(Some of the) Best of 2010

Going out on a limb, here are a few of our Bests of 2010: Best chewing gum--bar none--Orbit Mist from Wrigley. This gum really does last and comes in enough varieties of mint or fruit to keep any avid gum chewer satisfied.  Best product--there really are a  few in this category but the electric Smart Kettle  from Chef's Choice is still going strong and lives up to is promises. We also want to mention Cuisinart's Smart Power Blender, which has un-complicated the art of blending and looks smart, too. For noteworthy foods we have to list Jovial Foods Einkorn Pasta, Morningstar Farm's Riblets and Lasagna, and  Gardein meatless entrees as well as Smart Life's Vegan Hot Dogs and Sausages (vegan) , Amy's Breakfast Burritos, Quorn meatless entrees (vegetarian). Where would we be without Tabasco Sauce to give zest to meals or Rice Select's varieties of couscous and grains or the lovely teas from The Republic of Tea--all make cooking and enjoying a bit more pleasurable.

Making the Perfect Cup of...

... green tea, herbal tea or coffee requires starting with fresh water that has been heated to the right temperature for the type of brew you are about to make. If you are used to just boiling the water for your hot beverage, here’s a better option: The Chef’s Choice SmartKettle from EdgeCraft.

This is a cordless electric kettle that represents a new generation of electric kettles. You plug it in and then set the temperature that is best for your drink: 203°-212° for Herbal teas; 155° – 168° for delicate Green teas; 185° - 194° for Oolong teas; 167° – 185° for White teas; 185°- 196° for Coffee, and so on. (You can adjust the unit to show the temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius.)

There is also a Keep Warm setting that automatically keeps the water at a set temperature and the unit remembers the last programmed setting. So right from the start you know that this is no ordinary electric kettle. And in addition to the precise heating temperatures, the unit itself is nice to look at and easy to use. The lid opens with a touch of a button and the kettle fits snugly on a circular base that allows the kettle to be swiveled easily. Even filled to the maximum water level the kettle is light enough to handle.

You will use less energy than a stovetop and the kettle takes less time than a microwave. The advanced electronic controls are precise and easy to set. There is a low water level warning and an automatic water shut-off when the water boils and an electronic boil-dry shut off protection. The concealed heating element is never in contact with water, so there will never be mineral deposits and buildup.

The Chef’s Choice SmartKettle makes a very useful addition to any kitchen and a very thoughtful gift.

Sugg. Retail price is $99.99 and is currently available at select department stores, on-line retailers and major catalogs. For more information go to www.chefschoice.com.