HOUSEWARES SHOW 2015 ~ PART TWO

I had the pleasure of attending the world’s premier International Home+Housewares Show, which was held at Chicago’s McCormick Place.  This annual show draws over 20,000 trade attendees from 100 countries that check out the latest in design, functionality and technology for all-things home and housewares from over 2,100 exhibitors.  The four-day event isn’t nearly enough time to see all of the exhibits, attend all of the workshops, and enjoy the multi-venues, which include a Cooking Theater that attracts the best and brightest in culinary chef-dom.  Once again, I barely scratched the surface in checking things out.  This show is where the next trends are uncovered and new designs are discovered.  It is THE place where buyers and sellers come to see firsthand the latest and greatest in products that will be on the shelves for consumers in the coming months. 

Products were categorized into exhibit segments, and included: Clean, Contain and Design ~ bath, cleaning, organization, seasonal products; Dine and Design ~ cookware, tabletop, gourmet foods, home decor products; Discover Design ~ tableware, flatware, cutlery kitchen and home collection products; Wired and Well ~ energy conservation, appliances, healthcare products; and, Global Crossroads ~ international pavilions.  Another major show component included the Cooking Theatre, which featured many outstanding celebrity chefs that shared with attendees the latest in cooking and food trends, culinary efficiencies, while featuring their branded products; food samplings and cookbook autograph sessions were also featured.

(Image from www.deringhall.com)

One of the biggest product trends I noticed at the show this year was that of color in prep pieces, cooking vessels, and serveware. It seems that adding pops of color to the chore, thereby increasing the level of enjoyment from a chore.  Color is also a great way to break-up a chore’s tedium.  For me, using color to the cooking process is like adding the right blend of spices, herbs, and seasonings to the dish, and turning the ordinary into something extraordinary and delicious.  Other trends included digital technology and connectivity to mobile devices; hydration with more and more filtration systems, infusers, and sport bottle up-designs showing; improving the ease of functionality and practicality of items for home cooks of all levels; and, a return to cast iron, safe non-stick cooking surfaces, ceramics, and green and sustainability products.

I had the pleasure of testing the following products, which were all exhibited at this show.  Each one offers a glimpse into some of the unique and innovative products that consumers will want to consider making a part of their culinary and home routines.  For more information on this show, visit https://www.housewares.org/show/

~ In the Kitchen ~

Charles Viancin Accessories ~ These whimsical silicone fabricated accessories included universal-sized covers, bottle stoppers, and coasters.  I especially like the universal-sized covers, which fit most bowls and pots; the silicone material automatically grips the edge, adhering to the container, without coming loose.  These covers are ideal for outdoor entertaining to protect contents from those pesky pests landing on top of the container’s contents. This line offers a wide range of accessories and fabricware.  http://www.charlesviancin.com/index.php/us/

Fagor America Duo 8 qt. Pressure Cooker ~ I’m old enough to remember hearing horror stories about exploding pressure cookers…not only was the food ruined, but so was everything in the general vicinity when it blew; often, people got seriously injured; I never saw my mother use her pressure cooker and probably for these reasons.  Today’s pressure cooker models offer built-in safety features that prevent mishaps like these.  More and more models are electric with computer-chip technology; the pressure cooker has come full circle with the digital age.  The Fagor America Duo is a stovetop model designed to work on gas, electric, ceramic and even induction made of 18/10 stainless steel and has numerous built-in safety features, including locking handles, automatic safety valve, built-in pressure release, safety vent, visual pressure indicator, adjustable pressure levels (low and high), and a pressure safety lock.  One of the best features of any pressure cooker is that it drastically reduces the amount of cooking time for all recipes.  The Fagor America Duo, for example, reduces cooking times by as much as seventy-percent; and, if a recipe calls for browning, whether it’s meat or veggies, that step is done first; once that prep step is completed, any liquids and remaining ingredients are then added; this step is what I like to call the “load and lock” step.  It’s the final step before locking the lid in place and setting the pressure.  This Duo Line is available in 4, 6, 8 and 10-quart capacities; the ten quart is also designed for pressure canning in addition to pressure cooking; each unit also includes a steamer/strainer and trivet.  The Duo Line is also used exclusively on the hit cooking reality shows MasterChef and MasterChef Junior.  Whether your recipe calls for dried beans, fresh fruits, dried fruits, fresh veggies, grains, pasta, fish, seafood, poultry or meat, this unit is ideal for minimizing the overall cooking time, while maximizing flavors, textures, and nutritional values.  http://www.fagoramerica.com/cookware/pressure_cookers/duo_line/duo

