HOUSEWARES SHOW 2017 ~ PART ONE

(Photo by T. Herman)

I had the pleasure of attending this year’s International Home+Housewares Show; the world’s largest and most preeminent show of its type was held at Chicago’s McCormick Place; covering this annual show for this blog is something I look forward to each year. 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.

Once again, the show featured multi-layered trends and advancements.  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, increases the level of enjoyment of the chore.  Color is also a great way to break-up a chore’s tedium.  For me, using color for the cooking process is like adding the right blend of spices, herbs, and seasonings to the dish, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary and delicious. 

Other trends included products made from silicone, sustainable woods, and recycled materials.  Digital Other digital technology and connectivity to mobile devices was also a major trend, as was hydration with more and more filtration systems, infusers, and sport bottle designs.  Lastly, improving the ease of functionality and practicality of items for home cooks of all levels, including a return to cast iron, safe non-stick cooking surfaces, ceramics, and green and sustainability products were also prominent.

I had the pleasure of reviewing products that were exhibited at the 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 routines.  Enjoy reading about my favorite picks!  For more information on this show, visit https://www.housewares.org/show/

AROUND THE KITCHEN

~ Architec Ecosmart ~

The Polyflax Servings Bowls, 3 qt. and Party Size & Serving Spoons are the perfect serving solutions for those looking to go-green in their kitchen, while serving their recipes in beautifully designed pieces.  These lightweight serving pieces are made from translucent recycled plastic with a suspended flax husk for design functionality and durability. For more information, visit http://architecproducts.com/ecosmart/

~ Capri Essentials ~

Minimizing toxic ingredients from cleaning materials is the main focus of this company’s pure essential oil infused products.  I had the pleasure of trying their Lemon Verbena Dish Soap, which includes pure essential oils of Lemon Verbena, Rosemary, Cedarwood, and Tea Tree.  This double-duty product left dishes squeaky clean, while adding some aromatherapy to the drudgery of hand washing dishes.  For more information, visit https://www.capriessentials.com

~ CorningWare ~

The 20 oz. CorningWare Meal Mug is perfect for steaming cups of soup or chili, or hot chocolate and comes with its own lid to keep contents at a perfect temperature.  Perfect for those cold days when you need something to remove the chill.  CorningWare is part of WorldKitchen brands.  For more information, visit http://www.corningware.com/corningware-products/

~ Lékué ~

These Pineapple and Watermelon Tropical Fruit Ice Cream Pop Molds will turn juice, homemade ice cream, fruit smoothies, or yogurt into healthy frozen treats that are perfect for kids of all ages; the molds are made from silicone, which makes cleanup easy.  For more information, visit https://www.lekue.com/eu/cookware/tropical-fruits-ice-cream-molds.html

~ Chicago Cutlery ~

The Prime RT Series 4” Parer Knife and 5” Partoku Knife are the latest offerings in this brand’s line of high performance knives; the Partoku blade is a cross between a Santoku and a Paring knife and is ideal for slicing, dicing, and chopping herbs and vegetables.  Made of German stainless forged steel, it has the ideal twenty-six degree precision cutting edge, a soft touch thumb-notch, and an ergonomically designed handle that’s made of material that conforms to anyone’s grip.  Since 1969, Chicago Cutlery has been offering quality knives to chefs and home cooks.  Chicago Cutlery is part of WorldKitchen brands.  For more information, visit http://chicagocutlery.com/prime/

~Holstein Housewares ~

(Photo by T. Herman)

Make your bake time colorful using the FUN Silicone Spatula, FUN Silicone Brush, and the MINI 5 Pc. Measuring Spoon Set prep tools.  If you have a budding chef in your family, they’ll love using these easy grip colorful tools.  For more information, visit http://www.holsteinhousewares.com

~ Microplane Kitchen ~

(Photo by T. Herman)

