I absolutely love fresh herbs. They are a simple way to completely change the flavor profile of a dish. Because I love fresh herbs so much, I tried to grow my own in my backyard — which didn’t go that well. I often forgot to water them or make sure they were receiving the adequate amount of sunlight. And because of this, they eventually died. When I heard about the indoor Veritable Exky Classic Garden, I was so excited to try it.

The Veritable Exky Classic Garden is the smallest and most efficient indoor garden that allows you to effortlessly grow herbs and vegetables in your kitchen. When I first opened the package, I was pleasantly surprised by its chic appearance. Its ultra-compact and sleek design makes it a great fit in any kitchen and was the perfect addition to my counter. Everything was included in the packaging: sweet basil and parsley lingots (perfectly sized pieces of soil with seeds and nutrients to help herbs grow), instructions and even labels for the herbs. It took less than five minutes to set everything up.

It was very easy to put together the garden. Once I placed the lingots into their proper places and added water, all I had to do was plug it in and watch it grow. Because of the machine’s advanced technology, I was able to see growth in a few short weeks. When growing my own herbs outside, I didn’t notice this type of growth until several weeks after planting the seeds.

My kids really enjoyed seeing the herbs grow, which made this garden a great family activity. Because this in an indoor garden, it utilizes high-efficiency LED light, which guarantees faster plant growth while activating essential oil production to provide rich flavors. The Exky Classic Garden has an automated day and night cycle; it turns on for 16 hours and goes off for eight hours. It also has a built-in water tank that allows for automatic watering for up to three weeks.

Be sure to keep the Exky Classic Garden out of reach from any pets. I made the mistake of placing it on the floor and my dog decided to have a little fun playing in the soil. I was able to salvage the garden, but it was definitely a lesson learned!

Overall, I think the Veritable Exky Classic Garden is a great product for those who want a hassle-free herb garden. It requires very little maintenance and is a great experience for the whole family. Once the herbs are fully grown, my kids and I plan to make our very own pesto!

I am a huge fan of Yeti products and have had great experiences using their drinkware. I also love testing out new and innovative ways to stay hydrated, so I was eager to try the Yeti Rambler 20 oz Travel Mug with Stronghold Lid and the Rambler 30 oz Travel Mug with Stronghold Lid.

The 20-ounce mug is a stainless-steel, double-walled travel cup with a handle. Yeti says the lid is leak-resistant with dual-slider magnet technology to ensure your favorite hot or iced beverage does not spill when the slider mechanism is closed. It comes in a variety of fun colors, including sandstone pink, harvest red and highlands olive and standard hues of navy, taupe and black. My favorite is the Sandstone Pink! The 30-ounce mug has the same leakproof lid, as well as the double-walled technology to keep your beverage cold or hot. The difference: It simply holds more liquid than the smaller version.

I was really excited to try out the twist-lock lid because I have a 1-year-old who often grabs my beverages and spills them if the lid isn’t secured. I also am always on the hunt for drinkware that actually keep the beverage hot or cold, since I am busy chasing my daughter around and can’t always get to my drink right away. I was pleasantly surprised that the twist-lock lid is in fact spill-proof! I use it all the time and, regardless of whether I have a hot or cold liquid in it, the lid does not leak. Plus, the lip securely locks so, if it gets tipped over, liquid doesn’t dribble from that, either. I also found that the Yeti Ramblers keep my beverages hot or cold for more than 24 hours.

Yeti products generally are great quality. I’ll be using my Yeti Rambler 20 oz Travel Mug with Stronghold Lid and the Rambler 30 oz Travel Mug with Stronghold Lid for a long time and will certainly recommend them to others.

As a registered dietitian nutritionist and food blogger, I spend seven days a week creating, testing and perfecting recipes. I am always looking for kitchen tools to help make the process easier and more efficient. It’s also helpful when my kitchen tools and accessories double as props for my recipe photos. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to use the Emile Henry Mixing Bowl, and it has become my go-to bowl every time I step into the kitchen to mix things up.

Since 1850, the Emile Henry Company has been manufacturing the finest quality ceramic cooking and bakeware, and I love that the Emily Henry Company is family-owned and operated. One of the most interesting facts about the cookware is that it is made from the mineral-rich soils and clay from the Burgundy region of France.