GreenPan 9.5” 4 Qt. Paris Sauté Pan ~ GreenPan was the innovator of clean, healthy cooking when they launched their patented Thermolon™ ceramic-coated non-stick pans in 2007.  GreenPan was also the first company to offer safe non-stick cooking pans that were free of toxic cadmium, lead, and PFOAs.  I loved how this pan performed during cooking and clean-up.  My Take:  I made my own version of “Smothered Chicken” by sautéing sliced yellow onions and shallots, chopped scallions, parsley, garlic, S&P in EVOO and butter, until the onions began to caramelize.  I then added chicken drumsticks and continued sautéing to begin the browning process; once the chicken began to brown, I added low-sodium chicken broth, covered and simmered until chicken was thoroughly cooked.  This is now my favorite go-to pan for all of my cooking needs...sautéing, browning, braising, steaming, etc.  Reliable performance and results every time.  http://www.greenpan-shop.com/sautee-pans/

Hampton Forge Tomodachi Gingham 4 Pc. Cutlery Set ~ Hampton Forge has a reputation of offering the finest precision forged steel knives for the chef or home cook.  For me, cutting can be a major chore, if the right tool isn’t used, and what better way to add a smile to your cutting chore, than with this colorful and playful-looking Cutlery Set that yield perfect precision cutting every time they’re used?  The Citrus Set includes four pieces…three 4.5 “ precision serrated Tomodachi titanium knives that are perfect for all your fruit and vegetable cutting needs; there’s also a handy cutting board that’s scratch resistant and has handles that are made from easy-grip, non-slip rubber.  The overall design of each knife has an easy-grip non-slip molded handle that conforms to the palm and finger grip.  Each knife blade is imprinted with different fresh fruits like Orange, Kiwi and Apple; handle colors are orange, green and red with a corresponding colored blade imprinting.  Whether I was cutting fruits or veggies, very little pressure was needed for the cutting motion.  Using this set made me want to hit the farmer’s market and stock up on fresh fruits and veggies.  Ideal gift for the foodie, hostess, new homeowner, bride-to-be, or even yourself.  http://www.hamptonforge.com

~ Containment Solutions ~

Bubba Brands TasteGuard Coffee Mug ~ The Bubba TasteGuard Travel Mug has sleek a stainless steel body with a ceramic coated with a lining that preserves the taste of the hot beverage.  Although the Mug is represented to keep beverages hot for up to six hours, when I tested it, my fresh made hot coffee was lukewarm after one and one-half hours.  http://www.bubbabrands.com

Flip-It ~ Love this new product.  Its design totally eliminates waste and angst in that dilemma of having a usable quantity of something in the bottom of the container, but not being able to get it out easily.  You squeeze, you tap, you bang, and still nothing, so you end up throwing it out and wasting money.  This product addresses those concerns with its universal and patented secure locking cap that is also designed not to tip over.  The product is exactly what you do to your container…you Flip-It!  https://www.flipitcap.com

Tabletops Unlimited Rove Infuser Sport Bottle ~ I love infused water and this clever design elevates hydration to a new level.  The infuser insert is removable and makes it easy to add fresh fruits, herbs, or veggies; the insert design is like a sieve, which allows the water to become infused with whatever is in the compartment; removability also makes cleanup easy; if you just want plain water or juice in your bottle, the infuser insert isn’t needed.  The patented cap not only locks in flavor and freshness, leakage is impossible; there’s also an inner-locking feature that securely closes the mouth portion.  https://www.ttustore.com/shop/on-the-go/hydration/

Corkcicle Vinnebago ~ This company’s designs of innovative products to keep the chill in wine and beer have been a hit each year at the show.  This year’s introduction was the Vinnebago, a handy thermos-like container that keeps liquids cold up to twelve hours, whether its wine, juice, or water; it worked beautifully when I tested it on water; my beverage remained chilled for hours.  The clever design is great for home entertainment or at picnics or barbecues.  Corkcicle offers a number of other unique designs for just about every beverage need.  http://corkcicle.com

Cork Pops Stircicles ~ These sleek designed iced stirrers/swizzle sticks are made of food-grade double side walled stainless steel.  Each Stircicles is filled with liquid freezer gel and will keep your drinks chilled for hours after a four-hour chill cycle in the freezer.  The colder the starting temperature of the drink, however, the longer the Stircicles will maintain a drink’s level of chill.  Ideal for home entertaining, or outdoor gatherings where the air temperature is a bit warm; nothing cools off a person like a nice chilled drink, and this clever accessory is perfect for that!  This accessory is one of several other designs by Cork Pops for beverages.  http://www.corkpops.com

~ In Closing ~

I’ve enjoyed testing these products throughout my home and beyond.  These products are available at traditional brick and mortar retailers, as well as online retailers.  Be sure to check out each brand website and also their social media platforms to obtain additional information on each of these products.