Since 1994, Microplane has been the definitive company that for superior quality performance cooking tools, which chefs and home cooks the world over have kept in their culinary arsenal.  From its innovative and humble beginnings of the iconic Microplane Rasp, Microplane has continued creating a wide range of functional, high-performance tools that meet every prepping needs.  Some of their latest innovative prep tools include the 2-in-1 Core and Peel Apple Tool, a precision coring and peeling for apples; can also be used on pears, potatoes, carrots, etc.; stainless steel serrated corer and straight edge blade; easy grip, soft handle; the 7-in-1 Ultimate Bar Tool, ideal for the novice or expert mixologist, this prep tool handles it all; includes a muddler, drink stirrer, strainer, partial paring knife to score and cut, channel knife for twists, and a peeler; easy grip, soft handle; the Veggie Wedgie is a fun prep tool that makes it super quick and easy to get six perfectly sliced wedges out of firm vegetables and even fruits; all you need to do is apply the pressure, and the super-sharp blades do all the rest; and, the 3-in-1 Twist & Zest is an all-in-one prep tool that allows for zesting, cutting, and reaming citrus fruits; zester blade is a precision etched stainless steel. For more information and to watch video demos of these great culinary tools, visit http://us.microplane.com/microplanekitchentools.aspx

~ Oneida ~ 

Stainless Steel Preferred Steak Knife Set and Nova Stemless 16 oz. Wine Glass Set   The Stock Pot is the perfect size for making large quantities of soup, stock, broth, chili, and pasta sauces; it’s also idea for preparing large quantities of pasta, potatoes, and ears of corn.  Made of 18/10 high polished stainless steel.  For more information, visit http://www.oneida.com/stockpots.html  The Steak Knife Set is designed with a full single stainless steel tang for maximum stability and balance; blades are made from precision high carbon German steel; the handles have a peened finish, making it easy to grip and hold onto.  This sleek design will complement any flatware design used on your table.   For more information, visit http://www.oneida.com/oneida-set-4-preferred-series-steak-knives.html?searched=true The Wine Glass Set has a sleek design, is weighted on the bottom for stability, and is also easy to hold.  These glasses are perfect for any beverage, and will complement other glassware and stemware designs used on your table settings.  For more information, visit http://www.oneida.com/drinkware/stemware.html/  Since 1880, Oneida has been the definitive brand for quality crafted stainless steel flatware.  Over the years the brand has expanded to offer a wide range of cooking solutions that includes flatware, cookware, baking, prepping, and serving solutions for the home cook.  Whether it's their casual flatware, bakeware, stemware, or cookware, Oneida has the perfect solution to satisfy any cooking or entertaining need.  Oneida is part of Robinson Home Products brands.  For more information, visit http://www.oneida.com

~ Rösle ~

The Spiral Whisk is made from stainless steel; its unique circular design makes it easy to reach edges of bowls and pots, which reduces the amount of time needed to whisk contents evenly.  Scrambling eggs with this tool seemed to go faster, eliminating arm fatigue.  Compared to a standard balloon whisk, it was also easier to maneuver.  For more information, visit http://www.rosleusa.com

~ Sabatier Knives ~

For over two hundred years, Sabatier has been making cutlery in the French city of Thiers, known as the cutlery capital of France; prized the world over by chefs and home cooks, each precision implement’s blade is forged using a full single stainless steel tang for maximum stability and balance; the handles are ergonomically designed for ease of gripping; and, for further stability, the handles are also triple riveted.  One of their latest designs, the Edgekeeper 8” Chef’s Knife, 3.5” Paring Knife, and 4.5” Paring Knife, includes a protective sleeve that has a proprietary built-in sharpener, so each time the knife is returned to its protective sleeve, or removed from it, the blade’s edge is sharpened; this double pass through prevents any dulling, and assures maximum sharpness of the blades.  Sabatier is part of Lifetime Brands.  For more information, visit http://www.sabatier-shop.com

~ Stor-All Solutions ~

This brand offers a variety of innovative storage and container solutions.  Their Press N’ Click solutions has a patented “one-touch” press mechanism that locks lids securely in place; the silicone ring prevents any leakage of contents, and extends the life of the foods stored by creating an airtight seal; the units are available in individual sizes, as well as canisters.  Containers are nestable and stackable, as well as microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe.  For more information, visit http://storallsolutions.com

~ Tomorrow’s Kitchen ~

This brand offers a wide variety of innovative prepping and food storage solutions with tools.  Included were the Dry & Store is the perfect collapsible spacesaver salad spinner; the specially designed removable waffle-weave cloth protects salad greens, and the removable waterproof exterior absorbs any excess water from hand spinning or shaking; stores flat when not in use; the 2.5 L Instant Marinater tenderizes, marinates and infuses flavors to meats, poultry, or fish using manually applied vacuum pressure; the vacuum pressure opens up pores, helping to breakdown tough connective fibers, which tenderizes the meat; the Single Serve Steamer includes a tempered glass bowl with vented silicone lid; perfect for microwave steaming single servings of meat, fish, poultry, and veggies; the Vegetable Scoop that has a serrated spoon on one end and a pointed scoop on the other; ideal for coring, removing pits, seeds and seed strips from fruits and veggies; and, the Avocado Box protects the delicate fruit from bruising and is perfect for portability; also includes a cutlery set of handy soft edged scoops for on-the-go eating.  For more information, visit http://tomorrows.kitchen