As soon as I unwrapped the medium mixing bowl, I was excited to put it to work. I immediately noticed that the deeper bowl design kept all the splatters and splashes inside the bowl. The easy-to-grab handle is the convenience I need to move the bowl from mixing in the kitchen to presenting a salad, pasta or mashed potatoes in an elegant bowl on the dinner table. Another great feature is the no-mess pouring spout. It is so convenient! Anything that saves me clean-up time will always move to the top of my favorites list, and my new Emile Henry Mixing Bowl is number one in my book!

The other morning, when I was making breakfast, the first thing I did was grab my Emile Henry Mixing bowl. The medium size is perfect for mixing up my Lemon Blueberry Pancake batter. I wasn’t quite ready to start cooking, so I put the mixing bowl in the fridge to chill. The size of the medium bowl is perfect because it slides onto any shelf in my refrigerator. When I was ready to start cooking, the easy-to-grab handle allowed me to use the no-mess spout to pour the batter and make these yummy pancakes. After giving the bowl a quick wash, I whipped up some blueberry syrup in it and then popped the mixing bowl in the oven to keep the syrup warm. Breakfast was ready, and the warm syrup in my multifunctional mixing bowl was the perfect complement to my table décor!

As I have continued to use my new mixing bowl, I have been impressed by how easily it transfers from the freezer to a hot oven and later to the dishwasher. By using fewer bowls, I can speed up my cooking and cleaning time, which allows me to spend more time with family and friends.

Since I am in the kitchen so much, having accessories like the Emile Henry Mixing Bowl is not only convenient, but also dependable because of its great quality. Since the Emile Henry brand has been around for more than 170 years, I know that I can depend on the highest quality ceramic cooking and bakeware. It’s ideal for gifting to friends and family, it makes cooking in my kitchen easier, and it adds the perfect touch of casual elegance to my table.

I love cooking and baking with my kids. The Handstand Kitchen Spring Fling Daisy Cake Making Set was the perfect way to spend time with them and work on baking skills! From practicing math to perfecting how to crack an egg, baking offers kids so many different learning opportunities.

This three-piece set comes in the cutest packaging. Inside a fun spring-themed box, you’ll find a silicone daisy cake mold, silicone spatula, silicone whisk and a recipe booklet. The large cake mold is made of a turquoise silicone and the coordinating tulip silicone spatula and whisk make preparing cake super easy.

The bright colors and fun design really play into the spring theme and got me excited to test the products. The first thing I’ll tell you is do not throw away the little booklet that comes inside like I did! It has some really helpful tips for using and caring for the silicone cake mold. The first time I tested it, I had not read the tips — and let’s just say, it showed. After regrouping and realizing I’d overlooked said tips, I tried again with much better results.

I made a brownie recipe first, then a few cake recipes, and here are a few things I noticed:

• This cake mold is more suited for the lightness of cakes. The brownies didn’t show the flower shape as well.
• Make sure to grease the mold with either butter or oil and really rub it into the crevices (don’t just spray it with oil).
• Place the silicone mold on a baking sheet to give it stability as you put it in the oven and take it out.
• Let cake cool completely before trying to remove it from the mold.

This pan would be great for anyone who’s into specialty baking products or looking for a fun way to get kids excited about baking. My daughter and I had such a fun time playing around in the kitchen with it!

I cook a lot, both personally and professionally. Some weeks, I receive as many as four grocery deliveries. Food comes in, I cook, food goes out, more food comes in… you get the idea. All this plus the food items that are a mainstay for me and my family need to be organized — drinks, dairy products, nuts, condiments, etc. Refrigerator Tetris is my normal day-to-day.

The YouCopia RollOut Fridge Drawers are adjustable and can easily be rolled forward. All I can say is, life changing! They come in three different sizes: 6, 8 and 10 inches wide. Depending on what you’d like to organize, I found that one width may be better than another.

Each RollOut Fridge Drawer comes with two removable dividers that can be used to create compartments. There are soft-spinning wheels at the back of each drawer, making it easy to roll the whole thing forward to reach whatever is in the back. Each drawer also has sturdy handles so you can easily carry it between the refrigerator and counter.

I am currently using the drawers to organize and store drinks and dairy products. Canned and bottled beverages. such as seltzer, juice or beer, fit neatly into all the drawer sizes. Dairy products, from yogurt to sour cream and cottage cheese, fit beautifully into the large 10-inch drawer.

For those with children or who just like to have individually wrapped items available, these RollOut Fridge Drawers are a wonderful addition to the refrigerator. You could easily organize fruit and vegetable squeeze packs, fruit cups, string cheese, individual yogurts or cottage cheese and more, making it easy to grab a snack.

I have two produce drawers built into my refrigerator, so am not using the RollOut Fridge Drawers for fruits and vegetables. However, if you need to organize produce, these drawers will do the job well.

