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Collapsable Colander: Love It or Hate It?

partysugar — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 04:00:50 -0700

I love bright and colorful kitchen accessories, so imagine my delight when I stumbled upon these folding colanders ($22.89).

They come in hot pink or neon green and fold into a square-shaped colander or lie completely flat for easy storage.

Considering I have a small kitchen with limited cabinet space, I love this functional colander. How about you?

The Ultimate Kitchen: Colander

YumSugar — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 05:12:01 -0800

In the kitchen there are usually a bunch of things that people take for granted and never think twice about. They get taken out to do their function and then put back as soon as possible. One of these items is a colander. When choosing a colander, you should look for one that is well balanced, not too big for your sink, fits in your cupboard, and has a nice solid base. You can pay over $50 for a great one, or find a surprising one for less than $10.

If money and space is no objection, then definitely look into the All-Clad Stainless 5 Quart Colander ($69.99). The large capacity will allow you to strain almost anything and the heavy stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and non-reacitve to acidic food. The handles have been sized for a firm grip and have re-inforced rivets for strength. Oh and did I mention that it's actually dishwasher safe?

Three more colanders, including one for a tiny apartment, so read more

If you're constantly running out of cupboard space, you may want to consider a collapsible silicone colander ($29.95). This uniquely designed colander has collapsible legs and strainer. This way it will slide into almost any cupboard. It's also heat resistant to 500F and is completely dishwasher safe. I haven't personally tried it, but with a tiny kitchen, it has definitely crossed my mind.

If you're looking for a heavy-duty day to day, but inexpensive option, then look for the OXO Good Grips Plastic Colander. At only $8.99 (and it's actually on sale now for $6.74), this colander gives you good quality for a cheap price. It holds three quarts and utilizes OXO's "Good Grip" soft and comfortable handles. If I was going to go for a sub $10 option, I would definitely look at the OXO brand since most of their products tend to carry the same standard for quality.

Finally, if you have more interest in putting the colander on display, then I'd definitely look into a Calypso Basics Colander. Although it strains just wonderfully and is sturdily built, the real difference lies in all of the color options. Available in over 10 colors (including pink, ice blue, and lemon), the enamel coated colander will look beautiful filled with fruit and placed on a dining table. 3qt capacity available for $17.99, 5 qt for $21.99 and 7qt $25.99.

Seeing Red

partysugar — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 08:09:41 -0800

Although Valentine's Day may be over, it doesn't mean you have to get rid of all the red. In fact, red is fab year round! The kitchen supplies in the Yum Market on TeamSugar demonstrate that red is modern, fresh, and vibrant. Like black or white, it's a classic decorating color that matches granite, stainless steel, or wood. Incorporate red into your kitchen with table linens or kitchen tools. I love these shiny red colanders from the Martha Stewart collection at Macy's. Ehaizlip bookmarked this kitchen essential that is totally functional, but super stylish at the same time. For more radiant red, scroll to the right below.

How to Clean Leeks

partysugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:00:45 -0700

With their mild onion flavor and thick white stalk, leeks are one of my favorite vegetables. They're excellent in cold weather preparations like soups, stews, and braises. When cooking with leeks, it's important to take the time to properly clean them. Because of the way they grow, leeks are one the dirtiest of vegetables, with mud and dirt getting trapped between the layers. Here's how I like to clean mine:

Most recipes call for the white and light green parts only. Start by slicing the dark green part off. Slice off the bottom end.
Cut the leek in half lengthwise and dice according to the specifications in your recipe.
Fill a large bowl with cold water. Toss the chopped leeks in the water and swirl with your hands.
Let stand in the water for several minutes. Swirl with your hands again to ensure all the dirt is removed.
Drain in a colander and dry with a paper towel.

Do you cook with leeks? How do you prepare them?

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Pasta Multi-Pot: Love It or Hate It?

partysugar — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 04:00:46 -0700

Whenever I watch Rachael Ray or Anne Burrell make pasta on the Food Network, I get all dreamy-eyed by their pasta multi-pots. You know what I'm talking about? Those two-in-one giant pots that hold water and pasta. The inner pot is actually a colander, so when you remove it from the outer pot, the water remains and the pasta is drained.

While I marvel at how they appear on television, I can't justify getting one for myself. They're expensive (this one by Williams-Sonoma is $130) and bulky, and my studio kitchen is already overcrowded. How do you feel about them?

