The Coffee Grinder

My morning always starts the same way. Stumble out of bed, fumble to the kitchen (Dolly!) and then proceed to fill my faithful Krups coffee grinder with fresh roasted beans and grind a way. I buy my beans from a variety of local coffee shops (Te-Aro being one of my top choices).

There’s something soothing about hearing the beans grind knowing that, this morning, my coffee will be just as fresh as the last.

The scent from the machine is always so intoxicating. In addition, it has so many options for portion control and coarseness of grind that no matter what machine I use, I know it will result in a perfect jolt of caffeine. (Though 99% of the time I do use my tried-and-true Bodum French Press and frother)

The Krups Grinder is available at a variety of locations which you can view here. It retails for $99.99. I’ve also accidentally fully submersed it in water and it still works perfectly, that says something.

Hidden Gem: Sur La Table

Unintentionally finding hidden gems in new cities is one of my favourite parts of traveling. Sur La Table filled that spot on my recent trip to Chicago.

The store combines a mix of upscale national brands such as All-Clad and Gaggia, mixes them with creative local merchants and is anchored by an upscale organic-themed grocery store.

The store also offers cooking classes, which serve the dual purpose of teaching kitchen techniques and instruction on how to use many of the unique items the store carries.

I bought a pasta chitarra in preparation of  Autumn and my intentions to make my dinner guests fresh pasta.

Sur Lat Table is located at 755 West North Avenue in Chicago. 312.787.5111

The Importance Of: The Peugeot Pepper Mill

Many people over look the benefits of a pepper mill. Not only are there health benefits of freshly ground pepper (have a look at this) but the scent that it emits when cracked is almost intoxicating.

That being said, I’ve done research on many different pepper mills. I’ve asked multiple sales people in stores ranging from William-Sonoma to Tap Phong, read so may reviews online and no matter where I go, the majority consistently say the same brand, Peugeot.

Primarily made in France, these grinders are available in all different shapes and sizes. From hand-operated to electric, as small as 2 inches to as large as table leg. Whatever your preference, they’ll have it. Classic, eclectic, modern, black, white, red, everything. The reason people recommend Peugeot is due to its grinding mechanism. Its guaranteed for life and grinds evenly no matter how much you use it.

They are available at many stores carrying higher quality products, but I usually buy mine at the Bay. They range in price from about $50 -$350.

Flame, Good. Fire, Good. Burn, Bad.

Unlike my predecessors, I’ve only recently acquired a barbecue. Though I’ve been grilling on the stovetop for a long time (and like to think I’ve perfected that) I have many things to learn about the barbecue. My first attempt at cooking a baseball sized filet mignon ended up with it looking more like a tennis ball, without the bounce.

I’ve been through much more trial and error lately, especially with the wonderful weather. I call upon my friends with more experience to tell me that I’m dangerously close to over cooking the meat, in turn, they get a wonderful, albeit occasionally burnt meal. Hey, at least the baby bocconcini, grilled tomato, chickpea and basil salad is always good (let me know if you want the recipe).

One thing that I never seem to have trouble with, is finding the right tools to use when barbecuing. Enter the President’s Choice Rosewood handle Forged Grilling Tools. I’ve been a fan of PC brand products since long before its Decadent Chocolate Chip Cookies ever made it into Wallpaper magazine. More recently, its home products have become more functional with better style and even better pricing.

The Rosewood Forged Grilling Tools are no exception. The handles are large to allow for more control, the metal tips are useful for picking up meat, flipping and basting/brushing (the brush is made of silicone).

Each of the items retail for $9.99, a very fair price for such a well made product. The exception is the thongs, which retail for $14.99. They look great and would make a great gift for Dad this upcoming Father’s Day. PC Brand products are available at Loblaw’s nation-wide.

Your Handy Kitchen Companion

Quick Tip: If you’ve oversalted a soup or stew, cut a boiling potato into slices and add it to the pot. Simmer the mixture for 5 to 10 minutes, and then remove the potato slices, which will have absorbed some of the salt.

This is one of the many helpful hints you’ll find in the Williams-Sonoma Kitchen Companion book. I’ve had it for many years now and find that I use it as reference whenever I’m caught in a sticky situation.

The book is organized in an “A to Z” fashion for ease of reference. You’ll find everything from cilantro and why it tastes like soap to some people, all the way to white mustard cabbage and what entrees its best suited for.

Aside from the shameless self-promotion that you encounter from time to time, it really is something you should invest in. You’ll find that you’ll use it frequently and may even find yourself reading it novel-style before bedtime.

Published by Oxmoor House, it retails for $37.97 and is available at Chapters, or online at Amazon.ca.

P.S. Don’t forget to sign up to my Facebook fan page. There’s only 2 weeks left before I give away the Calphalon Convection Oven!