BAKING & COOKING

~ Bakelicious ~

The 9-in-1 Nesting Measuring Set is a compact all-in-one set that includes six measuring cups and three measuring spoons that nest together into an adorable cupcake shape; the compact design also takes up minimal storage space; dishwasher safe.  The Emoji Flip & Stamp Cookie Cutters give you the flexibility to design your cookies with three different trendy social media Emoji impressions; makes baking fun for the budding chefs, too; dishwasher safe.  Bakelicious is part of Fox Run Brands.  For more information, visit https://www.itsbakelicious.com

~ Duralex ~

The 4.2 Qt. OvenChef Range Oval Roaster is made of heat-resistant, non-porous glass that’s oven safe, microwave safe, and dishwasher safe.  Glass is the perfect roasting and baking medium that allows for more consistent temperature flow-through; clean up is easy.  This is the perfect baking dish for roasting meats, vegetables, or baking fruit cobblers.  For more information, visit http://www.duralexusa.com

~ Emile Henry ~

Since 1850, Emile Henry has been France’s preeminent manufacturer of cooking and baking ceramic ovenware for the world’s discerning chefs and homecooks.  The materials are culled in the Burgundy region, where the clay soil is ideal for the materials used in the manufacturing process and fire glazing.  The finished products are works of beauty and functionality.  Each product is chip, crack, scratch, and cut resistant; and, for further durability, product colors won’t fade.  Each vessel can withstand thermal shock and can easily go from freezer, to oven, to broiler, to table without any problem; the ceramic glaze also prevents foods from sticking, making cleanup effortless, whether by hand cleaning, or in the dishwasher.  Each vessel is exquisite, and makes a statement of a commitment to culinary excellence.  The natural ceramic material is ideal for clean eating.  Both the Ceramic Soup Pot and Large Brioche Pan can elevate the humblest of home cooks, like myself, while transforming them into a culinary superstar.  Check out my homemade “Italian Chicken Vegetable Soup”, which is perfect when made in this beautiful Ceramic Soup Pot.  For more information, visit http://www.emilehenryusa.com

~ My Italian Chicken Vegetable Soup ~

(Photo by T. Herman)

Ingredients used included low sodium chicken broth, globe tomatoes, diced yellow onion, fresh chopped carrots, bay leaves, dehydrated red and green bell pepper, dehydrated parsley, cannellini beans, tomato sauce, cooked chicken breast, brown and wild rice, and ground black pepper; garnish with a splash of balsamic vinegar, a drizzle of EVOO, and a generous dollop of basil pesto.

~ Mason Cash ~

Mason Cash has been the definitive brand of glazed earthenware vessels for discerning bakers in the UK and throughout Europe since the 1800s, and perfected its iconic Mixing Bowl in 1901, which remains a prized addition to a baker’s cupboard.  Using one of these beautiful designs definitely elevates the baking experience.  The form and function of the Mixing Bowl beautifully pairs with the overall esthetic design.  Making the baking experience complete is using their gorgeous Beechwood Innovative Kitchen Utensils for all of the mundane tasks of measuring and mixing; these attractive tools function well for all cooking needs.  Each of the seven pieces is carefully designed to have multi-functionality in performance; I find this multi-functionality to be an outstanding design element, and the sleekness of each utensil is beautiful to hold, and well balanced in weight.  Mason Cash is a mainstay in the popular BBC/PBS series “The Great British Bake Off”.  This coveted brand is also available in the U.S. at select retailers.  For more information, visit http://www.masoncash.co.uk

~ Oneida ~

The 8 Qt. Stainless Steel Stock Pot is the perfect size for making large quantities of soup, stock, bone broth, chili, and pasta sauces; it’s also idea for preparing large quantities of pasta, potatoes, and ears of corn.  Made of 18/10 high polished stainless steel.  This would be perfect for my homemade "Cream of Asparagus & Scallion Soup".  Oneida is part of Robinson Home Products brands. For more information, visit http://www.oneida.com/stockpots.html

~ My Cream of Asparagus & Scallion Soup ~

(Photo by T Herman)

Ingredients used included steamed asparagus, scallions, herb flavored low-sodium chicken broth, asparagus cooking broth, bay leaves, dehydrated parsley, and ground black pepper; an immersion blender pureed the soup to give it a creamy texture; to serve, drizzle top with EVOO, or white truffle oil.