You also could use these drawers to organize condiments, leftover containers, bags of nuts or seeds and milk or plant-based milk alternatives. The ideas are pretty limitless — whatever you need to organize in the refrigerator, these YouCopia RollOut Fridge Drawers can make it happen!

Do you ever prepare recipes using your phone but worry about picking it up with messy hands, putting it down in a wet spot on the counter or spilling flour on it? The JK Adams Tech Edge Cutting Board has a slot for your phone or tablet. It’s an innovative and practical idea that makes it easy to view recipes or keep an eye on notifications while you work in the kitchen.

The Tech Edge Cutting Board is a large, beautiful maple cutting board. It is reversible with one plain side and the other with the cutout for a phone or tablet. It’s sturdy and very attractive, so you can leave it out to enhance the appearance and functionality of your kitchen — especially if it’s hard to find a cabinet where it fits. The board comes with a packet of mineral oil, which the manufacturer recommends using for regular maintenance.

I was impressed with the look and heft of this board. In fact, I was a little nervous to cut on it, as I didn’t want to scratch the surface. It seems easy and pleasant to chop vegetables and fruit on it. Like any cutting board, a damp cloth placed underneath will help prevent it from sliding on the counter. Knives didn’t slip on the wood surface, as they can on a glass cutting board. I noticed some cutting marks from using serrated knives, but I think those are inevitable. The manufacturer’s website notes that these marks can be buffed out with fine sandpaper.

I found the phone slot works best if my phone is sideways. Otherwise, it bent back at the bottom of the case. This will depend on your phone and case size. I really like that the board is large enough to prepare different foods in separate areas. This can save on counter space and the need to use multiple cutting boards for a meal. When you’re done using the board, simply wash it by hand.

As this cutting board weighs 7 pounds, it’s a bit unwieldy to pick up and sweep cut food into a pan, as compared to a plastic cutting board. However, it is more environmentally friendly and easy enough to adapt cooking habits by sweeping the cut food onto a lighter plate before transferring to the pan.

The JK Adams Tech Edge Cutting Board provides a simple and intelligent design — an improvement on an essential kitchen tool. It is great for any cook with a little elbow room in their kitchen and would make a great housewarming gift.

For this review, I was provided a variety of knives that I was able to put to good use in a multitude of ways my other knives were not designed for. Here’s what I got from Cutluxe: Shinobi Series 8” Chef Knife, Artisan Series 8” Chef Knife, Artisan Series 10” Scimitar Butcher Knife and Artisan Series 10” Bullnose Butcher Knife.

These knives are made of high-quality steel that will last; the Shinobi Series has 67 layers of Japanese forged steel and the Artisan line uses high-quality German engineered steel. Accompanied by an ergonomic handle made of pakkawood, these knives promote a firm and comfortable grip. The knives also come in a variety of styles, allowing for different uses or types of cuts which is great for any kitchen.

I had an overall positive experience using the Cutluxe knives. As I previously mentioned, the variety in knife design really came in handy. When using the scimitar and bullnose butcher knives, I found they were great for larger cuts of meat. Since they both are designed for larger cuts of meat, only one of them would be necessary for most home kitchens. It just boils down to which shape of knife you prefer.

The same can be said for the Shinobi Series 8” Chef Knife and the Artisan Series 8” Chef Knife. I tested both of these knives by prepping for various recipes, cutting onions, carrots, mushrooms, squash and more. For cutting a more challenging food like squash, these sharp knives took on the task with ease. I found that both knives were of high quality and felt natural in my hand when cutting, but ultimately, they perform the same tasks. I preferred the Shinobi Series knife a little bit more than the Artisan Series one, but from a purely aesthetic standpoint. You can’t go wrong purchasing any of these knives.

Overall, I found that all these knives were great to use in the kitchen. They all are very sharp and felt natural in my hand. At a reasonable price, I would recommend these knives for every home cook.

I am constantly buying new flavors of sparkling water and love having a variety of choices in the fridge. However, I don’t love storing all the cans and filling up the recycling bin once they are empty. That’s why I was so excited to try the Drinkmate Countertop Sparkling Water and Soda Maker.

This at-home, carbonated beverage machine lets you turn any cold beverage into a sparkling drink. Using recyclable CO₂ canisters, you can easily add a little bubble to a variety of drinks such as water, juice, coffee, tea and even cocktails.

