Eating

I'm a big fan of advance preparation. Before my kids go to bed, I like to set out clothes for the next day, set out their schoolbags, and pack their lunches. But my kids love to have things like soup, rice, couscous, or other need-to-heat items in their lunches, and those get packed in thermoses. Which cannot go in the microwave. So I either have to make them in the morning and stress myself out or heat them in a different container and make more of a mess. Neither option appeals.

The Aladdin mini lunch bowl is a clever … Read more

A good grill session is always better with family and friends, but sometimes you just have to bring the grill to them. Perhaps the backyard is in no condition to entertain, or maybe the deck is too small for guests, or most likely it's just more fun at the beach, park, or tailgate party, but whatever the reason, a good grill sometimes just needs to get up and go. As they say, the grass is always greener on the other side, and sometimes the same thing can be said about the grill--literally.

Designed for portability and available in a … Read more

Dieting is hard enough if you're a reality show contestant with a personal chef and a trainer at your beck and call. For those of us left to our own devices in ordinary kitchens, we've got to remove every possible obstacle if we're going to meet our goals. That's where products like the Measure Up Bowls come in. These microwave- and dishwasher-safe porcelain portion bowls keep you on track by letting you serve proper portions right in the bowl you're eating from. Nothing extra to wash, and you can simply eat--and enjoy.

The bowls come … Read more

Summer is almost here, and if you're not quite swimsuit-ready, these utensils might just help you out. The Knife and Fork Lift each weigh in at a pound and a half to remind you that every bite you put in your mouth has to be exercised off eventually. If you're trying to be more conscious of what you put in your body, this silverware will definitely do the trick.

Although the site claims that the knife and fork would make a great gift for someone starting a diet or having trouble sticking to one, I'm fairly certain … Read more

As they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. However, the reason this outlook may be expressed in the first place is because "they" may have designs on your breakfast--especially when it comes in the form of breakfast sandwiches. After all, who can resist the allure of an egg sandwich? Topped with ham and cheese, the classic combination is suitable for one and all. Thankfully the breakfast staple is easy to make, and therefore not solely relegated to the fast-food drive-through window. But that doesn't mean it couldn't be made even easier to … Read more

As the weather turns warmer, the joyful sound of the ice cream truck driving around the neighborhood becomes more common. And since I have no intention of paying $4 for a Sponge Bob-shaped treat with gumball eyes, I've stocked my freezer with less expensive, if more boring, boxes of chocolate and vanilla goodness.

Whenever my parents serve ice cream, they first microwave the container for about 30 seconds. I prefer my ice cream cold, so I usually just leave it out on the counter for a few minutes to soften enough for easier scooping. But apparently, so many people … Read more

Individual tastes are a tricky thing, especially when preparing food for a crowd. When eating out at a restaurant, everybody gets to choose exactly what they are craving, but try to host a dinner party and the fun, communal atmosphere of a shared meal can quickly turn from tasty to nightmarish. Planning around this eventuality is of course an option, but sometimes it's just easier to let people serve themselves.

I haven't been to many crepe parties (OK, none), but it seems like it might be a good idea. People can construct their own and cater to their … Read more

If you're looking for an alternative to plastic containers and zip-top bags for food storage, consider LunchBots. The containers and their lids are available in four sizes and are made from 18/8 stainless steel that won't leach chemicals into food. Designed to fit in lunch boxes, backpacks, and even purses, LunchBots are dishwasher safe and are lab certified to be lead-free.

The Uno and Eco models each offer a single storage compartment: the Uno is sized for a burrito, sushi, or a sandwich, and the Eco is designed to hold larger portions. The Duo and Pico have … Read more

Certain foods have a way of transporting us to far away places. The deceptively simple act of eating can not only take us on a journey through space, but also through time. If there is one food above all that screams another place, another time, that edible train ticket would have to be ice cream.

Perhaps not surprisingly, ice cream is relatively easy to make; like all good things, simplicity is key. Consisting of little more than cream and sugar, the luxurious taste of real ice cream does not necessarily have to require grandiose plans. In fact, it can be … Read more