SALT BLOCK
Salt blocks bring a unique flavor to food. This is for the cook who has everything: The blocks come from the Himalayas and contain 86 minerals. Prices range from $60 to $160. Leave it to Epicurean’s Pantry, 1333 N. Santa Fe in Edmond, to fix you up.

CORK POPS
Even the most
stubborn wine cork is child’s play when you have the proper item.
Something simple to use is called Cork Pops. The needle is inserted into
the cork and the low pressure propellant cartridge pops the cork right
out. It will last for 60 to 80 bottles before it runs out. Get one at
Kamber’s, 7308 N. Western.


TONGS

Get a grip — literally. A
good pair of tongs can retrieve a single spear of asparagus, a strand
of pasta or a slab of grill-ready fare. Get them under $16 at area
specialty stores.

RICE COOKER
A Tiger brand rice
cooker not only cooks rice porridge, but also basmati, jasmine, sticky,
brown and sushi rices. It can also function as a warmer, steamer and
slow cooker. Priced over $160 at Super Cao Nguyen, 2668 N. Military, and
worth every cent.

INSTANT-READ THERMOMETER
Avid cooks are likely
to have one clipped to their apron. It’s small and affordable and
relieves any uncertainty — Is it done? What is ‘medium’? — when cooking
meat. Used in conjunction with a timer, an instantread thermometer is
imperative in anyone’s kitchen.

KEURIG
The Keurig
coffeemaker is a coffee-lover’s dream come true. Durable and mess- free,
single cups of coffee are only a button away. Brewers start at $90 and
can be picked up at Kohl’s and Macy’s. Refills are sold separately.

Photos by Shannon Cornman

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