When I first received the product and took it out of the box, I was pleasantly surprised at how narrow the appliance is, making it great for counters where space is limited. The machine comes in a variety of colors and has a simple design, so it would fit in well with different kitchen décor styles. My only issue is that it is so tall that it just barley fits under the cabinets above my kitchen counter. To press the button for carbonation, located on top of the machine, I have to slide the machine out from under the cabinet. It’s not a huge issue but something to consider.

The only assembly required is attaching the CO₂ cannister into the back of the machine. I was a little intimidated at first, worrying I was going to install it wrong. However, the instruction book is very easy to understand and it was simple to put together. Using the machine is so easy that my kids can now safely make their own carbonated water without my help. You simply fill up the Drinkmate bottle with whatever beverage you want to carbonate, attach the lid, slide it into the base and press a button.

My family and I have thoroughly tested this Drinkmate product and are extremely happy with the variety of uses. It differs from similar appliances because you can carbonate any cold beverage — not just water. We’ve made sparking juice, tea and even cocktails. One of my favorite uses is creating flavored water combinations. I fill up jars with ingredients such as lemon and mint, grapefruit and basil or blackberry and cucumber. After letting it steep overnight, I simply pour the fruit-infused water into the Drinkmate bottle, slide it into the countertop machine and create a delicious, refreshing bottle of sparkling flavored water in less than a minute. It’s been a great way to save money by cutting down on canned flavored water we used to purchase at the store.

The Drinkmate Countertop Sparkling Water and Soda Maker would be great for anyone looking to cut down on drinking soda. I also would recommend this appliance to family, friends or even clients. It’s easy to use, works well, doesn’t take up much countertop space and is family friendly. It would make a great gift as well.

The company even offers a great CO₂ cannister recycling program. If you send back two empty CO₂ bottles, they’ll give you a credit off your next CO₂ cannister purchase. The bottles are reasonably priced and are designed to make 60 liters of carbonated beverage, which is approximately 250 cups.

If you are like me, you might have aging sheet pans in your kitchen that were passed down from your parents or grandparents. I hold onto them because I never have enough sheet pans for food prep, meals, baking, grilling or preparing for a media segment. That’s why I am thrilled to add a new pan to mix.

The Bamboozle Prep ’n Serve Tray Set caught my eye because of its versatility and stackable components, including a large tray with a lip for easy carrying, medium tray with a tool rest and six 14-ounce cups. All the components are different colors and are much more fun than standard sheet pans.

When I opened the box, I was impressed by the products being lightweight but surprisingly sturdy. After a quick wash, I was ready to use the set for an upcoming media segment on mocktails. I used the medium tray for garnishes, and the tool rest was handy for a mixing spoon. I used the serving cups for different mixers. The segment was a breeze!

The following weekend, I used the Prep ’n Serve Set for a party to serve a variety of nibbles to my guests. I was able to separate the sweet from the savory foods, and the cups added an element of depth to enhance the visual appeal of the spread. I liked that I could easily separate the medium tray from the large tray to pass around to guests. The other thing I really love about this product is the sustainability aspect. The trays and cups are made from Astrik, a 100% plant-based composite that is renewable, biodegradable, emits less CO₂ than traditional oil-based plastics and is dishwasher safe. The paper packaging is all recyclable, and the padding material is made from cornstarch. To dispose of it, simply submerge it in water and it melts. Mind blown!

After using the Bamboozle Prep ’n Serve Tray Set at least five times, I willingly retired a few of my tired sheet pans. It makes my time in the kitchen more efficient, and I feel good about decreasing my carbon footprint.

I am always on the hunt for multi-use kitchen tools that can make weekly meal preparation easy, quick and mess-free. Thankfully, I have found two tools that I keep in arm’s reach on my kitchen counter. Whether I am mashing potatoes, making guacamole, stir-frying vegetables or tossing together a salad, the Dreamfarm Clongs and Smood make meal prepping efficient.

The Dreamfarm Clongs, or click-lock tongs, have a button at the bottom end to single-handedly click open and close like a retractable pen. It also has a uniquely styled bend that prevents the silicone tips from touching the kitchen counter when placed down. This allows for a clean, mess-free cooking experience. Clongs can be used to toss salads and stir-fry noodles or to flip meat on a pan or grill. They act like an extension of my hands to get any food prep or cooking done easily.