Off to Market Recap: Salad Accessories

partysugar — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 06:50:32 -0700

This Summer we've been celebrating in-season produce with a plethora of delicious salad recipes. Thus I thought it was high time we showcase a wide variety of salad accessories. From bowls to spinners to colanders to tongs to platters, a lot of kitchen tools are necessary to prepare and serve a scrumptious salad. Below you'll find a collection of my favorite salad accessories, but the item I'm most obsessed with is this urban picnic salad set. It's two bowls in one - a porcelain salad bowl inside a bamboo carrier - with a handle that doubles as serving utensils! One can make the salad in the kitchen and carry it to the table quickly and easily. How cool is that?

toepeeka sandal - eco-friendly by Simple Shoes

GT Jane shoes from simple shoes eco-friendly feetwear! jute, bamboo

Jute laptop bag - eco friendly jute

Off to Market: Salad Accessories

partysugar — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 06:50:16 -0700

This Summer we've been celebrating in-season produce with a plethora of delicious salad recipes. Thus I thought it was high time we showcase a wide variety of salad accessories. From bowls to spinners to colanders to tongs to platters, a lot of kitchen tools are necessary to prepare and serve a scrumptious salad. This is where you come in. I want you to tell me your favorite salad accessories. Whether it's a tried and trusted wooden bowl you've been making Caesar salad in forever, or a shiny new set of porcelain tongs that you've been contemplating purchasing - bookmark it.

Share it with us by saving it in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag Salad Accessories. Next week I'll highlight your collection of salad essentials!

To learn how bookmarking works, refer to geeksugar's explanation. To get you started, check out a list of my favorite online stores and read more.

Bed Bath & Beyond
CB2
Cooking.com
Crate & Barrel
Ikea
Linens and Things
NapaStyle
Pier 1
Plum Party
Pottery Barn
Sur La Table
Target
Restoration Hardware
Williams Sonoma
Wishing Fish
World Market

Tips For Cleaning Mushrooms

YumSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 03:00:19 -0700

The dirty truth is, mushrooms often come dusted with dirt. Cleaning them is important, but cooks differ on how to do it. Some say you should never wash them, because they will absorb too much water and lose flavor.

I've been told to use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe the dirt off each individual mushroom. I use this method if I have just a few mushrooms to wash, but with a big batch, it can be a real pain. To find out if this is really necessary, read more.

I did a little research and was thrilled to discover that Mark Bittman claims that washing mushrooms won't hurt them. As long as you don't soak them for a seriously long time, putting the mushrooms in a colander and rinsing them under cool water is totally acceptable. Just be sure to blot them dry. I also like to trim the dirty ends off the stems, which gets rid of more dirt and makes them look prettier.

How do you clean mushrooms? Share your tips below.

How to Bring Salad to a Potluck

partysugar — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 10:01:31 -0800

Salads don't travel as well as other dishes, especially when the greens are doused in dressing or vinaigrette. When bringing a salad to a potluck, prepare all of the elements in advance. Assemble the salad later upon arrival at the dinner. To avoid a soggy salad use the following technique:

Always wash the greens and lettuce. Even if you purchase a washed bag of greens there are so many recalls these days, it's best to take the time and wash them.
Throughly dry the greens in a salad spinner, colander, or with paper towels and place in the serving bowl.
Chop or dice the vegetable elements. Store in separate containers or plastic baggies and place on top of the lettuce in the bowl.

If using an ingredient that browns easily - like avocado - wait until the last minute to cut it.
Make the dressing or vinaigrette and store in a small Tupperware. Place on top of the salad greens.
Cover the entire bowl with plastic wrap or foil, grab your salad tongs and head out to the party.

Got a tip for keeping salads fresh for potlucks? Please share with us below!

All About Strawberries

partysugar — Thu, 03 May 2007 05:58:51 -0700

Strawberry season is almost upon us and I don't know about you guys, but I am very excited to eat luscious plump berries - especially since nothing says, "hello summer" more than a bowl full of beautiful strawberries. When purchasing strawberries, look for bright red berries with fresh and green stems. During the short 3-4 week season, purchase strawberries from your local strawberry field or farmer's market. In grocery stores look for the most plump and fragrant berries. Since strawberries do not ripen after being picked, choose ones that were picked fully ripened. Select dry, unstained containers.

As mold grows very quickly on berries, never leave a moldy one next to a good one. Out of all berries, strawberries have the most vitamin C and make a great simple delicious dessert. Strawberries were first cultivated in the year 1624 and today are most commonly grown in California and Florida. Store in the fridge uncovered in a colander to allow cold air to circulate.

One pint of fresh strawberries equals about 3 1/4 cups whole berries, or 2 1/4 cups sliced berries, or 1 2/3 cups pureed berries.