife Block or the Electric Sharpener. The details will show in your basket once you have at least $200 of Shun merchandise. These two great offers are available for a limited time only! Shun Ken Onion Bamboo Knife Block, 11-Slot FREE with your $200 Shun purchase Shun Electric Knife Sharpener FREE with your $300 Shun purchase

Saying Goodbye to 2009

We would like to thank all of you, our valued customers, for making 2009 a memorable year here at ChefTools.com.

Now that we have had some time to reflect on the past year, we would like to give everyone the opportunity to let us know what you loved, liked or disliked about the changes that were made and the new things we've added to our website.

 Some examples include:

  - Adding the entire line of Lucks edible food decorations to our website
  - FREE SHIPPING on orders of $150 and up
  - Adding the "Recently Viewed Items" menu to our website
  - Incorporating this blog
  - Offering various specials and discounts in our newsletters
  - Adding a complete line of appliances from Bosch, L'Equip, Bamix and more
  - Recipes section of our website
  - Adding the entire line of Le Creuset cookware and utensils
  - ChefDemo videos and product reviews
  - Adding the Chef Works line of chef clothing

Please let us know what you loved, liked or disliked and how we could better serve you. Once again, to all the loyal ChefTools.com customers we would like to say "Thank You"! 

Valentine's Day 2010

Cuisipro Red Hearts Cookie Cutters Set, 5-Piece

Valentine's Day is only a little over 5 weeks away, which goes by so quickly these days with our busy schedules. It is a special and unique kind of day where you can celebrate the love you have for your "Sweetheart" by making them a romantic dinner for two and baking something delicious and festive. Now is the perfect time to get ahead of the game and make sure you're ready for Valentine's Day by planning your meal which can include:    · researching recipes    · making a grocery list    · having the necessary tools & cookware We have created special departments at ChefTools.com to help make sure you are well prepared for your Valentine's Day. If you are in need of some new tools, gadgets, bakeware or more shop HERE. For your desserts and baked goods, shop our Valentine's edible decorations department HERE. Finally, if you are looking for some good recipes consider these options from various reputable sources. Chocolate Soufflé Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Valentine Candies Tiramisu

After Christmas Sale

There's just about one week left to shop our After Christmas Sale! Save on top brands like Full Circle, Shun, RSVP, Screwpull, La Rochere, India Tree and Fox Run. Everything is priced to sell and the seasonal items will be great to have on hand for next Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you're in to baking make sure to browse the many different holiday themed cookie cutters, cookie kits and plastic pans in our After Christmas Sale department. Supplies are limited, shop now.