Similarly, the Dreamfarm Smood potato masher is a simple and multipurpose tool. Its structure has several key components that make it very effective. The base has a coil-like structure, which allows you to easily trap food and push down to mash. Additionally, the base has an attached heat-resistant silicone scraper that can help you clean a pot or bowl without leaving scratches. Another great feature is the multi-grip handle, which allows you to adjust your hand positions for comfortable mashing. Use the Smood for various recipes from homemade guacamole and applesauce to mashing bananas for banana bread and sweet potatoes or pumpkin for the creamiest pies. If you have clumsy hands like me, the stainless-steel material makes this tool super sturdy to avoid any slips and slides that can cause a mess.

The Dreamfarm Clongs and Smood have been daily saviors for getting dinner on the table, effectively meal prepping for the week and leaving my kitchen mess-free. I would recommend these utensils to anyone who is looking for budget-friendly multipurpose kitchen tools to make food handling and cooking easier.

If you’ve ever used a silicone baking mat, you know how easy it is to clean. As an avid baker, I’ve long used these liners for cookies, scones and even some veggie sheet pan meals. I’ve got quite the collection, some standard cooking sheet sizes and some small and perfect for toaster ovens — but none as unique as the Grand Fusion Housewares Leakproof Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat.

This baking mat has a nonstick, leakproof surface, so cleanup is hassle-free. It can line standard or half-size cookie sheets, as well as form into a four-sided rectangular container ideal for making layered dishes and casseroles. When each corner of the mat is snapped, it can easily line a 9-by12-inch casserole dish to protect the sides from food residue.

The snap feature of this silicone baking mat reminded me of my travel days. I like to pack a small, sturdy, leather flat square that snaps together into a four-sided container to collect my loose change and keys. As I discovered, this silicone mat does just that — but, of course, it’s to ensure that food holds together, especially for bulkier dishes such as casseroles, egg bakes, French toast or layered chicken or fish and vegetables. And, because it covers the sides of the dish, you’ll have little to no mess.

To test the silicone baking mat, I started with cookies, because who doesn’t like a little treat. Like with standard silicone baking mats, the cookies peel right off. Then, I discovered the mat was a perfect fit to line my casserole dish, so I prepared wild salmon pinwheels with seasoned cream cheese and roasted Brussels sprouts. As suspected, the food held its shape well and cleanup was a breeze. I was curious to see how the baking mat would do with a saucy dish, so I prepared my own version of Eggs in Purgatory using a zesty carrot sauce, kale, chickpeas, Za’atar and crumbles of feta cheese. It worked out just fine and I didn’t have to clean the casserole dish because the snap feature of the mat holds in all the liquid — no spillage.

While this baking mat can be used on its own, I suggest using a sheet pan or wire rack underneath it for easier transfer to and from the oven.

Honestly, I’d say the Grand Fusion Housewares Leakproof Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat will work well for almost anything you’d like to bake, from cookies and scones to sheet-pan and casserole-style dishes. It’s a practical liner that makes healthy cooking accessible. Plus, it’s easy to clean and simple to store either lying flat for easy stacking or rolled in a tube shape — either way, it takes up very little space.

If you’re like me, you love cast-iron pans but hate how heavy and high maintenance they can be. That’s why I was so excited to try out the Zavor Noir Skillet Set. These skillets offer almost identical functions as a cast-iron pan but are much more lightweight and super easy to clean.

Zavor skillets come in two sizes, great for cooking small or large amounts of food. The set contains two sizes, each with two parts — the pan base and its handle, which easily screws on and off. Removing the handle allows for the pan to be used in the oven at temperatures up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit.

The skillets are made from cast aluminum, a material with optimum heat conduction that’s also easy to clean, making them perfect for all types of nourishing ingredients including vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. In fact, these skillets have become my go-to cooking tool for browning meats, sautéing sliced vegetables and creating one-pan comfort food such as chicken pot pie. They also would be great for other stovetop-to-oven recipes, for example, spinach artichoke dip, shakshuka or veggie frittatas.

Unlike cast-iron skillets, the pans’ handles don’t get hot when cooking on the stovetop. The removable handle design makes it easy to go back and forth from the stove to the oven. Plus, when you’re done cooking, the cast-aluminum coating makes cleaning a breeze. No scraping or long soaking time needed! Remove the handle for seamless stackable storage.

The Zavor Noir Skillet Set is a good choice for beginner cooks and culinary enthusiasts alike. From sautéing to searing to stir frying, these skillets can do almost all types of cooking. The only thing I wish the set included was a lid, which would allow for easier steaming and less splatter from sauces. I would recommend this product to anyone looking for functional, high-quality skillets. You can even customize the handle colors to match your kitchen’s color scheme!

