NEW PRODUCTS
KITCHEN
Power Tower scales myriad jobs
It grates. It strains. It juices. It's sharp.
The West Bend Power Tower is a multipurpose can opener that is capable of myriad tasks. A removable head design allows the following attachments to be easily switched and stored, making the Power Tower a:
* Juicer with removable cone and pulp strainer.
* Cheese grater with removable shredder blade and pusher.
* Bottle opener with pull-tab feature and bag-slitting knife.
* Knife sharpener included in the base.
The Power Tower ($60) is just one of the new items introduced when Back to Basics and West Bend combined operations to form Focus Electrics, a division of Focus Products Group LLC.
-- Copley News Service
Get a proper reading on food temps
To probe, not to probe, or both? Not sure? With these new gadgets from Component Design Northwest, you can do all of the above.
CDN has introduced the new Infrared Thermometer and the Infrared/Thermocouple Probe Thermometer.
With the Infrared Thermometer ($40), you just point and within a second you have a reading of the surface temperature of your food. This device is also handy for measuring the temperature of your griddle or cooking oil. And there is no risk of cross-contamination.
It also helps keep food safe for consumption. For food left on the counter, once the temperature nears 41 degrees, it needs to go back in the fridge.
To ensure the proper surface and internal temperatures, there is the Infrared/Thermocouple Probe Thermometer ($100).
Two tools in one, the thermometer can scan surface temperature or measure internal temperature quickly and accurately.
These thermometers can measure surface temperatures from 67 degrees below zero to 572 degrees and internal temps up to 626 degrees. Lightweight, compact and waterproof, it is an indispensable tool whether in the kitchen or out on the patio grilling.
For more information, visit www.cdn-timeandtemp.com.
-- Copley News Service
ENTERTAINING
Art aprons put a kick into 'come on in'
Home entertaining is in fashion, and just in time for that perfect little spring fling comes a party to die for -- the Retro Electro.
Strap one of these beauties around your waist and guests are sure to remember that margarita forever.
The brainchild of bartender-artists Sarah and Roxanne, Retro Electro aprons were born when the women couldn't find interesting aprons to wear to work.
Made of handmade vintage and modern fabrics, each apron is a one-of-a-kind canvas. Prices range from $38 to $52 each. Aprons are available on The Succulent Wife Web site, www.thesucculentwife.com).
BOOKS
Get in good with Mother Earth
Think going green is too difficult? The answer, according to those in the know, is that the most vexing component of that question is the question itself.
Becoming eco-friendly is surprising easy, and that's "A Slice of Organic Life," (DK Publishing, $19.99) intends to show.
Rather than start by making radical sacrifices, the author suggests living a "slice," such as:
* Boil only the amount of water needed at one time
* Use scrunched newspaper to keep your freezer packed
* Donate old and unused paint, wallpaper and excess household items to charitable organizations, rather than disposing them
* Plant a "Square Foot" garden
"A Slice of Organic Life" offers practical advice to start leading a healthier, more rewarding and more environmentally responsible life. "A Slice of Organic Life" will be available in June at major bookstores.
