Easter Specials and Savings for the Baker

Easter is just around the corner and there are many great products on the market to help you make the holiday a special event.

Garden Patch Cookies from Dean and Deluca are intricate in detail and create a gorgeous display (US $65). Dean and Deluca is also offering a chance to win a $250 gift card with the submission of a review of one of their products through December 31, 2010.

In a baking mood? Try the Decorated Easter Egg Bundt pan by Nordic Ware. The line is also introducing a new Easter Bunny pan available later this year.

15% off mixing bowls at Bauer Pottery Company which includes a nested set of colorful bowls in yellow, orange, green and blue.

For more deals check back often at Cook Like Jackie or e-mail us at cooklikejackie@gmail.com.

New and Notable - Joseph Joseph Orb

The Joseph Joseph station at the 2010 International Home + Housewares show was a contemporary cookware dreamworld where the use of clean and vibrant colors and a careful attention to utility resulted in a showcase of fashionable products that answer the call for form and function. A line of products that would find a fitting home at the Museum of Modern Art just as easily as they would in the home of a modern or contemporary design fan. One who values hidden details would marvel at the ways in which these designers can take such a fresh approach to very basic items resulting in a clear departure from the status quo. From the eyecatching selection of worktop savers including a wonderful selection of glass cutting boards showing beautiful fruit and vegetable detail, to their collection of Nest products which feature measuring bowls and spoons that nest in a rainbow of colors, one can immediately absorb and embrace the design aesthetic. A walk-through with Richard Joseph, one-half of the twin duo who founded the UK-based company in 2003, brought attention to their expanding line of products which included excitement-inducing products such as a salad bold with integrated salad hands and the Orb, a mortar and pestle set which provides the user with a shallow and a deep mortar, that nests into a beautiful ball with a splash of lime color from the handle of the pestle. The result is an impressive set that maximizes storage, protection and provides the cook with a versatile piece for use with fresh spices. Look for the Orb to hit the U.S. market later this year. For more information, please contact cooklikejackie@gmail.com.

New and Notable - BODUM ETTORE Electric Kettle

BODUM premiered the ETTORE electric kettle at the 2010 International Home + Housewares show in Chicago, providing a refreshing soft contrast to the sea of bold colors on display at this year's show. The kettle was designed by the late Ettore Sottsass (1917-2007) a venerated architect and industrial engineer who is renowned for radical design, anti-design, post-modernist architecture and who is perhaps best known as the founder of the early 1980's Memphis Group. Examples of works by the Memphis Group may be found here. The original commission for the kettle dates back over 30 years ago, however, the technology that would allow BODUM to effectievely integrate the design with the functionality of an electric kettle have just reached the market. The kettle is a stunning example of the mixed use of materials including plastic and stainless steel and combines the energy efficiency of electricity. In a slight departure from the bold primary and secondary colors that have quickly made BODUM an iconic feature in many homes, these kettles will be sold in a subtle pastel palette including baby blue, mint green, soft yellow and white which honor Sottsass' original vision for this product. The kettle holds 51 oz. of water and has an water level indicator. The unit will retail for US $99.95. The kettle is part of a collective of small electrics dubbed e-BODUM which include colorful accessories including hand mixers, juicers, toasters, coffee grinders and kettles. The full 2010 catalog is available on the BODUM website.

What are your thoughts about the new BODUM ETTORE kettle? Send your comments to cooklikejackie@gmail.com by midnight on March 31st for a chance to win a free BODUM coffee travel press.