Between packing lunches for school and work and being a huge fan of dinner leftovers, it’s safe to say I’ve tried my fair share of food storage containers. OXO is such a well-known and respected brand that I knew (or hoped!) the OXO Prep & Go 20-Piece Container Set would be as amazing as I expected.

Described as an easy-to-use set of products for leakproof food storage, whether sitting in the fridge or being jostled around in a bag, the set comes with six different sized food containers and three condiment containers, plus lids.

I love the sleek look and how they conveniently stack on top of each other. The lids are flat rather than curved, so even though you can’t nest them inside each other, you can still store them quite neatly.

There is a really cool salad container that allows you to separate greens and toppings within the same container, plus has space for a condiment container. It’s definitely my favorite. Another container has its own built-in colander. And the smaller snack-size containers are perfect for sending food to school with my kids in their backpacks!

Each time you close the lid of a container, you can hear the air being pushed out and the suction seal. To see if they passed the “shake-proof” test, I tested the containers for my own lunches, leftovers and sent them in my kids’ lunchboxes. We didn’t have a single leak!

They also held up quite well in the dishwasher, with no apparent shape changes or cleaning issues.

Whether you’re looking for a basic leftover storage solution or super durable food containers for school lunches, I definitely recommend the OXO Prep & Go containers. They are ideal for people looking to save money by bringing their own food to work or school, as well as those who meal prep for the week ahead and need food to stay fresh for several days.

I am always looking for the newest flavor of sparkling water but feel there must be a more cost-effective, convenient and organic way to stay hydrated and get the “fizz” I am seeking. Plus, as a registered dietitian nutritionist, drinking sparkling water that is free from sweeteners, artificial colors, artificial flavors and sodium is important because I like being mindful of what I eat and drink. That is why I was so excited to review the SodaStream Terra. It truly has everything I was looking for to create sparkling water that is a taste sensation.

When I unpacked the SodaStream Terra, my first thought was: This fits perfectly at my water/coffee bar! It looks great with my other beverage appliances and complements my kitchen counter. Since I am often in the kitchen working on recipe creation for my blog, I look for appliances that are convenient to use and work well in my kitchen. The SodaStream Terra is a natural fit.

It also is a natural when it comes to ease of use. Just fill the SodaStream Reusable Carbonating Bottle with cold water, slip the water bottle up and back into the snap-lock connection and get ready to create your own sparkling water. It is so fast and easy to use, especially with the brand’s new Quick Connect technology for the CO₂ Cylinder insertion. The large button on the top of the machine is easy to press — three times for minimum fizziness and five times for maximum fizz level.

I always have fresh lemons, limes, oranges and mandarins in my fruit bowl to add fresh flavor to sparkling water. There are so many options: fresh basil or mint, cucumber or even jalapeño to add some spice to your fizz. Take the time to refresh and hydrate with your own designer flavored sparkling water!

The SodaStream Terra is not one of those kitchen appliances you use only a few times and then decide to store it in the garage. If you enjoy drinking water, then you will be using the SodaStream Terra daily. And if you struggle with getting enough water, then the Terra will help create an irresistible taste sensation with every sip you take. The best way to turn fresh water into sparkling water is with the SodaStream Terra.

A high-quality cutting board can be quite an investment, but it’s also something you’ll use nearly every day. And it can last forever if you take good care of it. I’ve had my thick maple cutting board for quite a few years, and with stains, cuts and lots of Arizona dryness, it was definitely in need of some TLC. I couldn’t wait to try out the JK Adams Wood Care Kit.

The JK Adams Classic Wood Care Kit comes with everything you need to restore a cutting board and make it practically brand new. It includes:

• A fine-grit sanding sponge to gently smooth out any cut marks
• A bottle of mineral oil with a special sponge applicator to moisturize the wood
• A jar of beeswax to seal and waterproof the wood

The JK Adams Natural Wood Care Kit includes a sanding sponge and an all-natural, food-safe wood conditioner made from coconut oil, organic carnauba wax and beeswax.

Both kits are great, but I personally love the classic kit because of the mineral oil and easy-to-use applicator sponge. My dry cutting board drank up the mineral oil.

If you use a wood cutting board, it’s essential to use either beeswax or a good wood conditioner like this one. Both help seal the cutting board and prevent liquids, odors and bacteria from penetrating the wood. I tried the beeswax on one side, and the wood conditioner on the other; they worked equally well, and water beaded up with both finishes.

I found the JK Adams Wood Care kits very easy to use, and I highly recommend them for anyone who wants to give their cutting board a new lease on life.