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to always celebrate yourself and your culinary curiosity.  Happy cooking…happy eating!

By Terry Herman

TERRY HERMAN continues perfecting her passion for food and wine.  She has been covering culinary related for many years as it relates to wellness and a healthy lifestyle.  Her popular blog, Terry's Spa, Beauty and Wellness Go-To has featured formidable reviews of cookbooks, restaurants, wine and food, food prep and tools, chef interviews, and coverage of prestigious events such as the International Home+Housewares Show, the National Restaurant Show and the Sweets and Snacks Expo.  She has been published since the mid-1990s in both consumer and trade publications, and is regarded as an expert in spa, beauty, wellness, travel and lifestyle, and is frequently interviewed by publications for her expert content.  She has also presented at major industry conferences, and has served with distinction on numerous governing and advisory boards.  She has a background in strategic and qualitative management, consulting, and motivational speaking.  Her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Don’t forget to “Like” her Facebook Page, “Terry’s Second Helpings”.  For additional information, email her at terry.herman@gmail.com.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

(Introductory photo from www.inventionhome.com; all other photo credits as represented by the specific brand.)

HOUSEWARES SHOW 2015 ~ PART ONE

I had the pleasure of attending the world’s premier International Home+Housewares Show, which was held at Chicago’s McCormick Place.  This annual show draws over 20,000 trade attendees from 100 countries that check out the latest in design, functionality and technology for all-things home and housewares from over 2,100 exhibitors.  The four-day event isn’t nearly enough time to see all of the exhibits, attend all of the workshops, and enjoy the multi-venues, which include a Cooking Theater that attracts the best and brightest in culinary chef-dom.  Once again, I barely scratched the surface in checking things out.  This show is where the next trends are uncovered and new designs are discovered.  It is THE place where buyers and sellers come to see firsthand the latest and greatest in products that will be on the shelves for consumers in the coming months. 

Products were categorized into exhibit segments, and included: Clean, Contain and Design ~ bath, cleaning, organization, seasonal products; Dine and Design ~ cookware, tabletop, gourmet foods, home decor products; Discover Design ~ tableware, flatware, cutlery kitchen and home collection products; Wired and Well ~ energy conservation, appliances, healthcare products; and, Global Crossroads ~ international pavilions.  Another major show component included the Cooking Theatre, which featured many outstanding celebrity chefs that shared with attendees the latest in cooking and food trends, culinary efficiencies, while featuring their branded products; food samplings and cookbook autograph sessions were also featured.

(Image from www.deringhall.com)

One of the biggest product trends I noticed at the show this year was that of color in prep pieces, cooking vessels, and serveware. It seems that adding pops of color to the chore, thereby increasing the level of enjoyment from a chore.  Color is also a great way to break-up a chore’s tedium.  For me, using color to the cooking process is like adding the right blend of spices, herbs, and seasonings to the dish, and turning the ordinary into something extraordinary and delicious.  Other trends included digital technology and connectivity to mobile devices; hydration with more and more filtration systems, infusers, and sport bottle up-designs showing; improving the ease of functionality and practicality of items for home cooks of all levels; and, a return to cast iron, safe non-stick cooking surfaces, ceramics, and green and sustainability products.

I had the pleasure of testing the following products, which were all exhibited at this show.  Each one offers a glimpse into some of the unique and innovative products that consumers will want to consider making a part of their culinary and home routines.  For more information on this show, visit https://www.housewares.org/show/

~ In the Kitchen ~

Cookina Reusable Grilling, Baking, and Oven Protector Sheets ~ These silicone sheets are reusable and make cooking a practical chore…whether the heat source is a grill, stove top, or oven.  Each type comes in a roll and can be cut to a customized size to fit different pan sizes or the cooking surface.  Because these sheets are made from silicone, so they withstand high heat without buckling and foods don’t stick; sheets wipe clean, for an effortless cleanup.  Ideal for lining the oven bottom for those often-unavoidable spills and cook-overs where residue easily burns and sticks to the surface; cleanup is easy peasy.  These sheets are also ideal for lining cooking sheets, versus costly parchment, to prevent any items from sticking to the surface.  For grilling, the same applies; the easy cleanup makes it effortless for removing any accumulated bits or grease.   http://www.cookina.co/homepage/

