Cooking

Rice doesn't lack for vitamins and minerals. Or smartphone apps.

There is little left that smartphones cannot do. Or rather, to be more precise, there is little left that smartphones are not capable of controlling. The distinction is an important one. Ultimately, we are the controller. But sometimes it is just more fun to press a button on the phone rather than on the target device.

The new SR-SX102 rice cookers from Panasonic are controllable via FeliCa-enabled smartphones. (FeliCa is a contactless RFID technology developed by Sony Corporation.) Hover the phone over the designated area on the rice cooker (that would be the blue mark) and suddenly the smartphone becomes a sort of remote control for the rice cooker.… Read more

Weather may dictate many activities in everyday life, but it doesn't have to its say over culinary options.

Hovering over a grill, monitoring steaks and burgers is a tradition that is enjoyed any time of the year. Except, of course, when the weather wants to rain on the parade of burgers, dogs, and steaks. Every cloud has a silver lining (probably made from a mixture of condiments); just because the outdoors isn't cooperating doesn't mean the grilling has to stop.

The Cuisinart GR-100 Indoor Outdoor Griddler keeps the good times sizzling wherever the action happens to be … Read more

Getting back to nature doesn't have to mean getting away from it all.

You know how it is. When camping with family and/or friends, everybody finds themselves enjoying getting back to nature. It's not hard to do: the rustle of the wind through the trees, a nearby babbling brook, stars you can actually see. Then it hits. The need for a frozen pizza.

Modern convenience is never far away when camping with the Coleman Signature Outdoor Gear Portable Propane Stove/Oven. Capable of producing full meals just like the big oven back home, the propane-powered (it uses … Read more

It's amazing that the simple combination of tomatoes, crust, and cheese can be so complicated.

There is no shortage of subpar pizza in this country. Heck, par isn't even very good. But when pizza does hit the spot, it really hits the spot; when a well-prepared slice hits the taste buds, the effect can be as mysterious as it is overwhelming. Unfortunately, capturing that intensity in a homemade pie can be rather difficult.

The high heat necessary to create perfect pizzas goes beyond standard kitchen appliance capabilities. There is no shortage of information on the Web regarding hacks … Read more

Prep work won't disappear, but clutter and mess will.

The power of the kitchen lies in its ability to transform a heap of raw ingredients into a cohesive meal. As we chop, slice, and dice our way through the prep work, it is almost like magic how proteins, veggies, and starches turn into recognizable meals thanks to a little knife work. But there is more than just cutlery involved.

Being able to produce a kitchen gadget or utensil out of thin air (or from with a kitchen cabinet or drawer as the case may be) is one thing, but … Read more

Grilling requires not only fire and ingredients, but also space.

Patios and decks are little islands that offer a bit of respite from everyday hectic life. When a grill is added, that little island can become a paradise. One major drawback, however--like many vacation spots--is that they can quickly become overcrowded. Adding a grill only complicates matters; patio furniture in all its forms is sure to follow. And that doesn't even get to the decorative items. But for some, that's a start.

Combining a decorative planter with a charcoal grill, the Hot Pot BBQ offers a readily available … Read more

Portability is always a big concern and grilling is no exception.

The Cuisinart CGG-240 All Foods Roll-Away Gas Grill adds wheels to make grilling-on-the-go good to go wherever that happens to be. Featuring a framework that acts as a stand while in use and as a rolling cart when it is time to go, the gas grill unfolds to create good times from the backyard to the beach and beyond.

With 240-square-inches of grilling area, its porcelain enamel-coated grilling surface entices grillers without the need to jostle for space. An electric ignition system makes it easy to get the party … Read more

Kitchens are full of precise measurements--and quite a few that are not.

Cooking has evolved to the point where the creation of delicate dishes has become commonplace. Knowledge is freely available, and all that is required is a little time, patience, and the correct equipment. Yet still, cooking ultimately comes down to the simple equation of food plus fire equals good. And contrary to popular belief, we have still not yet tamed fire.

The inaccuracy that is intrinsic to everyday cooking is no cause for alarm. At least when it comes to toast. The Breville Premium Plastic Toaster combines old-school … Read more

Standing over a hot grill isn't a bad place to be, especially when faced with your own personal fans.

The powerful scent of barbecue wafting through the air is a surefire way to attract the attention of anybody and everybody within a reasonable distance. Adding a little breeze to a cookout has an additional effect aside from being able to easily meet the neighbors.

Directing smoke toward where it's desired, the Sharper Image BBQ Grill Light & Fan attaches to the grill, making life easier for the grill-master. Designed to not only cool down the cook but also … Read more