There is nothing worse than struggling with a roll of plastic wrap to save half of a tomato — and not even securely wrap it. Solution: Wrap it in foil. Problem: It now gets lost in the back of the fridge, never to be used and inevitably get tossed out.

A women-owned company developed a creative and convenient solution — Food Huggers! Food Huggers help to ensure that all fruits and vegetables are kept fresh for as long as possible, which helps reduce wasted food and money.

With a lifetime guarantee, Food Huggers can be used repeatedly, replacing tons of single-use plastic wrap, bags or foil. Coming in a variety of eye-catching colors, Food Huggers are always visible when stored in the fridge. With the expanded product line’s Reusable Hugger Bags and Flexible Silicone and Glass Bowl Lids, you can store about just anything with ease.

Let’s just say Food Huggers are now a staple in my kitchen — and I already purchased more! The colorful “huggers” never get lost in the back of my fridge and I can see exactly what produce I’m reaching for, since it’s not hidden beneath layers of plastic wrap or foil.

Food Huggers come in a variety of sizes, making them useful for just about anything. Saving half a banana for a smoothie the next day? There’s a Food Hugger for that. Leftover quinoa? There’s a Reusable Hugger Bag for that. Leftovers from dinner still in the bowl? Save time and avoid having to clean more dishes because there is a Flexible Silicone and Glass Bowl Lid Hugger for that, too! Just pop a lid onto those leftovers.

Beyond convenience in my own kitchen, I found the Food Huggers extremely helpful for my grandparents. With less grip strength, they have been having trouble opening lids on jars. I replaced all their lids, such as on jam and peanut butter jars, with Food Huggers for them to easily remove and reseal on their own.

Food Huggers are helping consumers create a more sustainable kitchen while keeping food fresher for longer and saving money. They are a great addition to anyone’s kitchen, especially those looking to reduce plastic use. Plus, they are not one of those “one trick pony” products specific for only one task. They even have an affiliate program that could support registered dietitian nutritionists, if they recommend Food Huggers to patients and clients.

As someone who cooks a lot, I am always interested in a great knife. After all, a quality knife makes food prep more joyful.

The PrepOn Kitchen 8” German Steel Santoku Knife arrived beautifully packaged in a decorated green box wrapped with tissue paper. It comes with a plastic sheath, too, so it can be stored safely in a drawer or transported with ease. The 8” blade is longer than what I am used to using, and the knife is a bit heavier, too. The handle fits nicely in my hand and the weight feels very solid.

Another note about the design: The blade isn’t quite flush with the handle, which differs from the santoku knife I typically use. Cutting works best in the middle of the knife as opposed to the end closest the handle. This was apparent only with small foods such as when mincing garlic and slicing scallions.

The first day of using this PrepOn knife was sheer delight; it sliced though tomato skins with razor sharpness and pineapple skin was no problem at all. I used it to cut all kinds of vegetables and fruits. I usually use plastic and glass cutting boards, which can dull a knife more than wood or bamboo cutting boards, so I find the knife needs sharpening pretty regularly. But it is still fine for cutting through cantaloupe and even bread.

Overall, this is a functional knife that would make a lovely gift for a home cook. There is something to be said for the gentle green color that harmonizes with many healthful foods you may be chopping — plus, plain black handles can get boring to look at! I recommend this knife as a good stainless-steel option. If you want a knife that retains its edge better, try carbon steel. This stainless-steel knife is easier to care for than carbon steel and is even dishwasher safe.

I love the taste of cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. However, I do not love to cut cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. I never feel steady on my cutting board, I always have food flying everywhere and I have no desire to have multiple tools to make the task easier. That’s why I was intrigued to try the Microplane 2-in-1 Cabbage Tool to make this process easier and less messy.

The Microplane 2-in-1 Cabbage Tool is the perfect shape for my hand and my utensil drawer. When I picked it up, it had a nice handle, wide enough for my hand, and was soft. At one end is a sharp corer blade shaped to cut the core from fresh cabbage or iceberg lettuce. On the other end is a wide and very sharp twin peeler blade that’s great for shredding lettuce and cabbage or peeling produce.

After a quick wash in soap and water, the tool was ready to use. First, I used it on a head of cabbage to make coleslaw and realized how sharp this tool is on both ends. I highly recommend keeping this out of children’s hands or those that are unstable, as it may cause injury. The corer worked seamlessly to remove the core of the cabbage head in almost one swift motion. I used the peeler blades on the whole head, and it worked well without having to cut the head in half. However, if you want to control the amount of cabbage (or lettuce) you are shredding, I highly recommend starting with half of a head because it makes a lot of slaw. It took fewer than five minutes to shred the whole head and the pieces were the perfect shape and size. I feel it would shred lettuce just as well and fast.