Gunter Wilhelm Chef Knife (8 inch) and Frying Pan (9.5 inch) ~ If you’re looking for substantial pieces that are precision crafted and forged, these are perfect for you.  I loved the feel and performance of the Chef Knife, which is fabricated from German forged steel.  The Chef Knife made light of cutting, slicing, and mincing with extraordinary ease and precision.  The overall performance of the Frying Pan, with its five-ply of stainless steel over an aluminum core fabrication is ideal for heat distribution and retention; it’s also stick-resistant, which is great for effortless cleanup.  The unique pan’s cover design includes a heat-resistant handle, an insert for a temperature probe, a glass see-thru window and a standing lid feature for resting on a surface; the latter frees up both hands for cooking; the pan has both a heat-resistant easy-grip main handle, and an end-grip handle.  My Take:  I made my own version of “Greek-Style Lamb” by sautéing aromatic vegetables (sliced fennel, fennel fronds, shallots, scallions, yellow onions, oregano, garlic, and Italian flat leaf parsley).  I then added cuts of seasoned lamb to the mélange and continued sautéing until lamb began to brown.  I finished the mix with adding Pinot Grigio, then covered and continued simmering until the lamb was fork-tender.  http://gunterwilhelm.com

Microplane Kitchen Elite Series Box Grater ~ Since 1994, when a woodworking tool was repurposed out of necessity by a Canadian housewife to use as an orange zester, the Microplane Rasp (Grater) has become the world’s most preferred and cherished prep tool by chefs and home cooks alike.  All of the Microplane Graters have precision-cut ultra sharp stainless steel cutting blades that won’t tear, rip or shred whatever is being grated or shaved, regardless of how fragile or dense the texture.  The new Elite Series Box Grater is a compact 5-in-1 implement with precision cutting blades for Fine, Coarse, Ribbon, Ultra Coarse and Shaver tasks.  Additional Box Grater features include a sturdy easy-grip stabilizing handle plus non-slip rubberized trim at the bottom; unique bi-directional grating blades on one of the sides; and, a removable measuring tray with see-through marked measuring guides with a capacity range up to 2.5 cups/600ml.  My Tip:  To avoid items being grated to stick or smudge along the blades and surface of a grater, such as cheese, first lightly coat the grating surface with a neutral tasting oil, or cooking spray; this will avoid items from sticking or smudging and also make cleanup easier.  http://us.microplane.com/index.aspx

WellnessMats Estates Collection, Coastal ~ Sunset/Bella ~ As soon as you step on WellnessMats, you’re immediately transported to another dimension.  The thickness of the material is a generous three-quarter of an inch that offers maximum support to the back, knee, and feet; weight is evenly distributed, alleviating any pressure to the joints.  I placed my product where long periods of standing occur, especially for prepping or cooking.  The first time I stepped onto the mat, I immediately noticed a difference in how I felt and how much discomfort had been eliminated, as compared to whenever I stood on an unprotected floor surface.  The experience was divine and much better than any result I had ever experienced, even while wearing my pricey prescriptive orthotics!  http://wellnessmats.com

~ Around the Home ~

Fresh Wave ~ I’ve always loved these all-natural products.  Their clean and green sustainable goodness comes from a full-range of home care products that are natural with pure ingredients like Lime, Pine Needles, Aniseed Clove, Cedarwood and Water.  Each product neutralizes and eliminates odors throughout the home.  Products tested included their new Fresh Pod (the perfect holder for their Pearl Packs), and their new Drain & Disposal Deodorizer.  Other products tested included their Home Spray, Vacuum Pearls, Home Soy Candle, Fresh Wash, Carpet Shake, Pet Shampoo (gentle enough to be used on humans!), and Crystal Gel.  Hands down, these products are the best of their type for the specific task at hand…all products are safe, green, and non-toxic.  http://www.freshwaveworks.com/

~ Out and About ~

Solvetta FlatBox-Lunch Box ~ This is one of those products that once you see it, you fully appreciate it’s genius design and wonder it took so long for someone to come up with the idea.  The patent pending FlatBox-LunchBox is a washable food container that’s perfect for lunches on the go, at school, picnics, or sporting events.  Its clever design allows for converting the FlatBox-Lunch Box from a compact and secure easy-grip zippered tote into a flattened protective placement; the conversion from tote to placement also eliminates any concerns about filthy eating surfaces.  http://www.solvetta.com

ZeroWater Stainless Steel Pitcher and Sports Bottle ~ With a patented filtering process of five different levels of purification, I was impressed with how pure and clean water from these items tasted compared to regular tap water.  My only complaint with both products is that the filter for each one is so large that it takes up nearly fifty percent of the container’s size, especially when you consider that all water to be filtered needs to be below the filter line; this was especially an issue with the Sports Bottle; the weightiness of the filter is another issue for the Sports Bottle, because it makes portability cumbersome.  Overall, however, these products are more effective in water filtration than their competition.  http://www.zerowater.com

~ Worth Mentioning ~

Although I didn’t receive any products to test from these brands, booth presentations and one on one interviews with key staffing and/or guest chefs made an impression on me; high quality products for the consumer, which made my mind race as to what I could do with them, were I to have them in my kitchen.

