These pretty little ramekins are a bit different in
style than the traditional vertically rippled cups that
look like miniature soufflé dishes. The tall, smooth sides
are only interrupted by three horizontal ridges--it's
a clean look, and actually makes them more practical.
They're easier to grab from under the hot broiler and
also easier to scrub clean after use--no more caramelized
sugar trapped in the ripples! The smooth interior flares
just slightly at the top to provide a broader surface
area for that tasty top layer. Each ramekin holds up to
8 ounces when filled to the very brim, and goes easily
from freezer to oven or microwave--terrific for make-ahead
fruit crisps or cobblers. This two-pack is great for replenishing
a broken set or as a stand-alone set for a couple. --
Amazon.com
Nordic Ware Bundt Fancy Springform
Pan with 2 Bottoms
With two bottoms, this springform pan provides two options
for a cook: bake a cake, torte, or cheesecake on the standard
waffle-patterned bottom for a flat-topped confection;
or use the other bottom and bake a cake, torte, or cheesecake
with a hollow center and molded flutings on the top. The
pan holds 10 cups of batter, enough to make a festive
cake for 8 to 10 people. Made of aluminized steel for
rust and warp resistance, it's a sturdy pan with a long
life expectancy. The nonstick coating ensures cakes, tortes,
cheesecakes, frozen desserts, and gelatin desserts and
salads pop out intact. -- Amazon.com
OXO Good Grips 2-Quart Mixing Bowl
Regular mixing bowls look naked next to this one, whose
attributes include a nonslip, wrap-around base that prevents
slipping, a spout for easy and clean pouring, and a nonslip
handle so you can tilt it with a firm grip. Use it to
whip up a vinaigrette or a few scrambled eggs. You'll
never look at a plain bowl the same way again. This rugged
bowl is also dishwasher-safe. -- Amazon.com
Old Dutch Copper Beating Bowls and
Whisk, Set of 3
Scientists don't know precisely why, but for about three
centuries cooks have known that whipping egg whites in
an unlined copper bowl results in a creamier, more stable
foam that's less susceptible to being overbeaten and dry.
For making meringues, or for any dish that requires whipped
egg whites, the three bowls in this nesting set, then,
are unsurpassed. Use them also for whipping up the Italian
dessert called zabaglione. The bowls are 6 , 7 , and 8
inches in diameter and have traditional brass rings so
they can be hung flat against a wall. Bowls this beautiful
can also hold fruit and vegetables on the counter. Because
copperware is often used purely for decoration, the bowls
come with a protective coating that prevents tarnishing.
If they're used for cooking, the coating must be stripped
off with any common lacquer remover. Accompanying the
bowls is an 8-inch stainless-steel whisk that fits them
perfectly. -- Amazon.com
Cookie Sheet Set (3-pk.)
Whether you're making 10 dozen cookies for a cookie
exchange or a simple dozen of your favorite snack, these
aluminum cookie sheets will speed the task. Nonstick surface
makes removing contents effortless. Small, medium and
large for a variety of uses. Easy to clean. 5-yr. manufacturer's
warranty. -- Amazon.com
Kaiser Bakeware Noblesse 9-Inch Nonstick
Springform Pan
Springform pans usually have a very specific role in
the baking world: cheesecakes. They do have other uses--Walnut
Streusel Coffeecake and Chocolate Truffle Cake come to
mind--but cheesecakes are king when it comes to springforms.
This 9-incher is the standard size. When the cake is done,
just open the buckle and gently lift straight up. The
nonstick surface ensures that a graham cracker crust sticks
to the cream cheese filling, not to the side of the pan.
To transfer the cake to a serving plate, just slide it
right off its base. As a bonus, the pan comes with a booklet
filled with tasty recipes. -- Amazon.com
Sassafras Wood Pizza/Bread Peel
You'll feel like you deserve a chef's hat and an Italian
accent when removing pizza from the oven with Sassafras's
attractive wood pizza peel. Large enough for family-size
pizzas, this peel easily slides under a freshly baked
pizza to remove it from the oven with panache. Even if
you're just reheating a ready-made pizza, the peel is
an attractive, authentic way to serve it, giving a homemade
feel to even frozen pizzas. Sturdily crafted with smoothly
beveled edges and a beautiful finish, this peel should
not go in the dishwasher. -- Amazon.com
5-Piece Stainless Steel Mini Mixing
Bowl Set
If you're a Food Network aficionado, this set of five
mini mixing bowls is just what you need to keep up with
the pros. Set aside a tablespoon of nutmeg in the smallest
bowl or 3 cups of flour in the largest. The middle three
bowls hold 1/4, 3/4, and 1-1/2 cups, respectively. Array
your ingredients in front of you for easy access, then
pour and blend a la Julia Child. This is also a perfect
starter set for a child--the small sizes easily fit their
eager little hands. -- Amazon.com