2010 International Home + Housewares Show Highlights

The 2010 International Home + Housewares Show was held on March 14-March 16 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Vendors from around the world converged to showcase a variety of items for the home. Several themes emerged from the show including a renewed focused on BPA-free plastics that can accomodate hot and cold beverages, and the use of renewable and recyclable materials such as bamboo. The use of color particularly in bakeware and small electrics provide unique opportunities for accents of color in a kitchen or dining area. Pantone highlighted the 2010 color of the year Turqouise and featured a color display that reinforced that retailers who choose pops of bold colors along with strong neutrals like gray, brown, white and black will catch the eye of the consumer this year. The predominant small electrics were electric and variable tempertature kettles which appeal to consumers interested in lowering energy costs and adjusting between coffees and the exploding tea market. Coffee remains king however as several companies presented single-serve models ideal for a coffee drinker on the go or one who wishes to provide easy coffee entertaining in the home. Many models were displayed including a handheld espresso maker to a luxurious fully automatic machine by one of Italy's venerated manufacturers along with updated lines from existing brands. Popular beverage options clearly focused on juicers including one incorporating the use of different technologies including low-speed extraction. For the tabletop, many ceramics are going lightweight and are more colorful and customized with colors such as red and purple dominating the landscape. Frypans have also become new canvases for color and design alternatives in the kitchen. New covers and a line of cold forged aluminum cookware provides an alternative to traditional cast iron. Reusable totes, carriers, bags and shoppers continue to remain popular with grocery consumers. Manufacturers are using neoprene and other lightweight materials such as nylon are providing attractive alternatives to canvas and cotton bags. Storage solutions including multi-function collapsable containers, modular systems, flexible lids and interchangable tops address the variety of needs for today's consumer. Accessories will include more safety features, collapsable components for easier storage and pops of color. Indoor and outdoor grilling continues to sizzle and many new options including grills, accessories, marinades, rubs and sauces are poised for significant growth. For more updates on these great products follow Cook Like Jackie or e-mail us at http://www.cooklikejackie.com/.

Riedel Offers St. Patty's Day 15% Discount

Riedel, the Austrian stemware and glass company is offering a 15% discount on all purchases at the Riedel Web Store in honor of St. Patrick's Day! Use coupon code POTSOFGOLD at checkout. For more info e-mail cooklikejackie@gmail.com.

PANTONE Color of the Year - Turquoise

Pantone, the global authority on color and the provider of professional color standards, has announced that the 2010 color of the year is Turquoise! Turquoise is a wonderful color that blends well with southwestern, modern and contemporary environments. Accessories for the home that incorporate this bright and inviting color have already begun to pop up in many spring and summer palettes. Cook Like Jackie will update you on great finds featuring turquoise in upcoming posts!

Le Creuset Debuts Truffle Line at Bloomingdale's

Le Creuset is expanding its line of french cookware to include a new truffle color available exclusively at Bloomingdale's. In an attempt to expand its line of neutral colors which currently includes Dune, White and Slate, the deep brown color provides a great foundation to compliment kitchens designed in earth tones and muted hues. The line includes a rounded 11.75" skillet and round and oval dutch ovens with complimetary stainless steel pulls on enameled cast iron. To purchase visit Bloomingdale's website.

Anchor Hocking Boasts Beautiful Bakeware

In a world of brightly colored enameled cast iron, brilliant stainless steel, gleaming copper pots and simply elegant white ceramic cookware, it is often difficult for non-stick cookware (which is often associated with lines including Pyrex), to gain points for flare or sophistication. Luckily for the non-stick fans, who like to bake beautiful lasagnes, pies or brownies in glass, Anchor Hocking has created a beautiful line of cookware that immediately caught my eye at the 2010 International Home + Housewares Show. The cinnamon colored bakeware brings a fresh approach to your typical non-stick fare. The bakeware is oven safe up to 425 degrees and can also be used in the microwave. In addition, the pieces are also dishwasher and freezer safe. The palette which includes a deep cinnamon color with a metallic finish can provide a foundation for your cookware color scheme or can work well as a standalone set. On display were several sizes including 5x9, 8x8 and 9x13 bakers. For more information contact cooklikejackie@gmail.com.

Cook Like Jackie at International Housewares Show

Day One of the International Home and Housewares show proved a memorable event as vendors from all over the globe assembled to showcase new products they are planning to bring to market. Highlights from the Anchor Hocking and Bodum displays to come!

FDA to seek improved spice safeguards

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is seeking to take a closer look at spices in light of a nationwide outbreak of salmonella illness which has been recently linked to black and red pepper. To date, the FDA has identified 16 U.S. recalls since 2001 of tainted spices including basil, sage and peppers.