Next, I tried the 2-in-1 Cabbage Tool with zucchini to make zoodles. It made a nice zoodle, not too thick and just the right size for lasagna. After using the tool, is it very easy to clean and I appreciate it being dishwasher safe.

I would recommend the Microplane 2-in-1 Cabbage Tool for the everyday cook who does not want multiple gadgets in their kitchen. It also would be a great starter tool for someone who wants to eat more fresh produce and is not as confident in their knife skills.

Per usual, all the appliances and tools in my kitchen take a beating. My slow cooker is at least a decade old (possibly two!) and has been through the ringer. The BLACK+DECKER 7-Quart Digital Slow Cooker with Temperature Probe + Precision Sous-Vide gave new life to my kitchen and some fun cooking ensued.

The appliance comes with a few pieces: the slow cooker, stoneware pot, lid, temperature probe, sous vide rack, two disposable bags and a recipe booklet. The lid has three small holes where the temperature probe can be inserted. Whether you’re checking the temperature on a slow-cooked roast or maintaining an exact temperature for sous vide, I found this feature to be very handy. You also can set a target temperature for a food, and the appliance will switch heat cycles to hold food at that temperature. No more food safety questions or stress!

The digital control panel is extremely helpful and very easy to use. It automatically chooses a time (eight hours for low slow cook setting and four hours for high slow cook setting), but it can be set up to 20 hours. Once the specified time ends, it alerts you and automatically switches over to warm mode for four hours.

The removable stoneware crock is surprisingly lightweight and easy to clean. The locking lid mechanism ensures it is secure and cannot be removed during cooking. There’s even a built-in lid holder on either side of the handles. As someone who often sets dirty lids on counters or tries to prop them up, this was super helpful.

I tried out a few different recipes using the slow cooker function. In every case, the heat seemed to be evenly distributed and there were no hot spots or burned or overcooked areas. The brisket, chicken stock and beans all came out beautifully with no issues.

The sous vide function is a fun way to try out this trendy cooking method. The set includes a sous vide rack and two bags to start (you also can use resealable plastic bags), making it is simple to try sous vide. How it works: The sous vide function brings the water, and therefore the food, to the exact temperature specified. The temperature probe monitors the water surrounding the resealable bags of food continuously so that it remains invariable. It was easy to place steak in each bag and set in the rack, keeping it in place during the entire cooking process.

This durable, easy to use slow cooker plus sous vide appliance has become a much loved and highly used item in my home!

During quarantine, baking bread became all the rage. I always felt inspired but never attempted making my own loaf. The thought of making fancy French bread like a baguette just felt super intimidating and complicated. However, once I learned about the Emile Henry Baguette Baker, I was so excited to put my concerns aside and give breadmaking my best shot!

The Emilie Henry Mini-Baguette Baker has two parts: the bottom dish with baguette molds and a domed lid. It’s made of refractory ceramic to create the right level of humidity during cooking. No need to put a bowl of water in the oven! The baker’s shape helps dough rise while creating a light, airy interior and a crispy outside crust.

Although this baking tool is somewhat large and heavy, it is essential for creating the perfect baguette. There is no assembly required — simply fit the two parts together during the proofing and cooking processes.

I tested this tool by making a classic recipe provided by Emile Henry in the box with the baguette baker. The bread-making process was straightforward but took several hours, so plan ahead if you want to serve these baguettes for a meal on the same day.

Here are steps I took to create perfect mini baguettes:

1. First, knead together dough and let it rise until it has doubled in size.
2. Then, degas the dough by punching it down.
3. Divide dough among the five mini-baguette molds and let sit for a moment rise.
4. Finally, bake the baguettes with the lid on; remove the lid for the final few minutes to achieve a golden-brown crust.

I was so proud of how these baguettes turned out, especially for my first time attempting any kind of French bread! These mini baguettes are great for slicing and adding to charcuterie boards, topping with a bruschetta mixture or using as a vessel for meatball subs. To increase the fiber content, try using white whole-wheat flour.

Great for both beginner and advanced bakers, the Emile Henry Mini-Baguette Baker is perfect for those wanting to create hassle-free, impressive loaves for their friends and family. I would recommend this product to friends who want to take their bread baking to the next level. From fancy party hors d’oeuvres to a weeknight family meal, these homemade baguettes can elevate the experience!