~ Revere Cookware ~

The Revere Clean Pan 2 Pc. Anodized Aluminum Non-Stick Nest & Protect comes in an eight inch and a ten inch set that has an unique interlocking handle design that allows for compact storage while providing an airflow between each pan to prevent scratching of cooking surfaces.  Revere Cookware is part of WorldKitchen brands.  For more information, visit http://www.revereware.com/REVERE-Innovative-Nest-Protect.html

~ Trudeau ~

The Structure Round Cake Mold is made of silicone with a reinforced core for durability; it’s the perfect solution for baking; silicone is a great material for conducting heat.  My Lemon Olive Oil Cake came out perfect using this pan.  For more information, visit https://trudeau.com/us_en/cook/baking-tools.html?cat=31

~ My Olive Oil Lemon Pound Cake ~

(Photo byT. Herman)

Ingredients used included AP flour, pure lemon extract, powdered sugar, eggs, sea salt, whole milk, EVOO, and baking powder; the glaze topping was made using powdered sugar and lemon juice.  For the recipe inspiration, visit https://alessifoods.com/recipes/olive-oil-lemon-pound-cake

~VitaClay Chef ~

The Smart Organic 6 Qt. Multi-Crocks N’ Stock Pot (Clay) is pure genius.  The design features combine the best of natural unglazed clay cooking with multi-function digital variable crockery cooking.  Its multi-functionality allows this beautiful appliance to perform as a Fast-Slow Cooker, a Steamer, a Slow Cooker, a Stock Pot, a Hot Cereal Maker, a Yogurt Maker, and a Low Temperature cooker.  The natural unglazed clay vessel is ideal for slow cooking because of its porosity, which allows both moisture and heat to circulate efficiently, assuring maximum reduced cook times while preserving the nutrient value of foods being cooked, including maintaining natural alkaline levels and optimum pH levels in foods.  The natural unglazed clay substance and porosity, also prevents foods from sticking; the vessel is removable from the chamber, making cleanup effortless.  For more information, visit https://vitaclaychef.com

WORTH MENTIONING

There were a number brands featured at the Housewares Show I didn’t get a chance to review.  One was Wüsthof http://www.wusthof.com, German knives made from superior forged and tempered high carbon stainless steel.  Another was a group of brands, which are under the umbrella of the world leader in cookware, Meyer Corporation http://www.meyer.com/us.html; these extraordinary brands all represent the latest in colors, trends, designs and technology, and included Anolon https://www.anolon.com BonJour http://www.bonjourproducts.com CakeBoss http://www.cakebossbaking.com  Circulon http://www.circulon.com  Farberware http://www.farberware.com  Paula Deen http://www.pauladeen.com  Rachel Ray http://www.rachaelray.com  Ruffoni http://www.ruffoni.net/homeeng.asp  SilverStone http://www.silverstone.com

ADDITIONAL BRAND RESOURCE INFORMATION

Emile Henry Brands ~ http://www.emilehenryusa.com

Fox Run Brands ~ http://www.foxrunbrands.com

Lifetime Brands ~ https://www.lifetimebrands.com

Robinson Home Brands ~ http://www.robinsonus.com

WorldKitchen Brands ~ http://www.worldkitchen.com

~ In Closing ~

(Image from www.uq.edu.au)

I’ve enjoyed testing these products in my home, which are available at traditional brick and mortar retailers, as well as online retailers.  Be sure to also check out each brand’s website, as well as their social media platforms to obtain additional information about their entire product lines.  

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to always celebrate yourself and your culinary curiosity.  Happy creating…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 International Home+Housewares Show, National Restaurant Show, Sweets and Snacks Expo, United Fresh, and Food Marketing Institute.  She has served as a food judge at the Bellavita Italian Expo Excellence Awards (Chicago).  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.  In addition to her blogs, her social media outreach also includes Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Don’t forget to “Like” her Facebook Page, Terry’s Second Helpings.  Please note that the “Comment Section” has been disabled.  For additional information, email her at terry.herman@gmail.com.

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(Photo credits as indicated, or as represented by the specific brand.)