Meyer Corporation ~ Premier brands under the umbrella name include Analon, Circulon, Farberware, Rachel Ray, Paula Dean, Cake Boss, Bonjour, and Earth Pan.  Taking a guided booth tour of all of these brands gave me a much better appreciation of the breadth of functionality within each brand name.  I could easily restock my entire kitchen with all of these brands and cover all of my culinary bases.  Color was everywhere and a definite trend within these outstanding brands.  https://www.meyer.com/home_us.html

Lenox Corporation ~ Premier brands under the umbrella name include Lenox, Gorham, and Dansk.  The umbrella brand has expanded with the addition of two newlines…The Rick Bayless Cookware Collection (Gorham), and The French Chefs Collection (Lenox).  Following is a synopsis of my brief show interviews with Chef Rick Bayless, and French Chefs Daniel Boulud, Dominique Crenn, and Michel Richard.  http://www.lenox.com

Chef Rick Bayless ~ At the Gorham booth for The Rick Bayless Cookware Collection, Chef Bayless prepared his delicious Pork Stew and Simple Guacamole, using various components of his signature Collection.  Both were delicious; for a twist, the Chef used grapefruit, which surprisingly added a fresh and bright taste to the overall flavor profile.  I also had an opportunity to briefly ask him about his new Collection.  I asked him if he were to make a recommendation to a home cook just starting out, which pieces would he recommend to them as “must-haves”…he felt that whatever was going to be the primary types of prepared dishes, pieces that were matched to the preparation made more sense than acquiring every type of piece in the line, which may or may not end up ever being used.  I also asked him about the level of involvement he had in designing the Collection and he mentioned that from concept to production, his involvement was integral.  That makes sense, since his name is on the brand.  The entire Collection includes a range of prep tools, to bakeware and cookware; materials include silicone, cast iron, ceramic, stoneware and aluminum alloy.  http://www.amazon.com

Here are two links for each of the dishes he prepared booth side.  Each dish seemed simple to make, used simple and readily available ingredients, and his Cookware Collection was ideal for the preparation and execution of each recipe.  http://www.rickbayless.com/recipe/simple-guacamole/  http://www.rickbayless.com/recipe/pork-with-roasted-tomatillos-poblanos-and-potatoes/

Chefs Richard, Crenn, and Boulud ~ The French Chefs Collection was a collaborative effort between these three culinary elites.  The Collection is a beautiful array of must-have pieces for the home cook that includes pristine white porcelain serveware and dinnerware, bakeware and five-ply stainless cookware.  At a press conference I attended, I was able to ask each of the Chefs who the most influential person was in their lives that significantly impacted their pursuing a professional cooking career…each one passionately spoke of how family, especially their mother or grandmother, impacted them the most…not only from a supportive role, but from an educational and formative one as well…each also felt that throughout their entire careers, individual working situations always led to learning something new about their profession and allowed for growth and discovery.  http://www.thefrenchchefs.com

~ In Closing ~

I’ve enjoyed testing these products throughout my home and beyond.  These products are available at traditional brick and mortar retailers, as well as online retailers.  Be sure to check out each brand website and also their social media platforms to obtain additional information on each of these products.

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to always celebrate yourself and your culinary curiosity.  Happy cooking…happy eating!

By Terry Herman

TERRY HERMAN continues perfecting her passion for food and wine.  She has been covering culinary related for many years as it relates to wellness and a healthy lifestyle.  Her popular blog, Terry's Spa, Beauty and Wellness Go-To has featured formidable reviews of cookbooks, restaurants, wine and food, food prep and tools, chef interviews, and coverage of prestigious events such as the International Home+Housewares Show, the National Restaurant Show and the Sweets and Snacks Expo.  She has been published since the mid-1990s in both consumer and trade publications, and is regarded as an expert in spa, beauty, wellness, travel and lifestyle, and is frequently interviewed by publications for her expert content.  She has also presented at major industry conferences, and has served with distinction on numerous governing and advisory boards.  She has a background in strategic and qualitative management, consulting, and motivational speaking.  Her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Don’t forget to “Like” her Facebook Page, “Terry’s Second Helpings”.  For additional information, email her at terry.herman@gmail.com.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

(Introductory photo from www.inventionhome.com; all other photo credits as represented by the specific brand.)