In an effort to improve the safety of these staples of cooking, the FDA is seeking to have the spice industry implement three methods to rid spices of bacteria including irradiation, steam heating or fumigation with ethlylene oxide which is a pesticide. Congress has also sought to mandate that spice importers verify the safety of foreign suppliers and food imports under the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009 introduced by Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT).

Statistics produced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirm that the average American diet now includes the subtantial use of spices. The USDA reports that the average American now consumes roughly 3.5 pounds of spices, up significantly from the late 1960s when that figure was closer to 1.2 pounds. This could reflect exposure to a wider variety of food-focused television shows, the growth of various ethnic and fusion cuisines, increased travel abroad and the wider availability of spices in general. A detailed list of spices is maintained by the American Spice Trade Association for reference.

Questions or comments about this article? E-mail cooklikejackie@gmail.com

Cook Like Jackie to cover 2010 International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago

Cook Like Jackie is pleased to announce that it will be among the bloggers covering the 2010 International Home and Housewares Show in Chicago. This exclusive trade show features over 60,000 attendees including 2,000 exhibitors from over 35 countries and thousands of buyers. The show will be held from March 14th through March 16th at McCormick Place. Cook Like Jackie will post updates via our blog, Twitter account and Facebook fan page. All are encouraged to become CLJ fans in time to see the great offerings from this show. To follow our blog visit http://www.cooklikejackie.blogspot.com/, join us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cooklikejackie and join our Facebook fan page by clicking here. For more information please contact us at cooklikejackie@gmail.com.

Bodum previews new guilded french press colors

Get ready for your coffee to join the guilded age! Bodum previewed new selections in their popular line of Chambord french presses to include chrome and gold. Currently available in stainless steel and red, the newest renditions of the french presses feature a locking lid system and a precision pour spout designed to prevent drips. In addition, the presses include a thermal double wall glass carafe and a heat seal which helps to maintain heat. The gold french presses will retail for US $129.95 while the chrome units will retail for US $99.95. For more information on using a french press please contact cooklikejackie@gmail.com.

Chilewich Introduces Spring Line

Chilewich has easily became one of my favorite table topper lines due to its use of texture, minimalist aesthetic and its sophisticated color palette. In recent years, the company has expanded its products beyond placemats and runners to include an assortment of accessories including IPhone cases and even tote bags. The company has introduced a number of great additions to its Spring 2010 line including a wonderful pet mat to protect your floor from kibbles and water. The mat features a dog cutout in the middle which provides for even spacing of water and food bowls. Fans of Chilewich will appreciate the ease of cleaning these mats provide and will also appreciate how they can beautify a pet area with a great color selection seen here. The company is also introducing a new Ghoststripe pattern placemat which blends a brushstroke pattern comprised of colored threads on a black background. Each set is striking with bold and muted colors of mocha, green or blue to choose from. Order your new items by March 31st and receive 15% off when you use coupon code "ChilSp10" at checkout.

For more information please contact us at cooklikejackie@gmail.com

Order From Local Restaurants Online with Ease

For cooks who do find the need to occassionally order out due to time constraints, poor planning or a taste for something different Snapfinger is here to answer the call. The site boasts that it is the largest online restaurant ordering site with thousands of locations across the country. The site allows for easy online ordering and has an IPhone downloadable application as well. By entering your city, state or zip code, one can find a host of restaurants that offer online ordering and up-t0-date menus. Registrants can earn points when contacts also register on the site.

For more information contact us at cooklikejackie@gmail.com.

New Sites - Argo Tea Cafe NYC

While out and about in New York on yesterday I stopped by the Argo Tea Cafe. The company which boasts several locations in Chicago and a newly opened location in the Flatiron Building offered samplings of a wonderful hibiscus tea.

I loved the interior with luscious earth tones including greens, browns and creams and the selection of loose teas available for purchase including a surprisingly wide selection including South American Mate and South African Red Teas. One can purchase a prepackaged tea or bag their own by using canisters similar to those in the coffee aisles.

More info may be found at their website.